I am a newbie at reloading, and I would like to create some light loads using IMR 4350 powder. I have the Speer #11 reloading manual, and it has reduced loads for a number of their bullets with a different powder. Can I safely cut down the recommended charge for my 150 gr. Seirra bullets in half? Also, since these cases are not straight wall cases will I have ignition problems?

Friend, if you are after light loads in the ole '06 you have the wrong powder. 4350 is GREAT in the '06 but only for full pwder loads. 4350 is NOT a powder that is suitable for downloading. Their have even be some possible detonations with people downloading the very slow powders.

My suggestion is for you to pick up a can of Hodgdon 4895. 4895 can be downloaded very easily and it will still give stellar accuracy. Hodgdon even states that H-4895 can be downloaded to as much as 60% of their listed max load and still be safe. It can be used for this purpose in nearly any bottleneck cartridge.

I know what its like to try and keep the number of powders you have on hand down, but in this case to be safe you really do need another powder.

Best of luck.
Mark in GA

In the last several months we've gone thru a lot of light load information using Blue Dot powder. The member you should contact goes by the handle Sea Fire. Perhaps if you send him a PM he can help you . It's really great stuff. roger

Listen to the members cautioning you against trying dramatically reduced loads with 4350. Light loads can only be assembled with faster burning powders. Take a look here for some tested data using H-4895 powder. Otherwise, the Speer manual has even milder loads listed with some even faster powders. The H-4895 powder is nice to use because you can also load it up pretty well, especially with lighter bullets, 150 gr and under.

Thanks everyone for your input. It is a good thing that I asked.