Took the 1952 760 Gamemaster out today. loaded up a couple loads last night as a starting point. 165 grain SGK bullets in front of IMR 4895. Started at 49 grains and worked up one grain at a time to 52 grains.

First off I was amazed at how well the old Weaver v7 scope worked. At 100 yards it was very clear and those fine cross hairs showed up fine. I shot some 150 grain FMJ loads first that I have loaded for my M1 just to see where it was at on paper. They actually shot pretty well about 1 1/2 inch group at 100 yards.

The scope was a bit finicky with adjustment but I hope once I get a load that I know I can tune it in.

Of the 4 loads tested only the 50 grain load of 4895 was acceptable. It gave me three shots at right about 1 1/2 inch. Weather conditions were cold and windy and I have not shot all winter so I expect I will be able to do better.

All in all with the group I got with the FMJ's and the one group with the 165's I believe this old vintage rig will meet my expectations of 1 1/2 inch hunting accuracy for a pump rifle that will be used for under 150 yards. I just need to find what it likes.

30-06? Very cool rifles these days. Seem it wasn't too long ago that they got a nod for practical but didn't really interest anyone.

Now? An old 760 in any caliber's darn near a collector! And they still shoot. My 760 '06 is from 1979.

You might try one of the slight faster powders than 4895 with the 150-165 gr bullets. You don't mentoion velocties but it sounds like you got better accuracy with 4895 at lower V. Somehting a bit faster might get you the same result with no more powder and maybe a bit more velocity.

Good lcuk! -WSJ

I might not even bother with a differant load heck 1.5 is min of deer out to 400 yards.

quote:

Originally posted by wsj:
30-06? Very cool rifles these days. Seem it wasn't too long ago that they got a nod for practical but didn't really interest anyone.

Now? An old 760 in any caliber's darn near a collector! And they still shoot. My 760 '06 is from 1979.

You might try one of the slight faster powders than 4895 with the 150-165 gr bullets. You don't mentoion velocties but it sounds like you got better accuracy with 4895 at lower V. Somehting a bit faster might get you the same result with no more powder and maybe a bit more velocity.

Good lcuk! -WSJ

Yes mine is 30-06 and I did not bother with the chrony today. I usually get a load I like before I run them thru it. I have several powders I can try. I used 4895 first as I have lots of it for the M1 loads. I also plan to try IMR 4064 and IMR 3031 as well as maybe 4350 when I move up to the 180 grain bullets. And yes p dog shooter 1 1/2 inch will be fine for the intended use of black bear hunting but the 165 grain SGK is not my bullet of choice for bear. Still have to decide what bullet I want to use. Leaning towards 180 grain Partition.

Can't go wrong with a Partition. And if you happen across some a bargain price you might try the Speer Grand Slams in any of your bullet weights. Every now and again they can be found at a great price, which just isn't true of Noslers, which are just too popular to clearance.

I've had good luck with IMR 4350 and the Reloader powders in 30-06.

-WSJ

Sounds just about typical for a 760. Seeing as how it's the first shot that counts,1 1/2 MOA for a field rifle is as good as you need. The rest is only chit chat. roger

I worked up a load for a couple of old Remington autos in 30-06 and they both shot very well with a near max load of IMR4350 and 150gr Hornady Interlocks crimped. I don't remember if they were 742's or what but they would both shot fairly consistently under 1.5" at 100yds and sometimes under an inch.

Try pushing 150s with Varget. I've done a few 760/7600 rifles and they seem to like right at 51.5 Varget under a 150. Favorite load in my 760 is 53.5 Varget under a Barnes TTSX. comes out at 3150, kills deer like lightning, and shoots inside an inch.

Build the load around the 165, it's the best B.C. for that diameter bullet.

30-06 Spfd. I have a Win. Mod. 70 "Stainless Classic," Leupold VXII 3 - 9x 40mm in silver (to match the stainless) We're doing 4895 on some 165 gr. Nosler bullets. Gnat's ass accurate.

30-06 is "God's Caliber" -- I think probably 4895 is "God's rifle powder."

I have had great luck using the bullet I want to use, and changing load harmonics by trying as many different powders as I can find loads for. I haven't had to try more than 5-6 powders yet.