[ArchAngelCD]

First off please don't answer by telling me all rifles are different and all the other facts we all already know and know to be true.

I'm asking for answers from shooters who are using the the components and rifles I will speak of.

I am using a 168gr Sierra MatchKing .308" BTHP bullet.
I'm using Federal and Winchester fire-formed brass.
The primers are Winchester WLR primers.
Powders will be both IMR4895 and H4895.

I'm loading for a Model 1917 (mostly) and a Remington 700. I'm wondering if anyone has a "pet load" using the above components for either or of the 2 rifles mentioned. Again, I know fully well every rifle will be different with the same components but I'm looking for a starting point to tweak from. There is a full 5gr charge spread on the Hodgdon load data site and if you throw in several manuals the spread goes an over 8gr spread. If you throw in reduced loads for young shooters the charge spread becomes unreal. I've been using 4350 but want to try 4895 since that's supposed to be "the powder" for the 30-06.

Please understand, I know all rifles are different so please don't lecture me. I'm asking for answers from shooters who use the above components in the 2 rifles I listed. Please don't guess about the answer, I would really appreciate first hand knowledge.

Thank you very much for your time and information...

[tlen]

My pet load for decades in my M-1 Garand and Remington 700 has been 46.5 grains IMR 4895 behind either a 168 gr Sierra International or a 165 grain Spitzer. Very good accuracy for target & game.

[Steve in PA]

46.5gr for 168gr FMJ and 47.0gr for 150gr FMJ is what I use with IMR-4895 for loads in my M1 Garand and 1903A3.

[mnrivrat]

165grn BTSP at 2700 FPS using 4895 was my favoite load and very accurate. Forget the exact powder grn weight - been awhile .

[SlamFire1]

My favorite load is a 168 SMK or Nosler (and recently found that Hornady 168's are fine) with 47.0 grains IMR 4895 LC cases, CCI #34, OAL LT. 3.300.

A mild recoiling 200 yard load, one that I used standing or sitting, was a 168 SMK and 42.0 grains IMR 4895. This load is not appropriate for a Garand, as it is too slow, and it will not shoot well in a Garand. But it does very well in a bolt gun.

The difference in a half grain, that is 46.5 or 47.0 is within powder lot tolerances. So there are a number of folks who basically agree on a load that has shot well in their rifles.

Your M1917 should shoot within the barrel and bedding limits with this load. I have not examined your rifle, obviously, but my M1917 with an excellent barrel and good bedding would shoot ten shot groups within 2 inches. Sometimes less. Which is excellent for a service rifle.

[Sunray]

"...supposed to be "the powder"..." IMR4895 was the powder used in .30 M1 and .30 M2 ammo. H4895 and IMR4895 are not the same powders though. Close, but not the same. Slightly different burn rates. In any case, IMR4064 gives more consistent accuracy than IMR4895 out of my '03A4.

[ArchAngelCD]

Sunray,
I know IMR4895 and H4895 are different powders, that's why I listed both instead of just writing 4895. When I said 4895 was supposed to be the powder I meant supposed to be THE powder for the 30-06. (meaning the best since it was the original)

In my 03A3 I like 58.0gr H4350 under a 168gr Sierra MatchKing and won't be changing that any time soon since it works well for me. I haven't tried 4064 yet but will probably get around to it. I have so many powders now the though of putting another on the bench isn't appealing. LOL

SlamFire1,
You're right, the M1917 was a great service rifle and more accurate than most. My rifle has a good barrel and it's a Winchester barrel. It looks like I'll be starting with 46.5gr IMR4895 and working up to 47.0gr to see if I can find a "sweet spot" for the M1917...

[USSR]

47.5gr IMR4895 in Winchester brass
47.0gr IMR4895 in Federal brass
WLR primer
168gr bullet

Don

[ArchAngelCD]

Does anyone use H4895? I have both and was wondering if IMR4895 is that much better than H4895 that no one uses H4895.

[10X]

I used to use 48 grains of H4895 with a 168 gr match bullet.
It gave good accuracy.

I switched to 4064, same charge, and got the best accuracy.
4064 is longer grained and meters out with more difficulty than 4895. 4064 also burns hotter than 4895.

[P-32]

Like 10X, I found IMR 4064 makes smaller groups. I also suggest giving CCI large rifle primers a try.

[Snapping Twig]

Never tried it.

Big fan of 57g IMR 4350 and a 165g NBT for bolt guns.

Been using IMR 4064 for my Remington 740 - really tightened up the groups and smoothed out the action - 4350 didn't cut it for the semi auto.