A denser good powder?

Darksith · January 9, 2010, 04:08 PM

Hey, I am reloading my 06 currently with 4350 and hornady GMX 165g bullets. The problem I am having is that I can't work my load up towards max b/c my bullet is crunching the powder inside. I have been told that a little compression of the powder is ok, but don't get silly...what would you guys recommend for powder other than 4350 for the 06, that will require fewer grains or have a denser weight?

41mag10mm · January 9, 2010, 04:33 PM

I've used both Varget and IMR 4320 with very good results. Both of these powders are faster than 4350 so max charge weight will be lower. Of the 2 I would try Varget since you can probably get closer to max velocity with it compared to 4350. Also, what 4350 are you using? H4350 is slightly faster the IMR 4350 so you might just need to switch brands. Hodgdon list 60gr of IMR 4350 as max and its compressed, where 59gr of H4350 is max and not compressed. You get higher velocity from H4350 too.

BTW - The assumption is you are shooting a bolt action and not a semi-auto.

**Unclenick** · January 9, 2010, 04:42 PM

How far off are you? Have you tried a drop tube from your funnel or measure yet? They will pack the powder significantly tighter. A slightly compressed load is often considered desirable from the standpoint of limiting muzzle velocity extreme spread.

If you're still uncomfortable with the amount of compression, QuickLOAD shows Reloader 17 producing the highest possible velocity at max SAAMI pressure with that bullet and filling the case about 98% in doing so. It appears to beat the IMR4350 best velocity by about 75 fps in a 24" tube. I haven't tried this relatively new powder yet, but hope to do so this year. At least it looks like a good candidate on computer paper.

Winterhawk56 · January 9, 2010, 04:49 PM

I have had great accuracy and velocity when using IMR4064. I too use IMR4350 with some heavier loads along with IMR4831 but by far with 165 and below all three of my 06's perform great with IMR4064.

My 06's are M1 Garand, Remington 700 BDL, and a Remington 700 BDL frame with custom fit 1903 Springfield trigger and bolt with a Shilen barrel. So that gives you some idea of the capabilities with IMR4064.

On average I maintain 1-MOA with all three at 125 yards. The two 700's maintain 1.5 MOA at 225 Yards averaged. Additionally I use the reloading manual data for all my loads.

Hope this helps.

January 9, 2010, 04:08 PM	#1
Darksith Member Join Date: September 7, 2009 Posts: 68	A denser good powder? Hey, I am reloading my 06 currently with 4350 and hornady GMX 165g bullets. The problem I am having is that I can't work my load up towards max b/c my bullet is crunching the powder inside. I have been told that a little compression of the powder is ok, but don't get silly...what would you guys recommend for powder other than 4350 for the 06, that will require fewer grains or have a denser weight?

January 9, 2010, 04:42 PM	#3
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 9,136	How far off are you? Have you tried a drop tube from your funnel or measure yet? They will pack the powder significantly tighter. A slightly compressed load is often considered desirable from the standpoint of limiting muzzle velocity extreme spread. If you're still uncomfortable with the amount of compression, QuickLOAD shows Reloader 17 producing the highest possible velocity at max SAAMI pressure with that bullet and filling the case about 98% in doing so. It appears to beat the IMR4350 best velocity by about 75 fps in a 24" tube. I haven't tried this relatively new powder yet, but hope to do so this year. At least it looks like a good candidate on computer paper. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Patron Member

January 9, 2010, 04:33 PM	#2
41mag10mm Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2010 Location: The Zoo, NC Posts: 271	I've used both Varget and IMR 4320 with very good results. Both of these powders are faster than 4350 so max charge weight will be lower. Of the 2 I would try Varget since you can probably get closer to max velocity with it compared to 4350. Also, what 4350 are you using? H4350 is slightly faster the IMR 4350 so you might just need to switch brands. Hodgdon list 60gr of IMR 4350 as max and its compressed, where 59gr of H4350 is max and not compressed. You get higher velocity from H4350 too. BTW - The assumption is you are shooting a bolt action and not a semi-auto.

January 9, 2010, 04:49 PM	#4
Winterhawk56 Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 221	I have had great accuracy and velocity when using IMR4064. I too use IMR4350 with some heavier loads along with IMR4831 but by far with 165 and below all three of my 06's perform great with IMR4064. My 06's are M1 Garand, Remington 700 BDL, and a Remington 700 BDL frame with custom fit 1903 Springfield trigger and bolt with a Shilen barrel. So that gives you some idea of the capabilities with IMR4064. On average I maintain 1-MOA with all three at 125 yards. The two 700's maintain 1.5 MOA at 225 Yards averaged. Additionally I use the reloading manual data for all my loads. Hope this helps.