30-06, What is Your Power of Choice?

SEHunter · December 6, 2009, 09:26 PM

I use 58gr of IMR 4350 and have a load that provides a nice, tight group but i was hoping to get 2900+ fps. My load is around 2800 fps with a 168gr ballistic silver tip and a 22" barrel.

My charge is on the high side but i seat the bullet WAY out and i dont have pressure signs. What loads work well for you guys?

plainsman456 · December 6, 2009, 10:28 PM

I have used the 4350s and I also use RL-19.

**Unclenick** · December 6, 2009, 11:16 PM

You've probably done all you can. QuickLOAD thinks H4350 in a compressed load might do slightly better, but it never got to 2900 with any of them. The proprietary powder in the Hornady Super Performance and Light Magnum rounds could do it, but that is a super-compressed elastic powder not available to reloaders and requiring special loading equipment that is likewise unavailable to the general public. Sometimes the factory has a few tricks up its sleeve that the hand loader just can't duplicate.

steve4102 · December 6, 2009, 11:23 PM

For 150gr Ramshot BigGame, for 180gr and above Ramshot Hunter. My 30-06 AI Norma MRP.

tom234 · December 7, 2009, 01:19 AM

I found IMR 4895 works best in 165/168 gr bullets and IMR 4350 slightly better with 180 gr bullets.

Nnobby45 · December 7, 2009, 02:06 AM

A subject dear to my heart.

I load on the mild side. With 150 Nosler BT or Sierra spitz., I use IMR 4064. About 50 gr. of it gives me about 2800 from a 24" bbl.

I like IMR4064 up to 165 gr. I like IMR4350 from 165 gr. on up. As you can see, the 165 works well with either.

My 165 gr. loads are easy to shoot at about 2600 fps. My 180's are around 2500. Comes with mellowing out as one gets older, I guess. If I were loading for Elk, Moose or Bear, I'd get the loads up to regular 30-'06 levels.

Blue Grass · December 7, 2009, 10:58 AM

If you're getting acceptable accuracy at 2800 fps, why are you worrying about getting 2900 fps? The deer you shoot won't be any deader and the target won't have a better hole in it. Just curious. Perrsonally, I'd leave well enough alone.

margiesex · December 7, 2009, 11:05 AM

I have my Dad's Rem. 760 pump - off the rack - I don't know, probably from the 60's - there is NO OTHER powder to consider in my book than 4064.

With the gun, off a bag at 100 yards - 168 gr. HPBT Sierra bullet - I'll punch one ragged hole all day long - dirty or clean bar. - doesn't matter; times shots? Doesn't matter, Weather? doesn't matter hot/cold, damp or dry - it is an unbeliveable gun and load that has sent more than one pair of eyebrows upward from heavy barreled, varmit - "see my 2000 dollar gun?" shooters!

Wonderful powder..............and the same load works the same way in my Grandfather's 760 that my brother inherited.

Even with over 20 year old reloads - it's just amazing!

God bless and keep shooting!!

Margiesex

And remember: Hug your God and your guns - 'cause he's coming for them both, and soon!

**Mike Irwin** · December 7, 2009, 11:55 AM

IMR 4064.

I use it for .243, .300 Savage, and .30-06.

Ivan · December 7, 2009, 01:24 PM

IMR 4895 for 150 grain bullets
IMR 4064 for 168-173 grain bullets

The following is probably the only "Magic Load" that I have ever come across: 48.0-49.5 grains IMR 4895
150 grain name brand bullet
Just about anyone's case
Just about any non-magnum primer

This load shoots well in just about every .30-06 I have ever tried it in. Velocities for my reloads are around 2650-2700 fps. As usual, consult your manual before trying. This load works great in my guns, but if you blow up your gun doing this, I take no responsibility.

- Ivan.

DiscoRacing · December 7, 2009, 01:30 PM

imr 4064 @53 grains with 150grain fmj bullets

GeauxTide · December 7, 2009, 02:13 PM

In the 35 years I've loaded the '06, I could never get accurate loads with the results on the chrony when I got past 80-85% load density. In a 24" barrel, that's 2950, 2850, and 2800 with 150, 165, and 180 respectively. I've stuck with 4895 and 4064. When I can get 26fps ES and 2950fps with 150s, I'm got a big ole smile. As DR states above, 53gr of 4064 is book max in a few manuals, but I've used 52gr and accuracy goes from 1.25 to .875.

freakshow10mm · December 7, 2009, 02:57 PM

H414/W760 is a great powder as is Varget.

Ivan · December 7, 2009, 05:41 PM

Hi GeauxTide,

With 26 FPS ES, how are you doing for Standard Deviations? Extreme Spread will change depending on how many rounds are fired (and you didn't tell us that), but Standard Deviation should not change much. I find that if I am getting SD below about 15 or so, I am doing rather well for accuracy but that is out of a gas-operated rifle, so a bolt gun should do a bit better.

