Starting over with my .30-'06

[Fast14riot]

So, I'm rebarreling my .30-'06 and am going to start over from scratch. My brass has been worked pretty good and is time to move on. I also want to build a "one load" for club level long range matches and hunting. So, what brass, primers, powders, bullet (would like to stick to 180gr) would be a good place to start for target slightly more than hunting?

On a side note, I had German Salazar's blog bookmarked but seems to be down and he had some good loads outlined as inherently accurate combination of components.

The gun is a bolt action, new barrel is a Criterion 1:10 twist with a .3405" neck chamber.

My thinking is to start with either sierra TMK or SGK, possibly Nosler 180 Ballistic Tip, maybe A-max too. But I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks for any tips.


-Xander

 

[wapiti25]

Lapua brass, Berger bullet, Wilson or Redding competition seater die, I would start with one of the 4350 powders and a Wolf Primer.

 

[DRNewcomb]

Just a thought but I'd consider looking at some of the new Hornady ELD bullets. These combine (according to the mfgr.) the low drag of match bullets with the terminal performance of hunting bullets. A tad spendy but if you want to use just one load across the board..... As for powder, a .30-'06 bolt gun will digest broad variety of powders. First pick the weight of bullet you want to throw and match the powder to the bullet, something that will not leave a lot of vacant space in the case.

 

[mac86951]

Sometimes its hard to start from scratch without having a baseline to measure improvement from.

I seem to recall that a 190 Sierra MK and 4350 was a baseline favorite of a certain 30-06 proponent. I also recall though that a Serengeti chamber was recommended with a throat-free bore adjustment to allow for longer seating of heavier bullets.

I was just thinking the same and reading through my Water's pet loads and came across the point again that the 30-06 with slower burning powders and bullets over 180gr can achieve a distinct advantage over a .308. I love them both, but that would then be my recommendation. 30-06 is a great cartridge still, and I'd recommend 180gr+ and 4350 or slower powders to start with.

-Mac

 

[DHD]

Just for informational purposes, what action, stock, and barrel contour. The heavier loads can/will generate significant recoil and that takes the enjoyment out of it for me.

I have had very good luck with 168 grain Berger VLD, H4350, Wolf/PMC primers, and Winchester brass. My 30-06 also shoots the 175 grain Berger BT Longrange about the same but I typically stay with the VLD's as I hunt with them too. Recoil can be entertaining as this rifle is light. I really need to change up some stuff with it so I'll shoot it more, but the smalier calibers are just more fun for me.

Good luck and please provide the details asked for, as it makes it easier to answer your question.

 

[Tommie]

Not being a proponent of using target bullets for game hunting (Pleeeeeease no flames folks) I would first decide if my priority was ultimate accuracy or terminal performance. If the two are a complete toss-up then compromises may be necessary. The new new Hornady ELD bullets look promising but are you prepared to spend that kind of cash to punch holes in paper? For an accurate bullet that will perform well on medium/large game you might take a look at some of the tipped bonded core offerings.

 

[Deton8tor]

I currently run an '06 to hunt, but am considering it for LR. I run a 165 AccuBond, 57.0 H4350, 210M's and Remington brass. Velocity is over 2800 with excellent accuracy. A 190 SMK will probably rise to the occasion. Hunting Dies did have RWS '06 brass some time back and Lapua would be good as well. A Serengeti chamber would allow longer loads as I have been told, no actual experience with that chambering. unless it is already chambered. I am nowhere near as good as most on here, but think the 06 is good. I have killed a few deer with the 190 MK, but had no blood, all died within 50 yards.

 

[BigBlueandGoldie]

I had good luck with 180gmk's, Wolf primers, and IMR 4350. I couldn't get Barnes and IMR 4064 to work for my life, so I completely started over.

 

[Fast14riot]

Barrel has already been purchased, PT&G chamber and sporter profile, will be cut to 24". Action is 1917 (Rem 30) so will accept quite long loads compared to normal long actions. Barrel is 1:10 twist. Stock is getting changed too, going to a Boyd's 1917 with a custom LOP to fit me, getting new optics too.

The gun is getting completely revamped, it's been used in an outdated mil-sporter configuration for a long time and has served well, but I've already decided this thing is worth more in sentimental value than I will ever get back out of it.

I've already rebuilt the bolt and replaced the home made cocking piece with a proper one for COO as well as a new trigger set at just over 3# now.

It will be used in the occasional long range club match and in silhouette matches, be carried over hills and through the sage.


-Xander

 

[riflewoman]

Look at the Sierra game king in either 165 or 180 or the Nosler 165 and 180 in Ballistic tip or Partition And there should be a good load between 54 an 56 gr 4350.

 

[Fast14riot]

Look at the Sierra game king in either 165 or 180 or the Nosler 165 and 180 in Ballistic tip or Partition And there should be a good load between 54 an 56 gr 4350.

Those 3 in 180gr are my current top contenders, my dad uses the Nosler 180 BT over 4895 I believe and has taken lots of game including deer, antelope and pigs.

Either way, the new barrel is still just sitting in the tube and I'm just gathering some info.

 

[Lapua40X]

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/tag/german-salazar/

https://accounts.google.com/Service...html&zx=nrvw20071twe&ltmpl=private#identifier

http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.co.uk/2009/10/reloading-seating-depth.html

 

[long40shot]

Might look at the Berger 185 hunting vld.

 

[wapiti25]

To hunt in California you will need non-lead bullets for the whole state in 2016. That really limits your choices.

 

[Fast14riot]

To hunt in California you will need non-lead bullets for the whole state in 2016. That really limits your choices.

Not true. Entire state - all game, doesn't take effect until 7/1/2019. It's for upland birds except dove, quail, snipe or any bird on private clubs, also any game animals taken with a shotgun, effective 7/1/16

The riflemans journal articles are nice, but his blog comes up with an error message for me now, saying only invited readers can access it.

I remember he had two or three known accurate load combinations in there.

Also, I found a decent price for some Norma brass, never really used Norma in any of my calibers, how is it? How do primer pockets hold up when loading hot?

 

[dryhumor]

I have a 30-06 chambered with the Serengeti reamer, a 10 twist Lilja.
Berger VLD 185 hunting bullets are working best for me.
Lapua cases, BR2, 52gr 4831
I imagine at some point I'll work other bullets, but am in no rush.

 

[Quackhead69]

I will just leave this right here...

 

[Cold Bore]

Not being a proponent of using target bullets for game hunting (Pleeeeeease no flames folks)...

Agreed.

Developing TWO loads isn't really asking a lot, and you'll likely be happier.

IF, however, you are determined to go with a single load, I would build it around a hunting bullet, and sacrifice any small amount of ultimate accuracy that a target bullet may provide (not likely to even be noticed in a rifle such as you are planning, but an animal may very well notice being wounded with an inappropriate target bullet).

 

[Cold Bore]

On a side note, I had German Salazar's blog bookmarked but seems to be down

He has decided to pursue other paths in life, and has taken his stuff offline.

 

[Fast14riot]

A hunting bullet is my preferred choice for this load, but I may end up with two loads down the road.

I can't say I blame German taking his pages down, but they were a wealth of information I loved reading over on a regular basis!


-X