I have a 30-06 Ackley Improved that I finally got to perform well, but am getting pressure signs. Anybody out there load for the 06AI and what powders do you use? I have tried Varget, 4064 and 4350, what else might work well?

thanks all.

Red

Dago... *most* pressure signs in AI cartridges are a direct result in owners believeing that they should be getting significantly higher velocities than the parent case. Few AI(s) gain significant velocity.
Any powder considered for the 06 should be fine for 06 AI

What is considered significant? The problem is not that I am not getting significant performance over standard 06, I am not getting published velocities for a standard 06. Of course many reloading manuals "exagerate" velocity, or use longer barrels than standard etc. And you are absolutely correct, any powder that will work for the 06 will work for the 06ai.

So I will change my question, of the more than dozen powders available for the 06 does anybody have a preferred powder that has performed well for them?

I may try Hogdon 4350 instead of the IMR that I tried before, does anybody know the difference in RBR between the two?

thanks again all.

Red

The best powders are likely to be;
4350
imr4831
H4831
VVn160
VVn165
Shooting my standard 30/06 I get 2740fps with 200gr Sierras using 4831sc. A friend uses the same powder in his AI which I built for him and gets 2890 (his barrel is 27 inches. Mine is 26)
I am able to exceed 2800 with VV165 but velocities are not as consistent. Regards, Bill.

Thanks Bill,

the 4831 was the next one I was thinking about trying, thanks a lot. I unfortunately am working with a 24" military barrel. I also noticed that lands in the barrel look worn, not quite pitted, but not smooth, just eroded looking. The rifle still shoots good groups so I don't think it is affecting it, but taking it to the gunshop after work to have them take a looksy.

Without a doubt try IMR 4831 It's the best for me. Light bullets easily exceed factory, and the heavier you go the less the gain. 150's 3100 ft/sec, 165's do 3000, and 180's do 2850 and 1/2 MOA. I like the results in my rifle. Good luck!

I would try Reloader 22

Here�s some results with Vihtavuori powders 26" shilen barrel:
200 grs Nosler part, VV 165, 61 grs, giving 2755 fps; I believe it maxed out; too slow burning powder.
200 grs Nosler part, VV 560, 64 grs, 2855 fps average. No pressure signs yet.
250 grs Barnes orig, VV165, 58 grs, 2513 fps

Boha

I don't know if anybody local carries the Vihtavouri powders, I read an article about them a few years ago and they got great review. I took the cases to the shop last night and my gunsmith looked and said it didn't look like too much pressure but if I was getting a sticky bolt once in a while (once out of 15 shots Monday, and not a lot of stickiness) I should back down half a grain and see what happens. Said that the slight cratering I am seeing could be the firing pin hole in the bolt face is a bit enlarged.

Since I have to back off and experiment anyways I will go ahead and try out the IMR4831 since I have some in the powder drawer anyways. If I run across some of these other powders I will try them out as well. I also have a standard 06 with a muzzle break for my fiancee that needs load development, I will try these powders for that one when I get a chance.

You all have been great help.

Red

For 150 gr bullets IMR 4350.For 165 gr RL 19.For 180 gr and 200 gr RL22. These combinations provide the best accuracy and the highest velocity in my rifle.NOTE Rifle has 24 in barrel and started life as a std 30-06. Max loads and velocities were worked up in the std chamber then repeated in the imp chamber.There is not a single load that resulted in a 100 fps increase in vel in the imp chamber.

Dago Red,

I recently found a 1966 vintage Speer Reload manual at a shop for 3 or 4 bucks. It has some interesting comparisons for the 30/06 and the Ackley. This was back before lawyers ruled the gun business.

It points out that their research indicated the use of 4350 or 4831 particularly with bullets of 165 grains or more in the Ackley. Their test rifle was a rechambered Enfield 1917.

In those days, 4831 and 4350, be it IMR or Hodgdon were sold as being exactly the same, not different like today. It also highlights the only reason to build the Ackley is for the heavier bullets. If only using 150grainers or 165, it indicates sticking to the standard '06.

I do use a load for the '06 for heavy stuff I saw in an old manual. It works well with no pressure signs in a Winchester and Weatherby Vanguard. Using H 4831sc, 61.5 grains with a 200 grain Speer and Fed 210 primers ( or CCI/LR)
in a 24 inch barrel we chronograph loads at 2825 to 2850 fps. In a 26 inch barrel in a 1917 enfield, that loads clocks at 2875 to 2900.

That is about the top horsepower in a '06, and the Ackley does not improve on it, from what I have seen from anyone I know who owns one or hunts with one.

2900fps with a 200gr bullet? That's cookin'.

150gr bullets H4350, RL19
165-200gr bullets RL22, RL19

I've pushed 165s over 2900fps in several '06s, w/22" tubes using RL22. Accuracy was tops at full throttle too. MtnHtr

Red,I've had good results using Accurate Arm's 3100 with Fed primers and brass. This was using 168 gr moly coated bullets. Have you tried using moly coated bullets? Might help with the stickey bolt.

DR, assuming 180 grain bullets and between 22-26" barrel, I like Reloder 19.

Dago,

I don't have an AI but in my Browning Safari 06 I can seat the COL at 3.450. Gives me 1-3 grains more powder in the case.

I really like H414, RL22 and RL19 with 180 grain bullets. The last time I checked velocity from the 22" barrel it was right at 2834-2850 FPS.

Just my .02 worth

BD