- Ivan.

SEHunter · December 7, 2009, 07:09 PM

Thanks guys. From what i have read, looks like i will be buying a canister of 4064. I like the idea of a stable powder that remains consistant under different conditions.

I realize i am probably at the limit with the 22" barreled 30-06. I guess i am one of those people who always try to improve everything but i am very excited about the accuracy i have with my current load. Just thought with handloading, i should be able to improve all aspects of factory loads but with the higher velocitys, i lost precision.

I currently am working on a load with the 300Wby, and the factory Weatherby ammo also has a "proprietary" powder but i hope to come close to duplicateing the exceptional quality of the Norma manufactured factory Weatherby ammo.

FYI. i read an article online that tested both Hornady and Winchesters "light magnum" ammo and they found in most cases, it did not acheive the claimed velocity and some calibers did not have stellar accuracy either. I know barrel length, etc... has an effect but they tested the magnum ammo and the standard loads of the same cartridge in the same firearm and found in a few calibers, the mag ammo increased velocity in as little as 30 to 40 fps only. The results were not good enough for me to feel the extra cost is worth it.

farmerboy · December 7, 2009, 08:00 PM

50.5 grains topped with a 165 grain Hornady SST. Pushes mine at 3076 fps out of a pre64 Winchester model 70, Also gives me what Im looking for and that is one ragged hole over and over! I agree with one of the previous posts, Why try to push faster and why not try and find the most accurate combo you can possibly find. GOOD LUCK and have fun...

elkman06 · December 7, 2009, 09:49 PM

I started w/ IMR 4350 and have progressed to IMR 4064 w/ nearly identical results and 8grs less powder. Should add up over a lifetime..LOL
elkman06

GeauxTide · December 7, 2009, 10:19 PM

Ivan, the SD is 9 on the 52gr load in WW cases. I've chrony'd dozens of 10 shot strings over the years and it has varied to 9.9/30fps with Rem cases. With both the '06 rifles I've owned and the other that I loaded for, 4064 was the standard for excellence.

darkgael · December 7, 2009, 10:48 PM

IMR 4350 or AA 4350. 54 grains and a 165 0r a 180 grain bullet.
Pete

crimsondave · December 7, 2009, 10:50 PM

with 150 gr or less, IMR 4064. My best load, though is with 180 gr Speer SPBT with 55 gr of IMR 4350.

wncchester · December 7, 2009, 11:06 PM

SE, it sounds to me like you have a great performing load as it is.

Jim243 · December 7, 2009, 11:27 PM

150 Gr SST infront of H4895 what are you gaining from 100 fps? Longer shots? If that's the case switch to a 7 mm mag or 270 with a 130 grain bullet if speed is your need.

A_Gamehog · December 8, 2009, 12:28 PM

http://www.accuratereloading.com/30-06s.html

The 175 load using H-4831 is very close to what I load.
I like the 180 sierra's with H-4831

SEHunter · December 8, 2009, 08:52 PM

Thanks again guys for the great recent posts. My load does perform well, so i think i will call that my best with the 4350. Just for the enjoyment (and curiousity) i will probably try some loads with the 4064. It seems to work well for alot of you.

Somthing else i noticed, around my area anyway, is IMR4831 was always considered one of, if not "the" powder choice for the 06' but i havent read of many guys using it. I know it will work well but i think the other powders we have talked about may perform a little better.

Farmerboy, i think that is the highest velocity i have heard of in the 06' from bullets heavier than 130gr. Sounds hot, whats the barrel length on your 70?

James R. Burke · December 8, 2009, 09:53 PM

For my .30-06 I am using IMR-4350 with Laupa case, CCI large rifle primer, and a Nosler Partition 165 grain. Getting just over 3,000 f.p.s. with a five shot average, it proved to be the most accurate powder for that bullet. The rifle is a Ruger No 1 A light sporter. It will stay inside 1" at 100 yards all day if I do my part, probably better with someone else. For a light sporter deer hunting that is fine for me. I am under the max, and no signs what so ever of being to much. I even checked it out on the warmer days just to make sure.

December 6, 2009, 09:26 PM	#1
SEHunter Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2009 Posts: 337	30-06, What is Your Power of Choice? I use 58gr of IMR 4350 and have a load that provides a nice, tight group but i was hoping to get 2900+ fps. My load is around 2800 fps with a 168gr ballistic silver tip and a 22" barrel. My charge is on the high side but i seat the bullet WAY out and i dont have pressure signs. What loads work well for you guys?

