30.06 Need a Good Load Fast

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28 November 2007, 09:03

Prewar70

30.06 Need a Good Load Fast

I want to bring my 1950s Winchester model 70 Super Grade in 30.06 on an upcoming south TX deer hunt. I won't have time to work up loads except to sight it in at the ranch when I get there. This is a backup rifle to my trusted 280 but I want to bring it along to whack a few hogs as well as deer.

If you were in this dilemma, what would your load be if you were going to shoot 180 grain Northforks, Lapua brass, and CCI benchrest primers. Thanks.

28 November 2007, 09:19

tom`

43-44 grains of RL-15. Be a bit conservative but you should still see about 24-2500 depending on barrel length and other vagaries.

As you said, you don't have time to work up so may as well start slightly low. If my .30-30s and .223s can kill south Texas deer, I don't see any point in worrying about getting the ultimate in performance when you're shooting blind somewhat with an 06. You could probably get away with 49 grains but I wouldn't suggest that as a shot in the dark. Be safe and load a little low and you'll have time to sight it in when you get there anyway.

28 November 2007, 11:12

Chisana

56.0 IMR 4350 with a 180 grain bullet is a tried and true 30-06 load. It is way more than one needs for deer. Another personal favorite is 61.0 RL-19 with 150 Sierra Gameking. Should give full penetration on anything you will see in Texas. These are both at the upper end of what you will see in reloading manuals.

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29 November 2007, 08:25

Thomas Jones

IMR-4350 is allways my go to powder for the 06. But some guys get grate results with 180 grain bullets and RL-22.
Especially with a 24 inch tube...tj3006

29 November 2007, 08:49

Horn-Harvester

quote:
Originally posted by Chisana:
56.0 IMR 4350 with a 180 grain bullet is a tried and true 30-06 load. It is way more than one needs for deer. Another personal favorite is 61.0 RL-19 with 150 Sierra Gameking. Should give full penetration on anything you will see in Texas. These are both at the upper end of what you will see in reloading manuals.

29 November 2007, 14:48

D Hunter

I agree with the above posters that 4350 is hard to beat in either H or IMR variety. I have also had good luck with H 4831SC at about 62 gr. That is a top end load. Starting there has its risks in your rifle as opposed to mine. Your milage may vary etc, etc. Good luck hunting. Sounds like venison and sausage might be in your freezer before long. "D"

Although cartridge selection is important there is nothing that will substitute for proper first shot placement. Good hunting, "D"

29 November 2007, 17:20

stillbeeman

57grs IMR4350 + 165gr Bullet = good load
55grs IMR4350 + 180gr Bullet = good load

These are tested and proven loads for cup and core, "standard" bullets, ie core lokt, hot core, and such. Don't know how they'd perform with boutique bullets.

29 November 2007, 17:40

muygrande

+1 on 57 gr H4350 with 180.

Might want to take along a box of good factory stuff just in case. Yeah, I know blasphemy.

29 November 2007, 18:03

Gerry

quote:
57grs IMR4350 + 165gr Bullet = good load
55grs IMR4350 + 180gr Bullet = good load

X2

Try a 165 gr. Sierra HPBT, Nosler Accubond or Partition with 57 grs. of H or IMR-4350

or

a 180 gr. Hornady Round Nose with the 55.0 gr. load of H-4350.

Not flashy, just makes REALLY good .30/06 Sprg. ammo.

29 November 2007, 18:49

surestrike

I use 55 grs of H4350 and 180 gr Barnes TSX I get right at 2750 FPS and no pressure signs. Accuracy in my rifle is stupendous!

30 November 2007, 02:00

PUMA454

stillbeeman
That's my load for 180 gr bullets! I get around 2700 fps with that load in my Savage 110!

30 November 2007, 06:17

BFaucett

quote:
Originally posted by Chisana:
56.0 IMR 4350 with a 180 grain bullet is a tried and true 30-06 load. ...

Yep!

There are other powders, of course, but this formula is hard to beat.

-Bob F.

30 November 2007, 06:26

Geronomo

quote:
Originally posted by Chisana:
56.0 IMR 4350 with a 180 grain bullet is a tried and true 30-06 load. ...

I too have gotten good results with this exact load. However, the best any of my 30-06's have shot was with 60 gr. RL 22, 180 gr. TSX's, and Federal 210 primers.

Geronimo

30 November 2007, 12:41

seafire2

62.5 grains of H 4831 SC... 190 Hornady or 200 grain Speer.... ( sierra's is too hard of a bullet for deer)...

