Impressive ladder test - Hodgdon Superformance in 30-06

Just got back from the range where I was performing a ladder test with Superformance powder in my 30-06 Tikka T3x under 165-grain Hornady SST's.

This time I decided to do something a little different. I loaded 3 rounds of each charge and shot one round at 100, 200 and 300 yards at the same bullseye (except for 100 - since I accidentally loaded two 60-grain charges).

I wanted to see how the loads "walk" and see if there was a cluster around a certain charge. I was pleasantly surprised by the results.

These are the groups at 100 and 200 yards and 300 was very similar (still easily sub-MOA). Keep in mind that these groups were one shot each at 59-61 grains of powder in .5-grain increments. The groups still held sub-MOA performance despite the 2-grains variance in charge. That tells me this is a very forgiving powder/bullet combination in my gun - something that matters a lot to me personally.

Let me know what you think about this method. Has anyone else tried it, and if so, what were your results?

Incidentally, I did the same with 180-grain Accubonds ( a bullet that is very accurate in this rifle over IMR-4350 powder) and the results were not nearly as impressive. The Superformance powder and 165 SST's really shined today.

Thanks. That rifle weighs exactly 7 lbs. with the 3-9x40 Nikon scope on it. I bought it for a lightweight "mountain" rifle over the Kimber, and I'm happy with my choice.

I've also noticed significant changes in POI with changes in charge weight in other guns/load combinations. Newberry's OCW ladder test gave me the idea for this, but I figured that instead of just shooting all the rounds at the same distance, why not take advantage of the three distances I have at my range and see if I can detect some patterns. Indeed I did and it inspires a lot of confidence when I see groups like these at multiple distances with a full 2-grains variance.

The 61-grain (Hodgdon's max) rounds were well above the group at 100, 200 and 300 yards and indicate to me that the pressures are starting to build. So I think I'll dial it back to 60-60.5 grains for use in the field.

Bart B. said:

Most cartridges shoot with equal accuracy across a 3% to 4% spread in charge weighs. Heavier charges print higher due to slightly faster muzzle velocity and sometimes more muzzle rise during barrel time.

That's very good shooting and load selection plus reloading.

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Thanks Bart!

Very nice! So what is your next move? Obviously around 59.5 looks very forgiving. Any idea on the velocities you were getting?

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One of the reasons I chose to run the test at 3 distances was that my chrono is in the shop at the moment, and I was hoping to get some sense of velocity by running the ballistics. So no, no real idea yet of velocity - just a guess for now. But I should have my chrono back any day now, so I will reload a handful at 59.5, 60 and 60.5 and see if I can duplicate these results over the chrono. I am hoping to have this particular bullet (165 SST) over 2800 fps. and would really like to be closer to 2850-2900 but I am not going to hold my breath either. Anytime I've run a load over my chrono, it always seems to come in 50-150 fps. slower than published velocities.

The 165 SST's were chosen for a few reasons... first - because I felt that was a good bullet weight to swap back and forth between my .308 and my '06, second - because I've had great accuracy with SST's in the past, third - because they are cheap (like me), and fourth - because I am hoping the 165 interbonds will shoot the same so I can load those for an elk hunt this fall.

The idea of being able to use SST's for load development, deer hunting and general range work, then substitute interbonds for heavier duty like elk, is very appealing to me. I know the same can probably be done with Nosler BT's and Accubonds, but like I said - I'm cheap! LOL

jmr40 - thanks and I came to the same conclusion as you, that although I went in to buy the Kimber 84 on sale (same price as the Tikka) I walked out with the Tikka after literally hours of consideration. The Kimber was so light it felt like a toy in my hands, plus the reviews indicated they were great guns if you got a good one. I never read or heard anything about the Tikka other than they were sub-MOA guns for everyone who owned them. I did put a Limbsaver recoil pad on my Tikka and now that 7lb. rifle is very manageable with full '06 loads. Before then, it was about all I wanted!

I also read that the Superformance powder they sell for reloading is the stuff formulated for '06, which is why I was eager to try it. Glad I did. Even better news is that my LGS has it on the shelf for $22/lb.! Not sure how or why but I'm not objecting.

I was glad to see Hodgdon clearly explain the fact that most Superformance powders are custom blends for specific calibers. That kind of up-front honesty really appeals to me as a consumer.

Got my chrono back from service today, so I was able to run some numbers...

Folks, at least in my '06, this Superformance powder is legit. I'm getting within 50 fps. of the published velocity from the 22" barrel on my Tikka. I tested 60 and 60.5 grain loads again today under 165 SST's, and I averaged 2850 and 2880 fps. respectively. Groups were still fantastic. Sub-MOA out to my 300-yard target. One happy camper here!

Anyone loading for an '06 owes it to themselves to try this powder IMO. Shot a single confirmation round at the range on Saturday. 300 yards, cold shot. Put the round in the center of a 2"x2" box. Chrono read 2876 fps. with 60 grains of powder under a 165 SST.

I'm loving this stuff out of my Tikka

I should add that the Superformance powder didn't seem to like the 180 Accubonds that much. They were very accurate over IMR 4350, but only about 1.5 MOA with the Superformance. It was just the opposite for the 165 SST's however. Only average over 4350 but exceptional over Superformance powder.

I have some 165 Interbonds on the way, and I'll know soon whether the claim that they shoot to the same POA as SST's is true or not. I hope it is. If so, I'm done with the Tikka.