Need a starting load for 30-06 and Reloader 22 with heavy bullets

[logandiana]

I've got several loads ready to go in the 200 grain range using H4831SC and H4350 for my 30-06 to further some testing I did last week.

But when I built the rifle I had heavies in mind, specifically the 230 SMK and 230 Berger. When I tried these two 230s last week, the only powder I used was H4350 and I didn't get good results at all. I haven't given up just yet on the idea of 230s and I wanted to try a slower burning powder so I picked up some Reloader22.

Alliant lists RL22 as a magnum rifle powder, but also notes that it could be use with heavy bullets in a standard (non magnum) cartridge. For their load data they only go up to 200gr bullets though for the 30-06.

I've found quite a bit of published load data for 220s, but the only published data I've found for the 230s is from Sierra which I guess could be relied upon since after all, it is their bullet.

The Sierra data list 54.4 as the highest 'regular pressure' load for RL22 which gets 2490fps out of a 24inch pipe. The loads go up from there maxing out at 55.2g and 2540fps, but are listed as 'high pressure' loads.

I was thinking of starting at 54gn and going up from there with a goal of around 2500fps.
My barrel is 30 inches and 1 in 8 twist.

Does anyone have any suggestions for this second attempt at launching 230s using Reloader22?
Also, should I be using magnum primers with this load?

 

[Jeffrey Tooker]

I've got several loads ready to go in the 200 grain range using H4831SC and H4350 for my 30-06 to further some testing I did last week.

But when I built the rifle I had heavies in mind, specifically the 230 SMK and 230 Berger. When I tried these two 230s last week, the only powder I used was H4350 and I didn't get good results at all. I haven't given up just yet on the idea of 230s and I wanted to try a slower burning powder so I picked up some Reloader22.

Alliant lists RL22 as a magnum rifle powder, but also notes that it could be use with heavy bullets in a standard (non magnum) cartridge. For their load data they only go up to 200gr bullets though for the 30-06.

I've found quite a bit of published load data for 220s, but the only published data I've found for the 230s is from Sierra which I guess could be relied upon since after all, it is their bullet.

The Sierra data list 54.4 as the highest 'regular pressure' load for RL22 which gets 2490fps out of a 24inch pipe. The loads go up from there maxing out at 55.2g and 2540fps, but are listed as 'high pressure' loads.

I was thinking of starting at 54gn and going up from there with a goal of around 2500fps.
My barrel is 30 inches and 1 in 8 twist.

Does anyone have any suggestions for this second attempt at launching 230s using Reloader22?
Also, should I be using magnum primers with this load?

I would first ask what accuracy your expecting (in MOA) and at what range. I would believe by twist rate, bullet weight, barrel length and caliber this is a long range rifle. Secondly who made the rifle and what is the contour on the barrel.

Jeffrey

 

[watercam]

Is there any reason why you are not trying slower powder? Reloader 22 is good up to 180 gr. bullets but I wonder how H1000 would work.

 

[logandiana]

I would first ask what accuracy your expecting (in MOA) and at what range. I would believe by twist rate, bullet weight, barrel length and caliber this is a long range rifle. Secondly who made the rifle and what is the contour on the barrel.

Jeffrey

The barrel is a Bartlein 5R, 30inch heavy palma 1 in 8 twist on a trued Rem 40x action. I built the rifle last fall to shoot paper informally at 8/9/1000yrds. Obviously want the tightest groups possible, but hoping for at least 1 MOA or better.

 

[logandiana]

Is there any reason why you are not trying slower powder? Reloader 22 is good up to 180 gr. bullets but I wonder how H1000 would work.

RL 22 is a slower powder compared to H4831SC and especially H4350. I considered getting something slower, but then considered what else could I use the powder for if it didn't work out. Also availability, of the powders in stock, RL22 was the slower.

 

[Tx_Flyboy]

I know this is an old post but did you get anywhere with your load dev?