wondering if anyone out there had a favorite load using the 165 or 168 xlc in 30-06?

Barnes manual recommends either IMR 4064 or Varget for these bullets. Both should get over 300 fps

sniper,
I used 63 gr RL19 , got 2650 - 2700 fps
24" barrel factory 30/06 WW M70

sheephunter

That will be up to your rifle.
My .308's like AA2460 the best, one grain under max.
I would recommend the 168 gr. bullet over the 165 gr. Especially if you are using a factory barrel.
The 168 gr. XLC is made with a Tangent Ogive, not a Secant Ogive like all the other X bullets. This is done to make the bullet more accurate in a wider variety of barrels and loads according to Barnes. From my experiences with it, this seems to be the case.
The 168 gr. bullet checked out at plus/minus .1 grs. on my scale.
Be sure to get all, or nearly all, the copper out of your barrel first. That means shine a strong light down the bore after you push a white piece of paper down the bore from the muzzle.
All four of the rifles I've used it in shoot better with the bullet seated just off the lands, not .050 inches as Barnes recommends. I'd try both. E