30-06 load developement: testing
- Thread starter OFFGRID
- Start date
Jeremy2171
Member
Could be... what rifle is this? I think I missed that.
OP
OP
OFFGRID
Member
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2022
- Messages
- 379
rem 700
Jeremy2171
Member
Yeah it would.
30-06 is so versatile.... just about anything will work.
What powders do you have on hand?
lightman
Member
I've used it in semi-autos and it worked well but I would go with a slower burning powder in a bolt gun. A buddy uses Winchester 760 in his '06 but I've never made a good load using 760!
2ndtimer
Member
IMR 3031 should work fine, although is a little faster burning than optimal for maximum velocity, especially with heavier bullets. You should be able to find an accurate load with it. You could even try your H-4831 in your 30-06.
True story, I took my first buck with a 30-06 years ago. I used a Winchester Model 70 Lightweight carbine with a featherweight contour 20” barrel. My handload was a Nosler 165 gr Solid base Spitzer bullet pushed by 58.0 gr of H-4831. It was accurate, and the reloading manuals indicated 2700-2800 fps for velocity. One shot at 85 yards as he was scampering up a ridge, DRT.
Later I chronographed the load out of my rifle and was stunned when it indicated a leisurely 2400 fps! Apparently the 4 point mule deer didn’t realize how slow the bullet was moving and expired on the spot. I am sure that load’s ballistics could be duplicated (or exceeded) with a safe charge of IMR-3031, or any one of a dozen other powders. The key is accuracy. The only way to verify that is by trying it with your rifle. Have fun!
Random 8
Member
I still think you should jump that LGS AA4064 while it's there. IMHO, 4064 really is the sweet spot for 30-06/150s. 4895 can be also, but you'd have little crossover to .243 except for the lightest varmint bullets. My M1 hated 4895, so I stopped at 4064.
OP
OP
OFFGRID
Member
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2022
- Messages
- 379
h4831 and blc2. i just seen a lb of imr 3031 locally amd was womdering if i should buy it
i really just hate the idea of paying $$$$ for shipping.
When using military brass, which is thicker than commercial brass, case volume is less. When case volume is less maximum powder load will also be less.
The general rule is to use 2 grains less powder for your max. Having a sticking bolt on ejection should be a big warning that you are over max with your load.
What is your overall cartridge length? Have you been seating all your bullets consistently at the same depth?
According to Hodgdon you should be just over 2800fps at 50 grains of BL(C)-2. I do agree with the others the 4064 is a lot easier and more effective powder to use. I once used BL(C)-2, but no longer do. I found it to be somewhat hard to ignite and erratic in damp and cold weather. 4064 and Varget are both very good substitutes. You should be able to reach and exceed your goal of 2800fps at 52 grains with either of those two powders. The nice aspect of Varget is that it is now temperature insensitive, though a little pricey.
The general rule is to use 2 grains less powder for your max. Having a sticking bolt on ejection should be a big warning that you are over max with your load.
What is your overall cartridge length? Have you been seating all your bullets consistently at the same depth?
According to Hodgdon you should be just over 2800fps at 50 grains of BL(C)-2. I do agree with the others the 4064 is a lot easier and more effective powder to use. I once used BL(C)-2, but no longer do. I found it to be somewhat hard to ignite and erratic in damp and cold weather. 4064 and Varget are both very good substitutes. You should be able to reach and exceed your goal of 2800fps at 52 grains with either of those two powders. The nice aspect of Varget is that it is now temperature insensitive, though a little pricey.
GeoDudeFlorida
Member
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2020
- Messages
- 11,226
Check the shelves for 110ger, 125gr. or 130gr. JSP flat base bullets. If they have any at a good price*, buy them and the IMR 3031. It's a very good powder for lightweight bullets in the '06. The flat base in my experience with a Remington Mdl 721 works best. Your Mdl 700 might prefer boat-tails so if both are available, and both are a good price, buy both and find out.
* IMO .20-25 cents a round is pretty good in today's market. I used to buy Sierra Match Kings by the 5lb bag for $5 but those days are pretty much gone.
.45Coltguy
Member
"I used to buySierra Match Kings by the 5lb bag for $5 butthose days are pretty much gone".
Sierra on Painter Ave in Santa Fe Springs? Knew that place well.
Sierra on Painter Ave in Santa Fe Springs? Knew that place well.
Last edited:
GeoDudeFlorida
Member
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2020
- Messages
- 11,226
Nope. B&H Gun Rack in Merritt Island.
Charlie98
Member
IMR3031 is a good powder, but there are better powders for the .30-06, and particularly if you are going above 150grn or so. Not that IMR3031 won't get it done, mind you, and it's a very good powder in other cartridges, like the .308.
I agree... forget the IMR3031 and score that AA4064!
I agree... forget the IMR3031 and score that AA4064!
barnfrog
Member
If I am correctly informed, Varget was intended to occupy roughly the place IMR4320 did on the burn chart, with supposed greater temp stability. I still see folks occasionally reporting that they found a pound or two of 4320 once in a while.
stillquietvoice
Contributing Member
Can't say for sure with your rifle, mine, 308 based, changed with a 20* temp change. It depends on how wide your accuracy/velocity node is.
