This is my first attempt at Cowboy lever action and was wondering what to expect for group size at the ram line. I presently have my 20" barreled Marlin 30/30 scoped with a 3x9 power for load development. I'm using Winchester cases, Fed 210M primers and a 170 Sierra. With 33 grains of Varget I'm getting 3" to 4" five shot groups at 200 meters. Is this sufficient or should I keep looking for a better load? What do you guys and gals get for accuracy? Thanks in advance. Mark

With that rifle and scope, sounds pretty good to me, IMHO I wouldn't waste too much more time and ammo looking for a better load, time now to work on being a better shot.

Varn, that is actually good. In my opinion that would be an excellent ram load but a little on the heavy side for the other three.

I use basically the same load with Speer 150gr and some times I use 110 carbine bullets for the first two.
If you do the same you will find out there is hardly any change between the first three targets and the mayor sight adjustment is from the turkeys to the rams. I have also to tell you that your load is used by several of my friends that have been shooting for a while so no need for more load development unless you are not satisfied with the results.

I favor long heavy barrels for Cowboy so look for those commemorative rifles like the Theodore Roosevelt and Buffalo Bill with the long barrels. In my opinion you will be handicapping yourself when using carbines but then again its just my preference.

Varn, These are the loads I got from Al CSLC and they are dead on. I'm shooting a Buffalo Bill Win94 with the Octogon Barrell. You won't miss the chickens or pigs and the turkey/ram groups are in the 3 inch range.
C & P 30.0 grs. Varget with a Sierra 150

T 33.0 grs. Varget with a Sierra 150

R 32.0 grs. Varget with a Sierra 170

I don’t have to move my sights much with these loads. Also make sure with the 30-30 you get the bullets made for the 30-30 ( flat nose ).

ppkny

Pete, he has the loads. I gave them to him weeks ago. HE has got to see if he can shoot the barrel out before he shoots a match with it! LOL!
Heavybarrel

That is a great ram load. 3 inch groups will do the job.I shoot a 125 fnhp for c-p-t pushed by 27 grns of reloader 7.I also prefer the long octogon barrel win 94 classic just to get more site radius.my wife shoots a 20 inch buffalo bill comemritive octogon with these same loads.