I am a newbie in this reloading game, and I would like to work up some light target loads. I am shooting a 30-'06, and I have psorias arthritis that has settled in my shoulders. Consequently, a 50+ grain charge is rather punishing after 15-20 rounds, and I would like to know what kind of light target loads other people load for their '06. If I could come across a 25 WSSM for a good price I would just leave my'06 for deer, black bear, and elk.

Welcome to the forum. Lot's of good advice and information to be found here.

What bullet weight will you be using? Jacketed or cast bullets? Give us a little more info, options are plentiful.

I currently have the Speer reloading manual, and it gives loads from the 85 gr. Plunker to their 220 gr. Grand Slam. I understand the need for a suggested starting charge and a maximum load charge. Can you work backwards just like you work up to maximum loads? I assume so. Just made me feel all warm and fuzzy when the Speer showed less than 20 gr. charges, with muzzle velocities for the sr4759 powder.

From NRA Handloading book
bullet
110 spr ptd sp

powder
17.0 DUP 4759

primer
cci 200

velocity
1590fps

Are you looking for target, as in match accurate or plinking loads?

If it is plinking, I would look at cheap light bullet with the old standard of Unique. I would start at 5 grains and pack in some tissue to hold the powder in place. I would be careful not to go much beyond about 10-12 grains of unique because of the pressures it can build up.

Also, have you thought of chamber insert? Numrich Arms sells 30-06 to 32 acp insert http://www.e-gunparts.com/DisplayAd.asp?chrProductSKU=197720&chrSuperSKU=&MC= For a few dollars you can buy the insert and pick up 50 rounds of 32 acp. It would allow to shot at most indoor pistol ranges as well.

Pete

I use 14 grains of 700x behind 125 remington bulk bullets. This gives me around 1800 fps. Taken from lyman reloading manual for cast bullets.

Midway has some magtech pistol bullets (71 gr and .310 diameter) for a little over 3 cents each. I have wondered if these would be good 25 yard loads for makeing holes in paper, but haven't tried them yet.


JerryO

The suggestion of Seafire's blue dot loadings is a good one. I might add that I have gotten fair accuracy from 30 cal. 110 gr. fmj carbine bullets. If you look around you can find these in bulk at good prices. Although I do recommend the blue dot you can get good results also from inexpensive, surplus 680. The 110 gr. bullet and these powders will totally tame your 06 hammer. Try it you'll like it. roger

Welcome aboard.

You may want to search for Seafire's Blue Dot loads and go down to the Remington 125 grain bullet.
It would give one plenty of zip with significanly reduced recoil.

Reduced recoil and noise level is KEY (in my humble opinion) to develop the elements of shooting skills!