30-06 Powder

[ArchAngelCD]

I know there are other variables that effect accuracy and every rifle is different but generally, which powder have you found to produce the most accurate rounds in a 30-06 when loading a 165/168gr BTHP bullet?? These rounds will be fired from a Bolt Action rifle, not a Garand. If you choose "other" please specify which powder and why.

Also does your choice change when you use a 175gr BTHP bullet instead of a 165/168gr bullet?

Thanks...

 

[Ben Shepherd]

4350. Fifty seven grains under a 165 core-lockt. 1 ragged hole at 100 yards in my rem 700.

I don't load 175's, just 180s, but I still use 4350. Tinkering with H414 at the moment because it meters so easily, but haven't settled down on any loads yet. Too many projects, too little time.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Hodgdon H4831SC in all my bullets weighing greater then 165 grains...

 

[Galil5.56]

Other.

For my 22" Rem 700 and Hornady 165 SPBT's, I used IMR 4064. Good accuracy, could use in my friends M1, economical, good load density, good enough. Never really tried it with anything over 165 that I recall, or recorded data for.

 

[Smokey Joe]

Which 4350???

Arch Angel CD--As you undoubtedly know, there are three different 4350's, made by IMR, Hodgdon, and AA. They are similar, but every manual that mentions them says not to use data from one, for the other.

So, which 4350 did you have in mind?

I get very good results from IMR 4350 with my .30-'06, using 165 gr. softpoint SGK's.

However, I've read so many good reports on Varget that I'm seriously considering trying some of that.

I know, I know, don't mess with what works. Still....

 

[ojibweindian]

I've always had success with H-380 when using a BTSP or SP 165 grain .308 bullet.

 

[Halwg]

I use H-4350 with 165 gr. in my Ruger M77 and Remington 760 pump.

 

[Chihuahua Floyd]

Aa2520

 

[smitty_bs]

Imr4064

 

[evan price]

Varget

 

[ants]

IMR-4064 performs best for me, 150g through 180g bullets.

IMR-4350 also performs well.

 

[NotSoFast]

Which 4895, IMR or Hodgdon?

I use both, plus H335 depending on the situation.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I didn't specify which company's product because they are close in performance it's almost a none issue since I wasn't asking about charges.
I have used both IMR and Hodgdon in both 4895 and 4350. I tend to like IMR4350 but with 4895 I lean towards H-4895. I was also thinking about giving Varget a try when I made this post. Since I was at Cabela's yesterday I picked up a lb of Varget and will see what I get. Unfortunately it will be a good long while before I can test the rounds at the range since it's very cold here right now with a lot of snow and ice on the ground. Hunting in the weather is one thing, running rounds over the chrono at the range is another! LOL

Thank you all for your comments so far. I appreciate the knowledge being shared here.

 

[ReloaderFred]

My favorite for more years than I can remember has been IMR 4320 and the Hornady 165 grain BTSP. I've taken everything from ground squirrels to elk with this combination in my Browning BAR.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[GP100man]

IMR 4064, nuff said!!

GP100man

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Couple thoughts here-

Anybody know if varget it temp sensitive? If so, you best test it when cold if you plan on hunting when it's cold. Some powders get right intrestin' with temp swings.

 

[Smokey Joe]

Blowing hot & cold...

Ben Shepherd--

Anybody know if varget it temp sensitive?

Varget is one of Hodgdon's "Extreme" line of powders. These are supposed to be quite temperature-insensitive. I hope so. From the Hodgdon website:

Our exclusive line of extruded rifle powders – Hodgdon Extreme™ – was developed to give shooters consistent performance, load after load, in even the most extreme heat and cold.

This is one of the reasons I want to try it myself.

 

[jgh4445]

Another vote for 4064

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[tango2echo]

IMR-4895 or Varget. Both rock!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I was hoping Varget would get some support and it is. I didn't knowm there were so many reloaders using 4064 for the 30-06... Live and learn.

 

[Halwg]

I also use 4064, but for the lighter bullets. 125 gr - 150 gr.

 

[33rowdy]

I done alot of 4064 in the 243. I might use it for the 150 grain Hornady.

Someone up top said something about H380. I do like that in my 270. Is their load data for the 150 grain Hornady with H380?

 

[Highway_Star]

I've had good luck with Win 748 and IMR 4350. Use what works well in your rifle.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I havern't tryed Varget yet. the milder loads with 4895 do great in my M77. hotter loads open up groups.