30-06, new caliber for me, looking for pet loads or good starting point.

wpcexpert · July 1, 2010, 05:52 PM

I've done plenty of reloading for the calibers that I have but I just got a 30-06.

Its a Savage 110. So any pet loads, or good combos to start with would be greatly appreciated.

Hawg · July 1, 2010, 06:05 PM

57 grs. of IMR 4350 with 168 gr. Sierra HPBT match or 165 gr. Hornady BTBT.

It's at the top end of the scale so work up to it but both are very accurate out of both of my rifles with the Sierra having the edge..

Slamfire · July 1, 2010, 06:13 PM

M98 30-06 26" 1-10 Wilson Barrel

150 gr Sierra Match HPBT 47.5 IMR 4895 CCI#34 190 ≤ WWII ≤ 195 24 Mar 04
OAL 3.290" T= 70 ° F

Ave Vel = 2722
Std Dev = 26
ES = 76
Low = 2673
High = 2749
N = 10

168 gr Sierra Match 47.0 AA2495 wtd R-P cases CCI 34 OAL 3.30" 5 May 00
T=82°F

Ave Vel = 2720
Std Dev = 4
ES = 12
Low = 2713
High = 2725
N = 10

AA2495 is Accurate Arms copy of IMR 4895, stupidly they call it 2495 and confuse everyone. Grain for grain it is the same. This is not a maximum load and you can use any standard primer.

175 gr Sierra 55.0grs AA4350 wtd. FED 210M W/W cases OAL 3.30" 5 Oct 2000
T=70°F

Ave Vel = 2710
Std Dev = 18
ES = 43
Low = 2679
High = 2722
N = 5

Fifty five grains of IMR 4350 with a 165/168 or a 175 shoots very well. AA4350 is Accurate Arms copy of IMR 4350 and grain for grain it is the same, given lot to lot variance.

This is not a maximum load and you can use any standard primer.

James R. Burke · July 1, 2010, 06:25 PM

Good manuals, start at the min, and work up. I try to have a manual for the cartridge I will be using. For deer I am using a Nosler 165 grain Partition, Laupa case, IMR-4350 for the powder, and a CCI Large rifle primer. I have the c.o.l. just off the lands. I am not at the max but real close to it. It stays in a inch or better with a five or seven shot group at 100 yards. I am sure it will do better than I can. It's just over 3,000 f.p.s. with a five shot string. For varmints I am using a Hornady 110-V Max, Laupa case, Varget for the powder, and a CCI Large rifle primer. I was surprized on how well it done, again a inch or better at 100 yards with a five or seven shot group. It'a at 3,712 with a five shot string. I am using a light sporter 06 so it is no target rifle by far. I know that V-Max will turn a porky pine into a red mist at about 200 yards. Can't wait to try it on some yotes. Typo's can be made very easy so it is best to have a manual, start at the min, a take your time, and work up slowly. Plus while your doing this you can get it dialed in pretty good.

Nnobby45 · July 1, 2010, 07:03 PM

Been loading the '06 since 1967, right after I returned from VN.

IMR and 4895 and 4320 were my early favorite powders. Many years later I discovered that IMR4064 for 165 gr. bullets on down and 4350 for 165 on up work so well that I've never felt the need to change.

Favorite load for hunting deer sized critters is 51 gr. of IMR4064 and 150 Sierra Spitz. Yes, it's on the light side. You can substitute the 150 Nosler BT if you like, and it won't blow up deer at closer ranges since velocity is a modest 2830 fps, depending on primer, and the case can have an effect, also. I find that WLRM (mag primers) increase velocity about 50fps over WLR or Rem primers.

A friend using my rifle with 165 Swift Scirocco and 52 gr. of 4350 took a California Bighorn in Northern Nevada. Velocity is a little under 2700 fps from 24" bbl. Again, I tend to load conservatively.

57 gr/4350 using new RP case, Rem 9 1/2 prim.:

165 Sierra BT
H 2861
L 2818
A 2842
ES 43
SD 14

165 Speer Grand Slam 2845
2812
2828 Avg
37
12

165 Nos Part

2873
2824
2844 Avg
49
17

For working up accuracy loads, Varget has good potential with this cartridge.

dmazur · July 1, 2010, 08:05 PM

I got 1" groups at 100 yds with 49.0gr of Varget, Hornady 150gr SST's, Winchester brass, WLR primers. Full-length sized, bullets at cannelure.

