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My 30-06 likes off the shelf 175grn. So the weight is figured out. Now for reloading. It appears that most everyone here uses CCI BR2 for primers. So I got the primers figured out. Now what powders give good velocity and accuracy? Whats your max amount of grains per load? I'll start out 5grn below max and work up. Figured this would be a safe starting point for the loads I get from you guys.
Lyman and Sierra both make notes in their load charts about "best accuracy." I'm sure other books do as well. I'd suggest starting with some of their data. Everyone's rifle is going to be different, so you get to play researcher in working up an accuracy load for your rifle. There are MOUNTAINS of data out there for '06 so you have a zillion options.
I use a pretty standard recipe for my Garand match load, 175 gr SMK/WLR/46.0 gr Varget. However, for bolt guns, IMR 4350/H4350 is a great powder as well. There are at least dozen's of commercial powders appropriate for '06, I try to cross match powders across a number of calibers to make it easier on myself managing powder inventory. I also prefer extruded powders to ball powder, but I know a lot of guys that prefer ball powders for ease of metering.
You might also want to consider the distances you shoot vs bullet weight. I know of no more flexible caliber than 3006 for its wide variety of bullet weights, 110 to 220 is reasonable. I've gone to a 125 gr bullet for shooting reduced range (200 yard) matches, less recoil/less cost (!!) and fine accuracy. Shooting at 600/1000 yards NEEDS a big heavy bullet, shooting at 300 really doesn't.
Regards,
Brian in CA
+1 on varget and 4350, I haven't tried imr 4350 but h4350 is my goto. It delivers good results with 150-180 grain bullets at near max loads consistantly(work up to max carefully). Varget has worked for me on reduced loads for heavier bullets and on maxloads for lighter bullets.
Pete
either 4350.
It's like sausage in you're gravy.
My powder was H414 behind a 165gr sp. 5/8" @ 100 and it was just a sporterized 03A3 with standard peep sight.
One of the 4350's will prob. give best combo of accuracy and velocity with 165 - 180 grainers, but IMR 4064 might just give best accuracy!!!
Just what Eric said. I was using IMR-4350 for the velocity but went back to IMR-4064 for the accuracy (I even use it in my hunting loads now).
IMR 4064 was best for me
Thanks for all the help. There is so many powders to choose from. Might as well figure out what works best for the majority. I can't afford to try all thats availble.
If your willing to buy enough to last a liftime of one lot R22 is definatly worth a try but if you switch lots be prepared for a big surprize!
RL-22 and H4831SC
4064 has ALWAYS been consistant for accuracy with the 150, 165-168, and 175 grain bullets in my pre-64 Model 70. 4350 has given me the best velocity but sacrifices accuracy from the 4064 loads I use. I need to try some of the newer powder products when the opportunity comes my way.
I like AA2015 in my M1 Garand
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AA2015 in my M1 Garand
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Pretty fast burning for a Garand gas system!
Regards,
Brian in CA
IMR 4350 with 165-168s produces amazing results in several of my -06s
Also listed as most accurate powder tested for this weight of bullet in my Nosler guide.
BHJ
IMR 4064, with 150gr Hornady`s have worked well for me in the past. I have heard good things about IMR 4350, but haven`t tried it.
I'll add my plug for IMR 4350, it has given me the best accuracy in several different calibers from .243 Winchester to the .338/06.
Bob