I am new to shooting .30-30 Winchesters so I am trying out 173gr. hard cast lead bullets with 21 grains of Accurate Arms XMP 5744 powder. Is this a good load to start out on?, would it knock down rams? any help would be great.

John, I haven't used 5744 in a 30-30, but I have used it in other calibers. It is very similar to IMR SR 4759 which I have used in a 30-30 with 170's. they both are excellent powders for reduced loads, as they are bulky in size and fill the case enough that you don't need an additional filler. I have used 20 grs. of 4759 for the rams, which may be close to your 21 grs of 5744. I found I would loose a ram once in a while. Since the scores tend to be close in CLA even one lost ram can make a big difference in the standings. I currently am using 32.0 grs of Varget with very good success on the rams. Your 5744 would be a good choice for the C P T for reduced recoil, but I would advise against it for the rams.

Al Foust