December 6, 2009, 11:16 PM	#3
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,733	You've probably done all you can. QuickLOAD thinks H4350 in a compressed load might do slightly better, but it never got to 2900 with any of them. The proprietary powder in the Hornady Super Performance and Light Magnum rounds could do it, but that is a super-compressed elastic powder not available to reloaders and requiring special loading equipment that is likewise unavailable to the general public. Sometimes the factory has a few tricks up its sleeve that the hand loader just can't duplicate. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

December 7, 2009, 11:05 AM	#8
margiesex Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2009 Location: Levittown, PA Posts: 210	No other one... I have my Dad's Rem. 760 pump - off the rack - I don't know, probably from the 60's - there is NO OTHER powder to consider in my book than 4064. With the gun, off a bag at 100 yards - 168 gr. HPBT Sierra bullet - I'll punch one ragged hole all day long - dirty or clean bar. - doesn't matter; times shots? Doesn't matter, Weather? doesn't matter hot/cold, damp or dry - it is an unbeliveable gun and load that has sent more than one pair of eyebrows upward from heavy barreled, varmit - "see my 2000 dollar gun?" shooters! Wonderful powder..............and the same load works the same way in my Grandfather's 760 that my brother inherited. Even with over 20 year old reloads - it's just amazing! God bless and keep shooting!! Margiesex And remember: Hug your God and your guns - 'cause he's coming for them both, and soon!

December 7, 2009, 11:55 AM	#9
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,642	IMR 4064. I use it for .243, .300 Savage, and .30-06. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

December 7, 2009, 02:13 PM	#12
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,514	Not in a 22" barrel....... In the 35 years I've loaded the '06, I could never get accurate loads with the results on the chrony when I got past 80-85% load density. In a 24" barrel, that's 2950, 2850, and 2800 with 150, 165, and 180 respectively. I've stuck with 4895 and 4064. When I can get 26fps ES and 2950fps with 150s, I'm got a big ole smile. As DR states above, 53gr of 4064 is book max in a few manuals, but I've used 52gr and accuracy goes from 1.25 to .875.

December 6, 2009, 10:28 PM	#2
plainsman456 Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 2008 Posts: 260	I have used the 4350s and I also use RL-19.

December 6, 2009, 11:23 PM	#4
steve4102 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,968	For 150gr Ramshot BigGame, for 180gr and above Ramshot Hunter. My 30-06 AI Norma MRP.

December 7, 2009, 01:19 AM	#5
tom234 Senior Member Join Date: February 14, 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 753	I found IMR 4895 works best in 165/168 gr bullets and IMR 4350 slightly better with 180 gr bullets.

December 7, 2009, 02:06 AM	#6
Nnobby45 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2004 Posts: 3,150	A subject dear to my heart. I load on the mild side. With 150 Nosler BT or Sierra spitz., I use IMR 4064. About 50 gr. of it gives me about 2800 from a 24" bbl. I like IMR4064 up to 165 gr. I like IMR4350 from 165 gr. on up. As you can see, the 165 works well with either. My 165 gr. loads are easy to shoot at about 2600 fps. My 180's are around 2500. Comes with mellowing out as one gets older, I guess. If I were loading for Elk, Moose or Bear, I'd get the loads up to regular 30-'06 levels.

December 7, 2009, 10:58 AM	#7
Blue Grass Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2009 Posts: 398	If you're getting acceptable accuracy at 2800 fps, why are you worrying about getting 2900 fps? The deer you shoot won't be any deader and the target won't have a better hole in it. Just curious. Perrsonally, I'd leave well enough alone.

December 7, 2009, 01:24 PM	#10
Ivan Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Posts: 141	IMR 4895 for 150 grain bullets IMR 4064 for 168-173 grain bullets The following is probably the only "Magic Load" that I have ever come across: 48.0-49.5 grains IMR 4895 150 grain name brand bullet Just about anyone's case Just about any non-magnum primer This load shoots well in just about every .30-06 I have ever tried it in. Velocities for my reloads are around 2650-2700 fps. As usual, consult your manual before trying. This load works great in my guns, but if you blow up your gun doing this, I take no responsibility. - Ivan.

December 7, 2009, 01:30 PM	#11
DiscoRacing Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2008 Location: milton, wv Posts: 3,640	imr 4064 @53 grains with 150grain fmj bullets

December 7, 2009, 02:57 PM	#13
freakshow10mm Junior member Join Date: January 23, 2008 Location: MI Posts: 1,398	H414/W760 is a great powder as is Varget.

December 7, 2009, 05:41 PM	#14
Ivan Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Posts: 141	Hi GeauxTide, With 26 FPS ES, how are you doing for Standard Deviations? Extreme Spread will change depending on how many rounds are fired (and you didn't tell us that), but Standard Deviation should not change much. I find that if I am getting SD below about 15 or so, I am doing rather well for accuracy but that is out of a gas-operated rifle, so a bolt gun should do a bit better. - Ivan.

