Black bear load...

Zombie Steve · March 7, 2008, 10:26 PM

I'll be in Montana next month hunting black bear. I'm fairly new to reloading, so be nice, please. I've settled on a 180 grain Swift A-frame bullet (.30-06), but I can't find a recipe anywhere for the RE-22 powder I have. I know it's sorta slow burning, but again, it's what I have. My first question is - has anyone had success with this combination? Guesstimation by looking at similar bullets is telling me I'll be in the 56 - 60 grain range with that powder... thoughts? I'll be using CCI 200 large rifle primers...

Second question - I'm not married to that powder, it's just convenient. Any other recommendations? If so, why?

somerled · March 7, 2008, 11:31 PM

At www.alliantpowder.com, there is data listed for two 180 grain bullets. The first load is 59 grains of RE-22 with a Winchester F.S. bullet, OAL-3.2", 52,000PSI.
The next one is 60 grains of RE-22 with a Speer spitzer, OAL-3.25", 51,000PSI.

I've not loaded .30-06 cartridges for several years. When I did, I used IMR 4831 and 4350 with the 180 grain bullets.

Swift has a reloading manual. It can be ordered from the company at www.swiftbullets.com. I think MidwayUSA also has it. Swift Bullets might give you some info if you call them at 785-754-3959.

Zombie Steve · March 7, 2008, 11:45 PM

The help is appreciated. I think based on what's on Alliant's website and what you're showing me here, I'll start with 54grains and work my way up. I'm still not totally comfortable with interchanging bullet types in these recipes... this can be really confusing for a new reloader.

Thanks again.

CPTMurdoc30 · March 7, 2008, 11:46 PM

My sierra 5th edition list 56gr as the best hunting load. That is 56gr of RL22.

somerled · March 8, 2008, 12:12 AM

Zombie, that is exactly what you should do--back off 10 percent and work up. Ordering the Swift manual is a good idea if you're going to use a lot of its bullets. One cannot have too many manuals. Speer No. 13 shows a max. charge of 62 grains of RE-22 with all of its 180 grain bullets, which is a compressed load.

crowbeaner · March 9, 2008, 10:06 PM

Since you aren't married to that powder, you could try some IMR 4064. Start with 46.0 gr. and stop at 48.0 using commercial cases and RP 9 1/2 primers. That should get you around 2600 to 2700 fps. and safe pressures. I like 4064 because it works in many calibers and with many bullet weights, and has been around longer than I have. ANY 30/06 will agree.

March 7, 2008, 10:26 PM	#1
Zombie Steve Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2007 Location: Old Colorado City Posts: 527	Black bear load... I'll be in Montana next month hunting black bear. I'm fairly new to reloading, so be nice, please. I've settled on a 180 grain Swift A-frame bullet (.30-06), but I can't find a recipe anywhere for the RE-22 powder I have. I know it's sorta slow burning, but again, it's what I have. My first question is - has anyone had success with this combination? Guesstimation by looking at similar bullets is telling me I'll be in the 56 - 60 grain range with that powder... thoughts? I'll be using CCI 200 large rifle primers... Second question - I'm not married to that powder, it's just convenient. Any other recommendations? If so, why?

March 9, 2008, 10:06 PM	#6
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	Since you aren't married to that powder, you could try some IMR 4064. Start with 46.0 gr. and stop at 48.0 using commercial cases and RP 9 1/2 primers. That should get you around 2600 to 2700 fps. and safe pressures. I like 4064 because it works in many calibers and with many bullet weights, and has been around longer than I have. ANY 30/06 will agree. __________________ If you want your children to follow in your footsteps, be careful where you walk. Beware the man that only owns one gun; he probably knows how to use it. I just hope my ship comes in before my dock rots.

March 7, 2008, 11:31 PM	#2
somerled Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2005 Location: eastern Kansas Posts: 603	At www.alliantpowder.com, there is data listed for two 180 grain bullets. The first load is 59 grains of RE-22 with a Winchester F.S. bullet, OAL-3.2", 52,000PSI. The next one is 60 grains of RE-22 with a Speer spitzer, OAL-3.25", 51,000PSI. I've not loaded .30-06 cartridges for several years. When I did, I used IMR 4831 and 4350 with the 180 grain bullets. Swift has a reloading manual. It can be ordered from the company at www.swiftbullets.com. I think MidwayUSA also has it. Swift Bullets might give you some info if you call them at 785-754-3959.

March 7, 2008, 11:45 PM	#3
Zombie Steve Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2007 Location: Old Colorado City Posts: 527	The help is appreciated. I think based on what's on Alliant's website and what you're showing me here, I'll start with 54grains and work my way up. I'm still not totally comfortable with interchanging bullet types in these recipes... this can be really confusing for a new reloader. Thanks again.

March 7, 2008, 11:46 PM	#4
CPTMurdoc30 Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2008 Location: Stafford VA Posts: 969	My sierra 5th edition list 56gr as the best hunting load. That is 56gr of RL22.

March 8, 2008, 12:12 AM	#5
somerled Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2005 Location: eastern Kansas Posts: 603	Zombie, that is exactly what you should do--back off 10 percent and work up. Ordering the Swift manual is a good idea if you're going to use a lot of its bullets. One cannot have too many manuals. Speer No. 13 shows a max. charge of 62 grains of RE-22 with all of its 180 grain bullets, which is a compressed load.