(22" Pac-Nor barrel on a Ruger #1)

Bamashooter · July 1, 2010, 08:43 PM

my best groups are using.. 155gr. SMK 50gr. IMR-4895 WLR Primers. have shot sub-moa on a good day with these loads.

wpcexpert · July 1, 2010, 09:02 PM

Awsome Guys, thanks. I'm looking forward to the versitility of the ole '06.

reloader28 · July 1, 2010, 11:54 PM

150gr SST's, 52gr IMR4064. 3015fps. Because I worked this up for hunting, I only shoot this in cool - cold weather . This is as hot as I can go in my Win 70, so make sure to start low.
3/4" at 100yds all day. (or as long as you can stand to shoot it)

sc928porsche · July 2, 2010, 12:02 AM

Each rifle, just like you, is an individual. Get your manuals out and proceed from starting loads and work your way up. Observe carefully and write down your observations. Unfortunately there is no real shortcut for the ultimate load for your particular rifle.

hooligan1 · July 19, 2010, 11:19 AM

Man I can read these postings for hours and hours...........I am a blessed human for being an American citizen...... All the GunSmart people are cool to listen too......

Michaelm45 · July 19, 2010, 02:32 PM

At the other end of the scale the 30-06 does very well with reduced loads.
A light load of IMR 4759 gives you very light recoil.
Great for practice and some rifle time.

olddav · July 19, 2010, 03:42 PM

I thought that someone else might have posted something akin to what I found works in my 110, but that has not happened, so here I go.

Hornaday 150 grain Spire Point
IMR 4350 (58.8 grains)
Federal brass
Winchester Primers

I have shot 4 of 6 shots within .75 inch at a 100 yards. I realize that I might be reframing the picture a bit, but hey why not.:barf:

hooligan1 · July 21, 2010, 07:02 AM

I posted in another thread that my old rem 700 3006 just loves that 150 ballistic tip pill, with 58 grs. 4350. absolutely loves it!!!!!! It will give same hole performance (well it did when I was 25 yrs.) I'm not sure if I still can though.. This load was found after shooting at least ten other loads,,, after some good ole swearing and adjustments with a trickler, I stumbled upon what has turned into the starting point for all of the loads for my rifle....

GeauxTide · July 21, 2010, 11:49 AM

52gr of 4064 under your favorite 150 is magic on deer. Will chrony over 2900 in 24" and will shoot 1/2" to 7/8" all day long.

midnightrider · July 21, 2010, 11:58 PM

I have been reloading for -06 for a couple years now, I love it. I have shot alot of different bullets. I am currently loading 165 Nosler green tips with a peppy charge(a grain below max) of IMR 4350. I have to say for a hunting bullet these babys will shoot very small groups. I have gotten into shooting ball rifle powders: win 760, and it meters well and is almost the same burn rate as IMR 4350. I havent shot any of the new ball style powder yet.

TXGunNut · July 22, 2010, 09:09 PM

I've had excellent results with 4064 and Varget under Nosler and Hornady bullets. RP cases, RP or Fed primers. Don't overlook RL15, 4350 and 4895. Great caliber, great gun, have fun!

K96771 · July 22, 2010, 09:22 PM

I reload light for my 03a3. 39.0 grains of H4895 with a Hornady 150 gr. FMJ, CCI LR primer, in a mil case - LC or HXP.

James R. Burke · July 23, 2010, 08:07 PM

I like the IMR-4350, and 165 grain bullets, Nosler Parititions, Hornady, etc.

A_Gamehog · July 31, 2010, 08:33 AM

Using bullets under 165 use IMR 4831
Using Bullets over 165 use H-4831SC

Tac with 147 FMJ is really slick also.

mxreloader · July 31, 2010, 09:06 AM

Quote:

I got 1" groups at 100 yds with 49.0gr of Varget

this also works for me

Rifleman1776 · July 31, 2010, 01:00 PM

There are probably more load combinations for the '06 than for any other caliber anywhere.
Buy a current reloading manual.
I have used many powders and load combos but finally settled on H414 as my personal #1 powder in my '06. Only one I use anymore.

farmerboy · July 31, 2010, 06:49 PM

for some reason, seeing you've posted nearly 700 posts in past. You know exactly what you have to do to find a good load for YOUR particular rifle. Sure you get very helpful people who will go out of their way to tell you what works for them even so may not shoot worth a flip for you though but anyhow I wish you luck in the process. By the way I shoot Hornadys 165 grain SST's with Varget powder.

July 1, 2010, 07:03 PM	#5
Nnobby45 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2004 Posts: 3,150	Been loading the '06 since 1967, right after I returned from VN. IMR and 4895 and 4320 were my early favorite powders. Many years later I discovered that IMR4064 for 165 gr. bullets on down and 4350 for 165 on up work so well that I've never felt the need to change. Favorite load for hunting deer sized critters is 51 gr. of IMR4064 and 150 Sierra Spitz. Yes, it's on the light side. You can substitute the 150 Nosler BT if you like, and it won't blow up deer at closer ranges since velocity is a modest 2830 fps, depending on primer, and the case can have an effect, also. I find that WLRM (mag primers) increase velocity about 50fps over WLR or Rem primers. A friend using my rifle with 165 Swift Scirocco and 52 gr. of 4350 took a California Bighorn in Northern Nevada. Velocity is a little under 2700 fps from 24" bbl. Again, I tend to load conservatively. 57 gr/4350 using new RP case, Rem 9 1/2 prim.: 165 Sierra BT H 2861 L 2818 A 2842 ES 43 SD 14 165 Speer Grand Slam 2845 2812 2828 Avg 37 12 165 Nos Part 2873 2824 2844 Avg 49 17 For working up accuracy loads, Varget has good potential with this cartridge. Last edited by Nnobby45; July 1, 2010 at 07:24 PM.

