Advice on 30-06 loads

[mjoplin]

Trailrider121, I am using IMR4350 in the loads and haven't run them through a chronograph yet. I am going to try some different overall lengths first to see the effect on grouping and then see what velocity I'm getting. Berger has an interesting article at: http://www.bergerbullets.com/getting-the-best-precision-and-accuracy-from-vld-bullets-in-your-rifle/

So far I've taken a conservative approach and tried .010 off the lands. I'm going to try the first scenario in their article trying .010 into (jammed) the lands (and the other 3 recommendations) for the next range trip. Once I've gotten though that exercise I'm breaking out the chronograph.

 

[mjoplin]

All I can say for that is wow! If I get that good at 500-600 yards I will WAY exceed my expectations! Thanks for sharing. Your comment about a 108 year old cartridge is spot on.

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 - followed the advice here and the instructions from Berger's website and tried .010 into the lands, .040, .080, and .120 off the lands and looked for the sweet spot. At .040 off I ended up with a 4 shot group about 3/8" tall x 3/4" wide. Very happy with the results. .010 jammed into the lands was about the same horizontally but had about a 1/2" spread vertically. .040 off the lands is my load along with 55.0 gr IMR4350 powder using 185 gr Berger VLD bullets.

Chrono'ed at 2754, 2766, 2759, 2773, and 2771 at .040 off the lands (5 shots taken, discounted one shot as statistically unreliable as I had interference from a biting bug....)

Thanks all for the advice!

 

[2506]

If you want to set up your rifle for long range target plus hunting you can do it with one load. Get you some Berger 185 hunting VLD or Hybrid bullets and one of the 4350,s IMR, H, or AA and have at it. You will be set for anything from elk to deer.

 

[Doublejake]

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.

300-600 is not extreme ranges, speed is not a factor unless the bullet is not designed to function on a game animal at low velocity, heavier bullets buck the wind better typically, but beat the heck out of you on recoil and typically need a higher twist rate to stabilize. I’m not shooting mine over 200 yards for Hunting basically because of my Hunting habitats. So I go with light weight accurate rounds which definitely makes for a follow up shot easier if needed.
Remington 30-06. 125gr SST Bullet

Powder. IMR4064. 53gr.

Hornady Brass CCI Primer