Advice on 30-06 loads

[mjoplin]

Have been reloading for a while in multiple calibers and have done some research on the topic, but would like to ask the opinions of those with more long range and accuracy experience than I have.

Rifle, Weatherby bolt, 30-06, 24" bbl, 1-10 twist

Norma brass (new), Nosler ballistic tip (have tried 150 and 165 gr.), H4895, Fed Match LRP.

After barrel break in of 20 rounds (165 gr tip/47 gr H4895), I ran 5 groups of 5 each in 1 gr increments from min of 47 gr to max of 51 per Nosler's data using the 150 gr. ballistic tip bullets.

I found the best grouping at 48 gr at 100yards, putting 4 of 5 in 3/4" with one outlier

I would like to start working up to 300-600 yards and via Google have found quite a bit of debate on smaller bullet/higher velocity vs larger bullet/less wind drift.

With my intent to start working towards longer distance, would like to get some experienced commentary on whether to continue focus on 150 gr. bullets or look into heavier options. I know this rifle and caliber are not benchrest, but would certainly appreciate some guidance.

 

[dedogs]

Are you shooting a 30-06 or a .308??? 4895 seems a little fast for an '06. I liked 4350 and 180 gr Noslers back in the day. Seems like 55 or 56 gr if memory serves.

 

[37Lincoln1]

175 Sierra Match Kings, H-4350

 

[bigedp51]

Click on the link below Mr. Salazar has articles on loading the 30-06 for accuracy and long range.

The Rifleman's Journal
Index of Articles

http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com/p/articles-index.html

 

[wapiti25]

The heavy bullets (175 and up) has less wind drift in most cases. Target shooters know the distance so wind drift is more important. The 165/168 are used mostly for ranges of up to 300 yds. You will need to see what your rifle likes. The 4350 powders both IMR 4350 and H4350 are very good in the 06, keep in mind that they are not the same so work up a load and do not interchange the powders. Good luck and be safe

 

[stool]

i think you are asking to fail if you stick to 150's and want to go to 600 yds.
you may make it with the 165's.
you did not specify, but this sounds like a hunting setup, not a target set up...let us know what you are trying to do..hunt or target shoot.

 

[mjoplin]

Appreciate the feedback. Heavier bullets and 4350 seem to be a consistent theme and I will give that a try. It is definitely -06 and not a 308. I used H4895 as I hve use that particular powder in loads for an M1 Garand. That and 4064 were the recommended powders with an appropriate pressure curve to avoid damaging the operating rod in the rifle. That rifle is what got me into reloading to begin with as mil-surp ammo supplies dwindled.

Just read through the three articles by Salazar. Good reading and between that and the advice here helps provide some good direction for the next set of rounds to try.

Many thanks!

 

[mjoplin]

i think you are asking to fail if you stick to 150's and want to go to 600 yds.
you may make it with the 165's.
you did not specify, but this sounds like a hunting setup, not a target set up...let us know what you are trying to do..hunt or target shoot.

While it is probably more suited to hunting, I'm shooting it 90% target, anticipate maybe 10% hunting (obviously with much different loads). My definition of target shooting in this case is casual hobby on local ranges that go up to 600 yards.

Given the feedback so far and the articles I've read will definitely be going to heavier bullets.

 

[dedogs]

Big difference between bolt gun and gas operated miitary weapon. Also big plus 1 on Wapiti25 comment on H4350 and IMR 4350 in my experience.

 

[M14AMU]

IN MY RIFLE.....55 grs. IMR4350 with a 185 Berger VLD Target bullet shoots lights out at 1000!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/61286670@N08/12126109946/

 

[masterblaster1]

I am using the H/IMR 4350 with 190 smk's, one ragged hole at 100, 10 twist CBI 25.5 inch bull barrel with brake, feels like a 223 AR. I am planning to go up to the 208 Amax rounds soon. I love the 06.

 

[A_Gamehog]

http://www.nosler.com/30-06-springfield/

Nosler's load data lists IMR 4350 as the best Powder for their bullet. Load density is 100% and the max load is the most accurate. I would think somewhere close to or under that is were to be.