July 1, 2010, 08:05 PM	#6
dmazur Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2007 Location: Pacific NW Posts: 1,310	I got 1" groups at 100 yds with 49.0gr of Varget, Hornady 150gr SST's, Winchester brass, WLR primers. Full-length sized, bullets at cannelure. (22" Pac-Nor barrel on a Ruger #1) __________________ .30-06 Springfield: 100 yrs + and still going strong

July 1, 2010, 09:02 PM	#8
wpcexpert Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 791	Awsome Guys, thanks. I'm looking forward to the versitility of the ole '06. __________________ When once a republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil. - Thomas Jefferson

July 1, 2010, 11:54 PM	#9
reloader28 Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2009 Location: nw wyoming Posts: 1,061	150gr SST's, 52gr IMR4064. 3015fps. Because I worked this up for hunting, I only shoot this in cool - cold weather . This is as hot as I can go in my Win 70, so make sure to start low. 3/4" at 100yds all day. (or as long as you can stand to shoot it) Last edited by reloader28; July 2, 2010 at 08:07 AM.

July 2, 2010, 12:02 AM	#10
sc928porsche Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2008 Location: now living in alabama Posts: 2,433	Each rifle, just like you, is an individual. Get your manuals out and proceed from starting loads and work your way up. Observe carefully and write down your observations. Unfortunately there is no real shortcut for the ultimate load for your particular rifle. __________________ No such thing as a stupid question. What is stupid is not asking it.

July 1, 2010, 05:52 PM	#1
wpcexpert Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 791	30-06, new caliber for me, looking for pet loads or good starting point. I've done plenty of reloading for the calibers that I have but I just got a 30-06. Its a Savage 110. So any pet loads, or good combos to start with would be greatly appreciated. __________________ When once a republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil. - Thomas Jefferson

July 1, 2010, 06:05 PM	#2
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,190	57 grs. of IMR 4350 with 168 gr. Sierra HPBT match or 165 gr. Hornady BTBT. It's at the top end of the scale so work up to it but both are very accurate out of both of my rifles with the Sierra having the edge..

July 1, 2010, 06:13 PM	#3
Slamfire Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 5,261	M98 30-06 26" 1-10 Wilson Barrel 150 gr Sierra Match HPBT 47.5 IMR 4895 CCI#34 190 ≤ WWII ≤ 195 24 Mar 04 OAL 3.290" T= 70 ° F Ave Vel = 2722 Std Dev = 26 ES = 76 Low = 2673 High = 2749 N = 10 168 gr Sierra Match 47.0 AA2495 wtd R-P cases CCI 34 OAL 3.30" 5 May 00 T=82°F Ave Vel = 2720 Std Dev = 4 ES = 12 Low = 2713 High = 2725 N = 10 AA2495 is Accurate Arms copy of IMR 4895, stupidly they call it 2495 and confuse everyone. Grain for grain it is the same. This is not a maximum load and you can use any standard primer. 175 gr Sierra 55.0grs AA4350 wtd. FED 210M W/W cases OAL 3.30" 5 Oct 2000 T=70°F Ave Vel = 2710 Std Dev = 18 ES = 43 Low = 2679 High = 2722 N = 5 Fifty five grains of IMR 4350 with a 165/168 or a 175 shoots very well. AA4350 is Accurate Arms copy of IMR 4350 and grain for grain it is the same, given lot to lot variance. This is not a maximum load and you can use any standard primer. __________________ If I'm not shooting, I'm reloading.

July 1, 2010, 06:25 PM	#4
James R. Burke Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: U.P. of Mich/Quinnesec Posts: 1,897	Good manuals, start at the min, and work up. I try to have a manual for the cartridge I will be using. For deer I am using a Nosler 165 grain Partition, Laupa case, IMR-4350 for the powder, and a CCI Large rifle primer. I have the c.o.l. just off the lands. I am not at the max but real close to it. It stays in a inch or better with a five or seven shot group at 100 yards. I am sure it will do better than I can. It's just over 3,000 f.p.s. with a five shot string. For varmints I am using a Hornady 110-V Max, Laupa case, Varget for the powder, and a CCI Large rifle primer. I was surprized on how well it done, again a inch or better at 100 yards with a five or seven shot group. It'a at 3,712 with a five shot string. I am using a light sporter 06 so it is no target rifle by far. I know that V-Max will turn a porky pine into a red mist at about 200 yards. Can't wait to try it on some yotes. Typo's can be made very easy so it is best to have a manual, start at the min, a take your time, and work up slowly. Plus while your doing this you can get it dialed in pretty good.

