Browning 30-06 Wow!

[HuntClub]

Well, got to say I am very pleased and disappointed with my new Browing XB2 Speed in 30-06. I am disappointed in it because I don't "need" to start working my own load for it... and I love working up loads for my rifles. But WoW, I am really pleased with the factory Barnes Vortex 168 TTSX in this rifle. It is consistently averaging 2840 fps (box advertises 2850) and accuracy is outstanding. Put my [can] on today and only shot three rounds - it was consistent with what it was doing without the can.

Would love to hear what others are getting with their 30-06 and this factory ammo from Barnes.

 

[ebb]

Now thats just braggin. Never fired a Barnes in my life, but that kind of group could get me thinking.

 

[FNSafari]

Buy a really good supply of these Barnes loads or try to duplicate them on the loading bench! Nice!!!

 

[Rat44]

Its always good to find a factory load your rifle likes.
I have a MK II Stalker in 30/06 that that load has proven to be the most accurate in mine also.
Does not like my preferred Federal Premium with the 180 Partition .

 

[HuntClub]

Buy a really good supply of these Barnes loads or try to duplicate them on the loading bench! Nice!!!

I bought the last three boxes with matching lot #. Decided that was less expensive than buying dies, brass, and bullets and trying to work up a similar load.

 

[RevJim]

I bought/sighted in my friends old Belgium made BAR in 30.06 for these. It shot like a bolt action! So this many folks having good results say this stuff is as accurate/consistent as the old Federal Blue Box ammo!

 

[Snowwolfe72]

That is one great shooting combo. I would not change a thing.
Congratulations

 

[Jack O'Connor]

Excellent shooting like this equals fresh venison on the dinner plate. Jack

 

[Steve Donlon]

It's a 30-06, that's why.

 

[AckleymanII]

Hunt, you know how factory ammo is, it varies tremendously. The next lot# may shoot like crap. Chances are that ~57g of H4350 would do about the same or even better. We are in the 2900s with R#22 using cci 250s, seated .050 off the lands.

You may consider going on a "hunt" for that lot number of ammo in various gun stores or even call Barnes. They make large runs, maybe they have some sitting on the shelf of the same lot#.

You must be planning on shooting elk with that load. We have killed a goodly number of deer with the 130g Barnes TTSX in the 30/06, and we have never found a bullet in a hog or deer.

If all you ever do is hunt, verify zero, the three boxes will last you a while. I would feel naked with only 60 rounds loaded! Hee Hee!

 

[std7mag]

What is this "factory ammo" you speak of??

Except for shotgun and 22 rimfire, I handload everything.

 

[varmit_hunter]

I'm not shooting a 30 06. But I'm shooting a Browning Xbolt rifle. A 280AI 1@8 26 inch barrel. Here is 2 groups i shot today. Top one was 4 shots of H4831sc. And a Berger 175gr Elite Hunter running 2940 fps. Bottom load was 3 shot group . It was RL19 and 162gr ELD X. It was shooting 3000 fps. Breaking the barrel in. Dont have very many roads down it.

 

[HuntClub]

Hunt, you know how factory ammo is, it varies tremendously. The next lot# may shoot like crap. Chances are that ~57g of H4350 would do about the same or even better. We are in the 2900s with R#22 using cci 250s, seated .050 off the lands.

You may consider going on a "hunt" for that lot number of ammo in various gun stores or even call Barnes. They make large runs, maybe they have some sitting on the shelf of the same lot#.

You must be planning on shooting elk with that load. We have killed a goodly number of deer with the 130g Barnes TTSX in the 30/06, and we have never found a bullet in a hog or deer.

If all you ever do is hunt, verify zero, the three boxes will last you a while. I would feel naked with only 60 rounds loaded! Hee Hee!

I have worked up a load with H4350 - but only at 55.6 grains. I haven't seen pressure signs in brass or bolt lift but between Barnes and Hodgdon load data.... I'm weary of pushing. But I see so many people stating they are at the 57 grain range. Here is what I have - the low shot was my first shot - fouling - and it wa a little low. The other three are good.

Maybe you can PM me with load info on 57 grains? I have plenty of R22 I could try as well.

 

[Steve Donlon]

I have worked up a load with H4350 - but only at 55.6 grains. I haven't seen pressure signs in brass or bolt lift but between Barnes and Hodgdon load data.... I'm weary of pushing. But I see so many people stating they are at the 57 grain range. Here is what I have - the low shot was my first shot - fouling - and it wa a little low. The other three are good.

Maybe you can PM me with load info on 57 grains? I have plenty of R22 I could try as well.

I've always stayed at 56 grs of IMR 4350 with 168 grs. bullets. My book says a 168 gr. Hornady hpbt will go up to 59 grs. with H4350 and IMR up to 58 grs. But my rifles shoot best at 56 grs. No reason to push it when your barrel and brass will be better off without you pushing it to the max.

 

[AckleymanII]

The brand of brass you use is of consequence to the internal capacity. I use Remington, Win, and PMC, with a load for each brand of brass. I use 56 g with 180g Nosler ballistic tips, and 57-58 g with IMR 4350 in Rem cases, using 168-grain bullets. Barrels can vary in their preferences. In another barrel, I load 58g of H4350 with a 180g Ballistic Tip, and it is a hot load, but it yields the most accuracy in the barrel. Lapua brass will work in most factory chambers, thoughest brass there is.

Hunt club, the vertical in your group indicates that more powder is needed. I would shoot two additional groups, adding 0.5 and 1.0g more than that load, just for fun.

Norma, Nosler, and federal brass can show pressure signs quicker than Rem and Win brass, in my experience, and I avoid it like the plague.

I want to find pressure with my TTSX, and I start .050 off the lands. I will pick a medium load and increase it by 0.5 g at a time, using only one shot, until I find the optimal pressure. I want to find the max load. When I find the maximum load, I back off 2.5g and start working up in 3-shot groups, I will find the most accurate load darn quick with few shots fired. If that particular powder does not shoot a bug hole, I change powders.

Brother and I shoot 130g TTSX in a couple of 308s and 06s. The load is very fast at 3100+ and kills well. We have never found a 130g TTSX in a deer's body.

If you ever see any Lake City Match brass for sale in '06 that is unfired, buy it... tough stuff with thicker case walls.