The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - cartridges above 30-06

taylorce1 · October 16, 2012, 09:34 AM

You have got to be a little realistic about the 06 even if you hand load you'll probably only beat factory speeds by 100 fps on average. .30-06 factory loads don't operate above 60,000 psi which is SAAMI max for the cartridge. Ammunition manufacturers have had over 100 years to find the sweet spot that the 06 operates in.

Sure every rifle is different and barrel length will increase or decrease your speed a bit from published speeds of factory ammunition. Plus you have rifles with fast barrels. Just don't expect hand loading to provide magical speeds without shortening brass life and putting stress on your action if you push it past 65,000 psi in a modern bolt action. Besides other than Hornady Superformance, how many of the factory "Light Magnum" loads do you see being produced today compared to a few years ago?

October 16, 2012, 09:34 AM	#35
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,249	You have got to be a little realistic about the 06 even if you hand load you'll probably only beat factory speeds by 100 fps on average. .30-06 factory loads don't operate above 60,000 psi which is SAAMI max for the cartridge. Ammunition manufacturers have had over 100 years to find the sweet spot that the 06 operates in. Sure every rifle is different and barrel length will increase or decrease your speed a bit from published speeds of factory ammunition. Plus you have rifles with fast barrels. Just don't expect hand loading to provide magical speeds without shortening brass life and putting stress on your action if you push it past 65,000 psi in a modern bolt action. Besides other than Hornady Superformance, how many of the factory "Light Magnum" loads do you see being produced today compared to a few years ago? __________________ NRA Life Member