July 1, 2010, 08:43 PM	#7
Bamashooter Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2010 Posts: 1,860	my best groups are using.. 155gr. SMK 50gr. IMR-4895 WLR Primers. have shot sub-moa on a good day with these loads.

July 19, 2010, 11:19 AM	#11
hooligan1 Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 4,586	Happy Man I can read these postings for hours and hours...........I am a blessed human for being an American citizen...... All the GunSmart people are cool to listen too......

July 19, 2010, 02:32 PM	#12
Michaelm45 Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2004 Location: NV Posts: 215	Pop Gun At the other end of the scale the 30-06 does very well with reduced loads. A light load of IMR 4759 gives you very light recoil. Great for practice and some rifle time.

July 19, 2010, 03:42 PM	#13
olddav Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2008 Location: Lower Alabama Posts: 727	I thought that someone else might have posted something akin to what I found works in my 110, but that has not happened, so here I go. Hornaday 150 grain Spire Point IMR 4350 (58.8 grains) Federal brass Winchester Primers I have shot 4 of 6 shots within .75 inch at a 100 yards. I realize that I might be reframing the picture a bit, but hey why not.:barf: __________________ Never beat your head against the wall with out a helmet

July 21, 2010, 07:02 AM	#14
hooligan1 Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 4,586	I posted in another thread that my old rem 700 3006 just loves that 150 ballistic tip pill, with 58 grs. 4350. absolutely loves it!!!!!! It will give same hole performance (well it did when I was 25 yrs.) I'm not sure if I still can though.. This load was found after shooting at least ten other loads,,, after some good ole swearing and adjustments with a trickler, I stumbled upon what has turned into the starting point for all of the loads for my rifle....

July 21, 2010, 11:49 AM	#15
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	52gr of 4064 under your favorite 150 is magic on deer. Will chrony over 2900 in 24" and will shoot 1/2" to 7/8" all day long.

July 21, 2010, 11:58 PM	#16
midnightrider Senior Member Join Date: July 4, 2010 Posts: 134	I have been reloading for -06 for a couple years now, I love it. I have shot alot of different bullets. I am currently loading 165 Nosler green tips with a peppy charge(a grain below max) of IMR 4350. I have to say for a hunting bullet these babys will shoot very small groups. I have gotten into shooting ball rifle powders: win 760, and it meters well and is almost the same burn rate as IMR 4350. I havent shot any of the new ball style powder yet.

July 22, 2010, 09:09 PM	#17
TXGunNut Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: If you have to ask... Posts: 2,860	I've had excellent results with 4064 and Varget under Nosler and Hornady bullets. RP cases, RP or Fed primers. Don't overlook RL15, 4350 and 4895. Great caliber, great gun, have fun! __________________ Life Member NRA, TSRA Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call Lonesome Dove My favorite recipes start out with a handful of used wheelweights.

July 22, 2010, 09:22 PM	#18
K96771 Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2006 Location: NJ Pinelands Posts: 120	I reload light for my 03a3. 39.0 grains of H4895 with a Hornady 150 gr. FMJ, CCI LR primer, in a mil case - LC or HXP. __________________ Tom

July 23, 2010, 08:07 PM	#19
James R. Burke Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: U.P. of Mich/Quinnesec Posts: 1,897	I like the IMR-4350, and 165 grain bullets, Nosler Parititions, Hornady, etc.

July 31, 2010, 08:33 AM	#20
A_Gamehog Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2009 Location: Central Oregun Posts: 563	Using bullets under 165 use IMR 4831 Using Bullets over 165 use H-4831SC Tac with 147 FMJ is really slick also. __________________ "Happiness is knowing the Barred Owl is Eating the Spotted Owl and environmentalists are watching Nature take it's course"

July 31, 2010, 01:00 PM	#22
Rifleman1776 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,309	There are probably more load combinations for the '06 than for any other caliber anywhere. Buy a current reloading manual. I have used many powders and load combos but finally settled on H414 as my personal #1 powder in my '06. Only one I use anymore.

July 31, 2010, 06:49 PM	#23
farmerboy Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,343	for some reason, seeing you've posted nearly 700 posts in past. You know exactly what you have to do to find a good load for YOUR particular rifle. Sure you get very helpful people who will go out of their way to tell you what works for them even so may not shoot worth a flip for you though but anyhow I wish you luck in the process. By the way I shoot Hornadys 165 grain SST's with Varget powder.