What is a good all around powder for the 30-06 Springfield. I will be loading 125gr and 165gr bullets to start with. From my reloading manuals it looks like the IMR series of powders seem to work the best. What do you recommend?

I only tried H4350 w/ 165 Gr BTSP's in my 30-06. Couldn't argue with .375" groups, so I haven't tried anything else. Read that alot of other folks had the same luck with that combimation. Ended right at 2800 fps.

The 30-06 is so flexible that there a bunch of powders that will work well in it from H 4895 to RL 22.

Having said that, my FIRST choice would be either IMR 4350 or H 4350, either will work quite nicely in that cartridge.

For the 125's:
IMR-4350 From 51.0 grains to 61.0 grains
Winchester WLR Primer

For the 165's:
IMR-4350 From 48.1 grains to 59.0 grains
Winchester WLR Primer

I am sure that the following will work very well imr 3031, imr 4064, 4895, imr 4350 and H4831 with the 165 gr bullet.

Not many are familar with imr 3031. It gives outstanding accuracy with all loads in the 30/06.

[ 11-27-2002, 19:30: Message edited by: Don Martin29 ]

Ricciardelli hit the nail on the head as far as IMR4350.

For 15-20 years IMR4064 was my favorite in 06 pushing a 165 Nosler Ballistic Tip. But I kept hearing about 4350 until I finally bought a can and tried it. I haven't proven yet that 4350 is clearly superior in my rifle, but it seems to have a slight edge over the 4064.

Both of these powders work beautifully in this caliber, both are extremely easy to find, and if you're a believer in "pet loads" posted by other shooters, these are almost certainly the top two powders you'll run across.

Load 57.5 grains of IMR 4350 behind the 165's. If you can't find the IMR, use H4350--either will work. Keep the charge at 57.5 grains and if your rifle is free from construction defects, it will group MOA or better with this load.

If you have bedding problems, or bolt lug/face errors, you may have to finesse this charge one way or the other to get decent performance.

For the 125's, ease very, very carefully toward 62 grains.

4350 is where to be...

Dan Newberry
green 788

Thanks for the info fellas! It probably doesn't make a difference, but the rifle I'm using is a new Sako M75 Stainless Synthetic. They are advertised to shoot MOA or better from the factory so we'll see when it comes in. Can't wait to get it!

Coyotes and ground hogs beware! Wild boar next on my list. Mmmmmmm pork chops!

As you and some mentioned above most all the IMR Rifle Powders should work fine,as well as A LOT of others.
don't over look IMR-4831 or 4320,H414,4350,4831.Win-760.RL-15,19 and 22.

I started out using H4831. Then I tried R15 and have stuck with that. I also have tried IMR 4350. Pretty limited compared to most people here Not to worry, I am slowly looking to try new powders!

For 150 grain and lighter bullets I would use IMR 4064, and for those of 165 grains and heavier I would use H 4350 or IMR 4350.