Hornaday 7th Addition M1 section.

[jjmcnace]

Do you guys think that the max loads are on the very conservative side?

Also what are your thoughts on the powders listed as being in the "range" for the M1?

I was thinking of trying VIHT N-150 and RL-15 with 168 gr bullets. Any experiance with these powders in the M1?

Also a general question- generaly is it true that the higher the powder charge required to load for a specific velocity the slower the burn rate? Example 44.6 IMR 4895 = 2500 compared to 46.0 of RL-15 = 2500 meaning that RL-15 is slower.

 

[Ol` Joe]

The loads appear to be in the range of velocity that the 30-06 originally gave with ball ammo. The M1 is gas operated and excassive pressure will damage the rifle. You don`t want too slow a powder or suitable powders loaded to max pressures.
I don`t load for the service rifle but if I did I would likely start with a 165-168gr bullet. Probably a boattail such as the Sierra MatchKing or the Hornady A-Max.
The speed of a powder can change depending on the load. You can probably "ASSUME" the slower powder is the one giveing like velocity with a larger charge but it isn`t always a good indicator.

 

[Sunray]

168 grain match bullets love IMR4064. Works well with 165 grain hunting bullets too. The rifle was designed for 174.5 grain bullets, not 150s. However, the 165 or 168 grain bullets with 4064 seem to give the most consistent accuracy.
"...the burn rate..." This is determined by the chemistry of the powder not how much powder. Look in your manual for burn rates.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

The 30.06 barrel was originally designed for a 174.5 grain bullet. IMR 4895 and IMR 4064 are both good powders to load for it. 168 grain bullets work well with the original barrel also, much better than the 150 grain military ball. I've used 168 grain Sierra Match Kings for everything except the 600 yard line, where I used the 175 grain to get the best accuracy where wind had the greatest effect.

Both Ol' Joe and Sunray are giving you great advice. I would follow it.

Start at the low end and work your loads up to a place of good accuracy and don't work about velocity. Velocity and lots of powder doesn't equal accuracy. Matching powder and bullet to your firearm, along with miking your chamber and matching the overall length of your cartridges (.02 under the chamber length) to your chamber does.

Regards,

Dave