December 7, 2009, 07:09 PM	#15
SEHunter Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2009 Posts: 337	Thanks guys. From what i have read, looks like i will be buying a canister of 4064. I like the idea of a stable powder that remains consistant under different conditions. I realize i am probably at the limit with the 22" barreled 30-06. I guess i am one of those people who always try to improve everything but i am very excited about the accuracy i have with my current load. Just thought with handloading, i should be able to improve all aspects of factory loads but with the higher velocitys, i lost precision. I currently am working on a load with the 300Wby, and the factory Weatherby ammo also has a "proprietary" powder but i hope to come close to duplicateing the exceptional quality of the Norma manufactured factory Weatherby ammo. FYI. i read an article online that tested both Hornady and Winchesters "light magnum" ammo and they found in most cases, it did not acheive the claimed velocity and some calibers did not have stellar accuracy either. I know barrel length, etc... has an effect but they tested the magnum ammo and the standard loads of the same cartridge in the same firearm and found in a few calibers, the mag ammo increased velocity in as little as 30 to 40 fps only. The results were not good enough for me to feel the extra cost is worth it. Last edited by SEHunter; December 7, 2009 at 07:15 PM.

December 7, 2009, 08:00 PM	#16
farmerboy Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,343	50.5 grains topped with a 165 grain Hornady SST. Pushes mine at 3076 fps out of a pre64 Winchester model 70, Also gives me what Im looking for and that is one ragged hole over and over! I agree with one of the previous posts, Why try to push faster and why not try and find the most accurate combo you can possibly find. GOOD LUCK and have fun...

December 7, 2009, 09:49 PM	#17
elkman06 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2006 Location: Wyoming Posts: 885	I started w/ IMR 4350 and have progressed to IMR 4064 w/ nearly identical results and 8grs less powder. Should add up over a lifetime..LOL elkman06

December 7, 2009, 10:19 PM	#18
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,514	Ivan, the SD is 9 on the 52gr load in WW cases. I've chrony'd dozens of 10 shot strings over the years and it has varied to 9.9/30fps with Rem cases. With both the '06 rifles I've owned and the other that I loaded for, 4064 was the standard for excellence.

December 7, 2009, 10:48 PM	#19
darkgael Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Homes in Brooklyn, NY and in Pennsylvania. Posts: 5,473	choice IMR 4350 or AA 4350. 54 grains and a 165 0r a 180 grain bullet. Pete __________________ “Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.” Ernest Hemingway ... NRA Life Member

December 7, 2009, 10:50 PM	#20
crimsondave Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2009 Location: North Augusta, SC Posts: 490	with 150 gr or less, IMR 4064. My best load, though is with 180 gr Speer SPBT with 55 gr of IMR 4350.

December 7, 2009, 11:06 PM	#21
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	SE, it sounds to me like you have a great performing load as it is.

December 7, 2009, 11:27 PM	#22
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	150 Gr SST infront of H4895 what are you gaining from 100 fps? Longer shots? If that's the case switch to a 7 mm mag or 270 with a 130 grain bullet if speed is your need.

December 8, 2009, 12:28 PM	#23
A_Gamehog Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2009 Location: Central Oregun Posts: 563	Here are some very good loads you should use with caution. http://www.accuratereloading.com/30-06s.html The 175 load using H-4831 is very close to what I load. I like the 180 sierra's with H-4831

December 8, 2009, 08:52 PM	#24
SEHunter Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2009 Posts: 337	Thanks again guys for the great recent posts. My load does perform well, so i think i will call that my best with the 4350. Just for the enjoyment (and curiousity) i will probably try some loads with the 4064. It seems to work well for alot of you. Somthing else i noticed, around my area anyway, is IMR4831 was always considered one of, if not "the" powder choice for the 06' but i havent read of many guys using it. I know it will work well but i think the other powders we have talked about may perform a little better. Farmerboy, i think that is the highest velocity i have heard of in the 06' from bullets heavier than 130gr. Sounds hot, whats the barrel length on your 70?

December 8, 2009, 09:53 PM	#25
James R. Burke Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: U.P. of Mich/Quinnesec Posts: 1,897	For my .30-06 I am using IMR-4350 with Laupa case, CCI large rifle primer, and a Nosler Partition 165 grain. Getting just over 3,000 f.p.s. with a five shot average, it proved to be the most accurate powder for that bullet. The rifle is a Ruger No 1 A light sporter. It will stay inside 1" at 100 yards all day if I do my part, probably better with someone else. For a light sporter deer hunting that is fine for me. I am under the max, and no signs what so ever of being to much. I even checked it out on the warmer days just to make sure.