I personally like IMR 4831 with the 125-165 range in the 06.

 

[pacificman]

My 30-06 likes 58 grains of IMR4350 with 165gr. Speer bullets. Remember this load is not one to start with...I have worked up to this safely. Average velocity is 2980fps. It shoots so accurate I have not tried any other bullets but I am going to one of these days. This has been a hunting load for more than 30 years. This being my hunting rig.... Years ago I shot this rifle out to 500yds. and remember getting 5 inch groups. Hope this info might help.

 

[strut64]

As I understand it, Military snipers today use 175 gr match hpbt. I think SMKs. They also are using 308/7.62Nato. But the bullet would be as good in a 30-06. These guys are trying to get the very best of range, power and consistency to go way out there if necessary. Once upon a time they used the 168 gr hpbt. Once you develope experience your rifle will let you know what it likes.

 

[Steve Ladino]

Yes, the old magnificent 30-06, what many of us have always loved, Mine likes 190 SMK's and IMR 4350 about 2450 FPS.

 

[stool]

the current mil long range load 308/7,62x51 is a 175 sierra match king(otm) fed brass/fed primer and imr4064. thi sis neither a top accuracy nor a top velocity load, BUT A COMPROMISE load to work well in lots of guns.

in todays world, a 30'06 can produce nearly the same as the original 190 load of the win mag....just add quality powder..and you are there.

the mil does not use a 30'06 in its regular line of guns that i know of. 223/308/300 win mag/338 lapua/50bmg

As I understand it, Military snipers today use 175 gr match hpbt. I think SMKs. They also are using 308/7.62Nato. But the bullet would be as good in a 30-06. These guys are trying to get the very best of range, power and consistency to go way out there if necessary. Once upon a time they used the 168 gr hpbt. Once you develope experience your rifle will let you know what it likes.

 

[M14AMU]

Try this on:

https://flic.kr/p/mLJq7n

https://flic.kr/p/jtxu29

12 rounds fired from 1000 yards using 55 grs. IMR4350 with Berger 185 VLD Target bullets. That small inner plate is 5" diameter. Shot @ 9 o/clock was the first. Missed the wind a mite! Ain't bad for a 108 year old cartridge!!

 

[mjoplin]

UPDATE - Thanks all for the great advice. I tried several sets of loads yesterday with 185 Bergers and 4350, starting at 53 gr and working up to 55. At 55 grains I was able to get a ragged hole at 100 yards.

I had rigged up a piece of brass with relief cuts on the neck and used one of the Berger bullets (poor man's Precision Mic) to get the OAL touching the lands and backed off 0.010" for these.

Did a bit of research on Bergers regarding setback from lands vs. jammed into them and am going to try a few different OALs and see what that may do.

Current load - Berger VLD target 185 gr., 4350 50.0 gr., Norma 30-06 brass (once fired in this rifle and neck sized only), Federal Match LRP

 

[trailrider121]

UPDATE - Thanks all for the great advice. I tried several sets of loads yesterday with 185 Bergers and 4350, starting at 53 gr and working up to 55. At 55 grains I was able to get a ragged hole at 100 yards.

I had rigged up a piece of brass with relief cuts on the neck and used one of the Berger bullets (poor man's Precision Mic) to get the OAL touching the lands and backed off 0.010" for these.

Did a bit of research on Bergers regarding setback from lands vs. jammed into them and am going to try a few different OALs and see what that may do.

Current load - Berger VLD target 185 gr., 4350 50.0 gr., Norma 30-06 brass (once fired in this rifle and neck sized only), Federal Match LRP

Excellent, and thanks for sharing. Which 4350 did you use? Did you get around to chronograpgh the 55gr load?

 

[wboggs]

With the right target setup in the rifle and loads, a 30-06 will give the Berger 215 Hybrid around 2700 fps with 1/2 MOA groups. One of the heavy bullets in the hunting design would be deadly on game.