.30-06 Reload Data

[KMAY]

Rifle has a 1 in 11 twist.

Looking for some 30-06 reload data starting points. Havent had much luck with IMR4350 but picked up some IMR4064 to try. Any other powders that are worth looking at?

I will be loading 165gr SSTs, Nosler ballistic tips and 168 Accubonds.

This gun will mostly be used for white tail and hogs but would like to be able to shoot targets and stuff out to 500ish yards.

Thanks
Kyle

[bootsmcguire]

I would look at Reloder 19, I just shot a .5 group at 100yds today off a sandbag in the front and no rear rest. Loads were 180gr. Sierra Gameking SBT over RL-19 in a 22in Savage 1-10" magnum taper barrel. I know my 180's are heavier and my twist a lil faster, but I would look into it.

hope thats a lil helpful.

bootsmcguire

[dolomite_supafly]

This might be able to help you find a starting load. Just remember even though some bullets have the same weight they might not have the same ogive. Because of this bullets of the same weight might have a longer or shorter bearing surface affecting pressures.

And as always, work up your load and don't rely 100% on anyone elses load data because all firearms are different. What works in one gun might not work in another.

Dolomite

[keith1]

KMAY,
With my rifle and 165 grain Partitions RL22 works good.
Regards, Keith

[big honkin jeep]

I know you said you haven't had much luck with IMR 4350 but in my experience this is the go to powder for the 06. Many times small variables such as a different primer can be the missing magic ingredient. My pet load for the 06 is 57gr of imr4350 with a cci br2 primer and a 165gr SGK. Most manuals list this as near the top so I would start around a 54 gr charge weight. I never did have much luck with Hornady bullets.

[KMAY]

I will see if i swap primers if i can get better accuracy. Right now i am using Remington 9.5 Larege rifle primers. I also have some magnum primer so should i try them with a lower charge of imr4350?

[kschilling]

My .30-06 load is 55.0 grains of IMR4831 and a WW Primer. I've used both 165 and 180 Accubonds and they always print sub 1 inch without trying. I'm headed out this week on an Elk hunt with my 180's........

[shot1]

I have always had good luck with the accuracy and hunting loads that the Sierra manual gives. The 4th edition gives as the accuracy load with 165 gr bullet IMR 4064 / 47.9 grs 2700 fps and the hunting load IMR 4350 / 56.5 grs. 2800 fps They used WW case and WW WLR primer. THe 5th edition manual gives for the accuracy load Viht N150 / 45.3 grs 2600 fps and the hunting load RE-15 / 46.4 grs for 2700 fps They used Federal cases and Federal 210 primer.

I always used 150 gr bullets for deer and 51.2 grs IMR 4064 always has shot well in most bolt action 30-06's.

[DGD6MM]

When I loaded for my wife's .30-06 this was the load Hornaday 165 SPBT, remington brass, WLR primer, 50 Grains of Varget, coal 3.330. At 200 yards off the bench she shot more then a couple 5 shot groups sub -1 inch. This rifle had a muzzlebrake on it, 22 inch sporter barrel, and it was a Remington ADL.

[CWPINST]

Here is what I have found......A rifle will tend to prefer a certain speed of powder with a given bullet weight. This is not an absolute, but just a tendency. One of the classic 30-06 loads with the 165gr. bullet is 57gr. of IMR 4350. Mine shot it so-so, but likes faster powder better. My best load for my finicky BVSS is 53gr. RL-15 and a 150gr. NBT. It did better than any 165gr. load. It strings everything vertically, but as long as the ES is tight, all is well.

They are all different, which is part of the fun in load development.

[5spd]

54 gr H414 with a 165 gr sp bullet went 5/8" out of my 30-06 years ago, moderate load about 2700 fps.
Should of kept that one.

[OlsenG_360]

I'm working up a load right now with the 165 gr. Nosler ballistic tip and IMR-4895 for a Rem 700 BDL. Might be next week before I get back to the range but the first 5 increments I tried all hovered around 1" at 100 yds. Should be more than accurate enough for deer hunting...but leaving it alone wouldn't be my style.

[KMAY]

I have come to the conclusion that my rifle does not like IMR 4350. Tried all the different primers but still shot anywhere from 1.5 to 2in. Loaded up some 168 gr Nosler Ballistic tips starting at 46.5 and ended at 49 grs, That all that i had already primed, and the groups got tremenodusly better. The largest group was inchh and a 1/8th around 47 grains but started to tighten up as soon as i hit 48.5 and the best group of the day was 7/8ths with 49 grs. My hornady manual says that the max is 50.2 grains. So i am going to load up some more at 49.5 and 50 grains and see if the trend continues. Thanks for the help guys.