Barnes 130gr TSX in 30-06

[handirifle]

Has anyone used any powder other than the 2 shown online? They list W748 and Big Game, neither of which I have. I have their printed manual, but haven't looked for the '06. But I really want to know what folks have actually used, and how well it works for them. I currently use the 168gr TTSX and it's pretty accurate at 2900fps, but would like to try the 130gr TSX.

I have a few different powders to try, but selection IS limited, with this crazy supply market these days.

So who has used them for the old '06?

[scope eye]

I have, what powders do you have? I have used many different ones Varget, RL15, 4895, 4064, AA2520, 335, 380, 414, W760,

Dean

[fgw_in_fla]

I've used Imr 4064, 4895, 4320 and RL15 with reasonable results. My beloved '06 does best with IMR4350 and AA4350. They both have about the same burn rate.

Also, I don't use anything under 150gr. Usually 165 to 180's in Nosler or Sierra. The one time I burned up a box of Barnes I didn't care much for them.

Last, don't take and load info from Dean. You'll be out of powder after the first week and your brass will be all stretched out.


Have a good morning.

[handirifle]

I have a good bit of Varget and IMR4350. Some small amounts of others. I load by the book, so internet loads are not what I am after, more interested in powders than amounts.

My rifles did not like Barnes factory ammo either, but I have good results in handloading them. Not sure what the difference is.

I was thinking the 130's cause they are lighter on recoil, a little flatter shooting, to a point, and the deer here are small anyway, not that that is a problem. I'm sure 130 gr TSX's, from the '06, would completely penetrate an elk.

[scope eye]

You could stuff as much 4350 in that case as you possibly can, and you will never be even close to pressure signs, with those 130s, so if you can't find it in print you won't load it? you won't find much in print if any as far as 130s and 30-06 go.

Dean

[Frank V]

Don't ever overlook WW760, IMR & H4350, 4831, 4064, even 3031, 4895, there are a ton of powders that'll run a .30-06!

[Luke45]

IMr 4064 works real well in light weight 30-06 rounds. Mid 50s grains will work 53-54 ish grains to start out and work up. And 4064 is readily available basically everywhere

[handirifle]

The 4895's seem to be popular in the Barnes book, but I have very little of that, and frankly have almost given up on finding any, that's affordable. Good grief, I am seeing what used to be $15 bricks of 22LR listed for $55 and up.

H335 is another one listed, that my 223's also just happen to love. Again, supply is limited.

Looks like it will have to be Varget for now. Until I can source something better.

[Frank V]

IMr 4064 works real well in light weight 30-06 rounds. Mid 50s grains will work 53-54 ish grains to start out and work up. And 4064 is readily available basically everywhere

I think IMR4064 is a very underrated powder, it'll work fine in the 06.

[handirifle]

Yes but with a 130gr Barnes bullet?

[scope eye]

Yes but with a 130gr Barnes bullet?

Sure somewhere around 55gr of 4064 and you will be good to go.

[scope eye]

Another thing with those rings they have a reduced bearing surface, and with that have low friction and they also dissipate pressure, so you can load them hotter than a regular 130gr, without seeing any signs of pressure, and that goes for all calibers when using the TSX and the TTSX bullets.

Dean

[handirifle]

Another thing with those rings they have a reduced bearing surface, and with that have low friction and they also dissipate pressure, so you can load them hotter than a regular 130gr, without seeing any signs of pressure, and that goes for all calibers when using the TSX and the TTSX bullets.

Dean

Yes I agree with that, even the Barnes manual states you will often go a full grain above normal "max" loads. That, however, is a double edged sword. Lower friction can mean more velocity, but it can also mean less velocity. If the bullets friction is too low, then sufficient pressures do not build to obtain higher velocities. Kinda like just blowing powder out the barrel. In reality, the speeds are usually somewhere in the middle.

The normal speeds listed for my '06 and the 165-168gr bullets, is just under 2900. but I easily get 2950 with my 168gr TSX bullets.

In fact, from personal experience, the Barnes bullets like it hotter.

[Luke45]

Yes but with a 130gr Barnes bullet?
Ive used 54.5 gr imr 4064 with a 125 gr bullet for 10 years. no where near max load either and about 3200 fps