New Old School, Accurizing and Tuning the 30-06

[mac86951]

Well, the Chrono wasn't happy today, I barely got a reading off of the .223, and it didn't see any of the .308 bullets. I did successfully complete pressure testing, there was no problem with 173gr up to 47gr of IMR4895, and as for groups, they all did as well as I could get them (meaning I was the weakest link), but I did have fun shooting the 3" Gong at 230yards, so the rifle is shooting well.

~46gr of IMR was the favorite for the rifle, it was doing really well, so I'll do some accuracy testing around that weight.

-Mac

 

[mac86951]

Update:
Well, I finally got some more brass resized. I have been reloading for the past 2 months, and made it this far without a stuck case. I learned that Hornady One-shot spray might not be enough for a 30-06 case, so I got the case removal set and some Imperial Die wax. I also learned that my reloading bench wasn't strong enough, so I've added some more strength. Resizing 30-06 is certainly harder work for the bench than say a .223...

-Mac

 

[ba_50]

My 1000 yard rifle is a M70 target in 30/06.

 

[Brent Martell]

I have 06 rem 700 bdl my dad bought me in 1981. That rifle has only seen trigger work and shoots 1.3 inch groups @ 300. Had a leu 3.5 x 10 x 40 from same year on it. Awesome hunting rifle.

 

[the long shot]

I bought a Savage 110F Police Sniper in 30-06 about 10 years ago (they don't make them anymore). Medium weight barrel. I had the barrel recrowned, put a Sinclair forearm adapter on it and worked up an excellent load of Varget and Nosler 168 BTHPs. I went through Sierras and Hornady before settling on Noslers. 48.6 grains of Varget yield results that I can't complain. Our local club has "Stock" rifle class matches and she holds her own, even taking 1 year Agg 3rd place a couple years ago. One caveat, I had a custom brake made for the gun and they are permitted at our competitions. It speeds up my follow through shots. My cleaning regiment has changed in the last decade and the first thing I abandoned was the Hoppes. It is my opinion there is a world of much better solvents out there from Butch's, to Slip 2000, to Montana Extreme to Shooter's Choice to Bore Tech. I wish I had a picture, but the scope keeps blinking every time the flash goes off.

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

love the 06

Mine is a Sako Deluxe topped with a Zeiss Victory
Stands its ground or even out shoots any of my other rifles

 

[mac86951]

Finally got a few rounds to the Chrono.

No problem hitting the 2" gong at 300 yards.

I loaded 173 FMJ M118 bullets on 46.0gr of IMR-4895. 2580fps average
so this would be a light load for a 30-06. I'll go up to 46.5gr for the remaining of the box of 100.

Next up to try is the 180gr Sierra Matchking. I have found that while I like the heavy bullets, my chamber doesn't have the leade for them. I might end up sticking with 168s until re-barrel time. This won't give me the full edge over the .308 guys, but I should be able to practice my loading technique and see if I can keep up.

-Mac

 

[mac86951]

Load Request:
Anyone have 30-06 recommendations for charge weight/starting load using the 180gr SMK and H4350? How about COL?

Thanks,
-Mac

 

[wboggs]

Just happened to notice your postings on the .30-06. I have one built on a 700 action with a Krieger barrel and Master Class stock. R Mulhern and German Salazar helped me greatly with loading data. They have a wealth of knowledge and are willing to share it. German has written
extensively on the .30-06 and his articles are a must read for you.

 

[the long shot]

Why limit yourself to shooting long range. I have a club match winning Savage 110 in '06 for 200 yard VFS. 48.6 grains of Varget, 168 bthp Nosler, CCI primers, and Black Hills Gold Brass.

 

[mac86951]

Good point. I just completed some load testing. M118 bullets with 46.5gr IMR-4895 seated to touching the lands put 5 rounds withing 0.65" at 100y. Impressed me since I paid ~$450 for the rifle.

I also tested some 180gr Sierra Matchkings I've had laying around, looks like 53-55gr of H4350 will be just right.

-Mac

 

[ljhsniper1]

Load Request:
Anyone have 30-06 recommendations for charge weight/starting load using the 180gr SMK and H4350? How about COL?

Thanks,
-Mac

My heaviest bullet is the 190 gr.SMK. 53.5 gr. H-4350. LCM Case. Fed 210/M Primer. OAL(not to ogive) 3.330" 100 Yd. group. (.341") 2579 FPS. 24" barrel Pre 64 Win Mod. 70 USMC sniper rifle. 10x Unertl You may have to start 1-2 gr. lower as the 190 gr. has a shorter bearing surface than the 180 gr. SMK has. Hope this helps somewhat. ..... SEMPER FI! .....LARRY

 

[oldeyes]

Mac — My go to load in both of my Match M1’s ( Krieger Barrels ) was the 175 SMK over approximately 47/IMR 4064 with 210 m’s in LC Match . Extremely accurate out to 600 yds. -A close approximation to the old LC M72 Match load .

 

[jghoghunter]

10 year old post

 

[Louisiana Shooter]