Just aquired a 60 vintage 742 in 30-06 off a Pawn Shop wall here in Texas, almost new....looks like it has been sitting their since Nixon was in China.

Thinking about a load for this rifle, already have the RCBS Small Base Dies.

Plan on using 180 grain bullets.........

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[ 05-04-2003, 03:58: Message edited by: Alaska Bush Man ]

I have had good luck with IMR 4350 and 180 gr bullets. Manitoba can be pretty cold during hunting season and I have found the most consistant accuracy when I used mag primers. Some of the new Hodgdon extreme powders (H4350)that are not sensitive to temp might also be a good choice.

While we are on the subject of 742's,I have a quetion.The gunsmith I bought mine from(have no idea when it was manf,but it is pristine)suggested that i shy away from anything heavier than 150gr loads,as anything heavier would be harsh on the action.Any comments or first hand knowledge?

Always use the small base die.
Nothing slower than IMR 4064.
180 grainers OK!
Use moderate loads.
Gas port pressure is critical for good function and longevity.
You know when youv'ed screwed up as the extractor
might follow the case out of the weapon.LOL
Moderation,Moderation.
Good shootin,
Steve from New Joisey

I've shot this load in 6 or 7 742's and all shoot well with it. 48gr IMR 4895 with Win 150gr Soft point. I never had to worry with the small base dies.

In the Rem 742 or Browning BAR in 30-06/308 Win. I would suggest IMR 4895, IMR 4064, RL-15 and VARGET.

IMR 4895/H4895 was used years in M1 GARAND's with great sucess by PALMA shooters, but really was dirty on the the ports.

IMR 4064 is the powder they fell back too due be cleaner on the gas ports and also had the proper pressure curve for auto's. Excellent powder for Auto's like the 742 and BAR. Fed Match 210GM Primers seem too like all IMR powders for the 06' and 308 Win.

VARGET is a newcomer, very close to IMR 4064 in burn rate, and the powder of choice today for the Palma Match shooters and my favorite in my 30-06 and 308 Win. I noticed VARGET prefers CCI-BR2 primers in my bolts and auto's. Very Accurate loads. Overall Favorite Powder!

RL 15 - Reloader 15 should prove excellent in the auto's with a burn rate close too IMR 4064 and VARGET. My second favorite in auto's 30-06/308.

Reloader 19 is excellent in the bolt action's with a burn rate close to IMR 4350. When I had a Bolt gun in 30-06, RL 19 and IMR 4350 was my powder of choice...grain for grain, and again FED GM210 match primers for Reloader powder in the 30-06 and 308 Win. Favorite Powder for Bolt Actions.

[ 07-19-2003, 18:10: Message edited by: Alaska Bush Man ]

About 3 years ago I worked up a load for a friends 742 with 165's so the data would be irrelevant but I made the mistake of starting just 2 grains below max (with IMR 4350), and man did those cases show it. Primers bulged some etc. Anyway, I went back home and searched every manual I had for tips on the 740/742. I believe it was Ken Waters Pet Loads that advised starting at least 4 grains under max with these guns. Anyway, we ended up with a real good load that was well under max but shot great. Sean