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30 November 2007, 22:14

Prewar70

I loaded up 25 rounds last night with 56 grains of IMR 4350. I had on hand 180 grain Nosler Partitions, Ballista tips, Northfork, Sierra Pro Hunter, and Trophy Bonded. I got a wild hair in me and loaded up the last of the Ballista tips with those cute green noses. I figured at 2750-2800 fps and south TX deer, they can't be all bad! Plus, I can't wait to see how the hogs react. I know, I'm crazy for using such an inferior bullet.

02 December 2007, 00:34

buckshot

quote:
Originally posted by Prewar70:
I got a wild hair in me and loaded up the last of the Ballista tips with those cute green noses.
I know, I'm crazy for using such an inferior bullet.

Crazy you might be, but you'll have meat in the freezer if you do your part

02 December 2007, 07:36

Snellstrom

Good choice on the load prewar model 70, that is the load my finicky 30/06 shoots the best but with Sierra 180 grain SPBT's. I've also shot the 180 B.T.'s and Accubonds and am about to load some 180 Partitions to check accuracy but once again the Sierra's have been the best for everything in my rifle (deer, elk, antelope, mtn. goats, Bighorn Sheep).

03 December 2007, 06:05

Jay Gorski

quote:
Originally posted by Prewar70:
I want to bring my 1950s Winchester model 70 Super Grade in 30.06 on an upcoming south TX deer hunt. I won't have time to work up loads except to sight it in at the ranch when I get there. This is a backup rifle to my trusted 280 but I want to bring it along to whack a few hogs as well as deer.

If you were in this dilemma, what would your load be if you were going to shoot 180 grain Northforks, Lapua brass, and CCI benchrest primers. Thanks.

Ive loaded 48.5grs RE15 with 180s, no pressure problems. Should give around 2700fps.

03 January 2008, 07:29

DWright

A load of 55-57 grains of IMR4350 behind a 180 grain Hornady Spire point has been the best accuracy and game load I have come across with my last dozen or so 06s. Work up slowely however, as the 57 grain load worked in my old Browning, but too hot for several rifles. Good shootin'

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03 January 2008, 07:42

wayles

Two loads two different 30-06. For my 98 Mouser its 57.6 gr of IMR4350 and a 150 gr accubond. shoots sub moa. For my remington 700 BDL its RL19 60.5 grains and a 150 gr accubond also sub moa shooter. Just shows they all can like a little something different . The best I did with the remington useing 4350 was about and inch at 100yds. Both guns pillared, beded,and free floated Good luck
Wayles

05 January 2008, 04:49

zimbabwe

I never understand this type of question. Why not just use the book. You are going to have NO idea how a load will perform in your rifle till you shoot it and the book loads are pretty much sure to be safe. ANY load mentioned here I would have to check against several books to assure myself they are even safe to shoot. Baffles me. But I ain't very smart.

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06 January 2008, 19:26

22WRF

quote:
Originally posted by zimbabwe:
I never understand this type of question. Why not just use the book. You are going to have NO idea how a load will perform in your rifle till you shoot it and the book loads are pretty much sure to be safe. ANY load mentioned here I would have to check against several books to assure myself they are even safe to shoot. Baffles me. But I ain't very smart.

Zimbabwe

Actually, I think what you had to say is very very smart.

K

08 January 2008, 08:08

seafire2

For 180 grain bullets in the 06, I use 50 grains of IMR 4064..... it is accurate and has no pressure problems at all.. even in the finicky Browning A Bolt...

that is the fastest load listed on Steve Riccardelli's site, with that bullet weight..

13 January 2008, 04:58

dmazur

49gr Varget with 150 gr Hornady SST's.

This is Hornady data, and is not a maximum load. Chrono's at around 2800 in a 22" barrel.

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13 January 2008, 05:02

dmazur

Sorry. I didn't see the rest of the problem.

+1 to referring to load data for 180 gr Northforks. Without the book, you're going to be guessing at COL.

.30-06 Springfield: 100 yrs + and still going strong

13 January 2008, 05:23

dmazur

Aha! More info:

The Northfork site says they don't have load data and suggest the customer use a chronograph and work up a safe load using data obtained from several books.

Without specific data, I'd guess you'd select a starting load for a 180gr bullet with a similar profile, load to that COL and measure velocity. If velocity is close to predicted value, OK to increase load slightly.

I think I see why the OP asked the question. Northfork data is hard to get!

.30-06 Springfield: 100 yrs + and still going strong

14 January 2008, 04:17

BsChoy

quote:
Originally posted by dmazur:
49gr Varget with 150 gr Hornady SST's.

This is Hornady data, and is not a maximum load. Chrono's at around 2800 in a 22" barrel.

My featherwieght winchester loved 50.0 grains of varget under the 150 sst. it was good for a very repeatable 1.5 inch at 200 yrds