.30-06 at buddies request

Of course, we all get requests from our buddies for rounds from time to time


http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=605175

180 gr nosler hunting bullets

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=341679

180 gr hornady target loads


Bullet Weight (Gr.) Manufacturer Powder Bullet Diam. C.O.L. Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure

180 GR. SIE SPBT Hodgdon H4895 .308" 3.300" 41.0 2427 38,100 CUP 46.0 2638 48,800 CUP



Thoughts, opinions, suggestions ?

Bullets are his choice....thinking of starting at the base 41gr powder.

 

It's Illegal to sell ammo to your friends, some people do it, but it should not be posted on the internet, use the starting load for the bullet and powder you are using and work up as needed, I have found that the starting loads are often not as accurate as 1 or 2 grains above the starting load, but I always start with the starter.

 

Hey there Blarby, what's been going on?
Here is some load data that will perform like a charm.
Using those 180 gr. bullets as follows:
RL22 - 62.0 grains. This is a compressed charge but will work very well.
Min. OAL 3.250" with the boat tail
Min OAL with the standard base bullet is 3.160"

RL19- 59.0 grs. Also a compressed charge
The same min. OAL applies.
Velocities shouldl be in the mid 2700 fps range.

I would seat up closer to the lands than those minimum OAL's shown. I never go with the listed OAL, I think you mentioned something about loading simular to me a while back.

 

"...180 gr Hornady target loads..." Hornady Interlocks are hunting bullets. The Noslers are a whole bunch more expensive too. Mind you, Nosler bullets are like that.
In any case, there's no point loading with anything if you don't have his rifle so you can work up the load.

 

I think the best thing you could do is to teach your buddy to reload with your stuff.

 

"It's Illegal to sell ammo to your friends, some people do it, but it should not be posted on the internet, use the starting load for the bullet and powder you are using and work up as needed, I have found that the starting loads are often not as accurate as 1 or 2 grains above the starting load, but I always start with the starter"

Who said sell ? I'm jut providing the elbow grease !

""...180 gr Hornady target loads..." Hornady Interlocks are hunting bullets. The Noslers are a whole bunch more expensive too. Mind you, Nosler bullets are like that.
In any case, there's no point loading with anything if you don't have his rifle so you can work up the load."

He wants to use a cheaper bullet of similar weight and BC for zeroing purposes...similar, not precisely Apparently the rifle is finicky for this weight zone, so he says. I think its just that he got his first buck with that weight, myself.

I do/will have access to the rifle during the process.

I'll show him that info gamestalker- he might go for it !

Thanks for all the input !

 

Bolt action? If so, and you have either IMR or H 4350 around, you may want to look into it.

 

Thanks for the powder rec. !

 

Nothing wrong with H4895 at all. But with a slug weight over 160 in a 30-06, fired from a bolt action, 4350 has much more potential in the velocity dept.

 

He happens to be a little recoil sensitive.

I know, wrong rifle, right

I will squish a few using different powders for him, however.

Thanks !

 

"...similar, not precisely..." Hi. Nothing worse than trying to help a buddy, except trying to help a relative.
"...so he says..." He a bit daft? Most commercial .30-06 hunting rifles have 1 in 10 rifling. Best with 150 to 175 grain bullets. Doesn't mean you shouldn't do him the favour.
Convincing him that the .30-06 loves 165's with IMR4064(more consistent accuracy than either IMR or H 4895) far more than 180's with any powder might be an idea too. A 165 will do anything a 180 will do with a bit less felt recoil. Mind you, I don't think I'd make an issue of it. After all, you're just doing the guy a favour. The post on the other forum about teaching him is valid too though.
"...will have access..." That'll certainly make it work. Compressed loads are nothing to worry about either.

 

Actually I agree with his choice of bullet as probably not being the best option. A 165 grainer will deffinitely fly a lot flatter. Though I suggested rL22 and RL19, IMR-4350 is also an excellent performer, and was my prefered powder for this application prior to stumbling onto the Alliant powder options many moons ago.

 

Thanks for the input.

Soon as I get my hands on the rifle, I think some coaxing into the 165 grain department is going to be paramount.

 

I like 165s in my .30-06. I use 56 grains of IMR4350. That's only one grain under max by the way so be sure to start lower and work up. My bullet of choice in that weight is the Hornady SST by the way.

 

Interesting trend here, regarding slug weight here ain't it folks?

I go that extra one grain of 4350 you don't, Arkansas Paul, and sometimes just a touch less, depending on the exact slug I'm loading. Behind any decently made 165 grain slug, a max or near max charge of 4350 nets me high velocity, and usually exceptional accuracy. I have at least 6 different 165 grain slugs that will do an inch or better @100 yards out of my Rem. 700 when pushed by 4350. So, with the 30 '06 I just change slug construction for different needs, rather than changing bullet weights. Never have to move the scope more than a click or 2 to be re-zeroed with a new load.

Boring it may be, but it puts meat in the freezer reliably.