30.06 question

Dr Killdeer · September 8, 2009, 08:52 AM

I recently tested some of my new reloads using 57 gr of H-4350, topped with a 150 gr Nosler partition. They shot very well but when I returned home and measured the fired brass, I was surprised to see there was very little expansion. Before loading, I trimmed the new brass to 3.284. The fired brass is virtually the same length. A few of them are actually the same 3.284 length as when I loaded them. Is there something wrong here, or am I just a paranoid newbee?

DiscoRacing · September 8, 2009, 08:55 AM

Calm down,,,take a deep breath.... they will not expand dramatically from one loading.... everything should be fine.

AlaskaMike · September 8, 2009, 11:32 AM

Yup, I'd agree--no big deal.

You have to keep in mind that your load is certainly not a hot one. With loads like that the brass will tend to last much longer than if you were pushing the envelope.

Mike

SL1 · September 8, 2009, 12:11 PM

You may find that your brass length grows a little after you resize them.

They typically don't grow in length when fired unless there is a headspace problem or your gun has a "stretchy" action like a lever-rifle. They may even shrink in length a little when the load is light, because the body expands in diameter and that can pull some brass back to the body from the neck.

When your sizing die squeezes the body diameter back to SAAMI specs, that may push the brass back into the neck, and if there was any actual stretching when the round was fired, you will see it in the case length after resizing.

SL1

Scorch · September 8, 2009, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Before loading, I trimmed the new brass to 3.284.

I have 2 suggestions:
1- learn how to read a dial caliper (30-06 max case length is 2.494")
2- don't worry about your brass not stretching after firing. Brass stretches when it is resized. Even then, it usually stretches just a few thousandths.

Blue Grass · September 8, 2009, 04:19 PM

Different brands of brass will stretch moe than others.A lot depends on how hot your load is and how many times it's been resized. I trim my brass every time I fire it but that's just me. Most reloaders find they only need to trim it after 4-5 firings.

Dr Killdeer · September 8, 2009, 06:22 PM

Thanks guys! I was somewhat concerned about it, but now I have a sense of renewed confidence. Scorch, great pick up! You’re right! I actually meant 2.484. Fortunately, there are a lot of experienced guys on this forum who are willing to help the “ballistically challenged!”

GeauxTide · September 8, 2009, 08:40 PM

Case length comes into play after a few loads. Pay more attention to the head expansion at the base of the case to determine the "hautness" of your loads. The 30's that I've loaded for shot the best under max. You might consider a little faster powder for 150s. My best load was 52gr of 4064 in WW cases and CCI 200 primers under 150 Hornady or Sierra. In a 24" barrel, 2950fps, 26fps ES, and 5/8" groups.

September 8, 2009, 08:52 AM	#1
Dr Killdeer Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2009 Location: Newburgh, NY Posts: 127	30.06 question I recently tested some of my new reloads using 57 gr of H-4350, topped with a 150 gr Nosler partition. They shot very well but when I returned home and measured the fired brass, I was surprised to see there was very little expansion. Before loading, I trimmed the new brass to 3.284. The fired brass is virtually the same length. A few of them are actually the same 3.284 length as when I loaded them. Is there something wrong here, or am I just a paranoid newbee?

September 8, 2009, 08:55 AM	#2
DiscoRacing Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2008 Location: milton, wv Posts: 3,640	Calm down,,,take a deep breath.... they will not expand dramatically from one loading.... everything should be fine.

September 8, 2009, 11:32 AM	#3
AlaskaMike Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Posts: 947	Yup, I'd agree--no big deal. You have to keep in mind that your load is certainly not a hot one. With loads like that the brass will tend to last much longer than if you were pushing the envelope. Mike

September 8, 2009, 12:11 PM	#4
SL1 Senior Member Join Date: November 8, 2007 Posts: 2,001	You may find that your brass length grows a little after you resize them. They typically don't grow in length when fired unless there is a headspace problem or your gun has a "stretchy" action like a lever-rifle. They may even shrink in length a little when the load is light, because the body expands in diameter and that can pull some brass back to the body from the neck. When your sizing die squeezes the body diameter back to SAAMI specs, that may push the brass back into the neck, and if there was any actual stretching when the round was fired, you will see it in the case length after resizing. SL1

September 8, 2009, 04:19 PM	#6
Blue Grass Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2009 Posts: 398	Different brands of brass will stretch moe than others.A lot depends on how hot your load is and how many times it's been resized. I trim my brass every time I fire it but that's just me. Most reloaders find they only need to trim it after 4-5 firings.

September 8, 2009, 06:22 PM	#7
Dr Killdeer Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2009 Location: Newburgh, NY Posts: 127	Thanks guys! I was somewhat concerned about it, but now I have a sense of renewed confidence. Scorch, great pick up! You’re right! I actually meant 2.484. Fortunately, there are a lot of experienced guys on this forum who are willing to help the “ballistically challenged!”

September 8, 2009, 08:40 PM	#8
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,514	Case length comes into play after a few loads. Pay more attention to the head expansion at the base of the case to determine the "hautness" of your loads. The 30's that I've loaded for shot the best under max. You might consider a little faster powder for 150s. My best load was 52gr of 4064 in WW cases and CCI 200 primers under 150 Hornady or Sierra. In a 24" barrel, 2950fps, 26fps ES, and 5/8" groups.