.30-06 starting load Win 760

Status
Not open for further replies.

bb07

Member
Joined
Apr 10, 2010
Messages
15
Location
Canada
Hi all,I've got a question concerning .30-06 starting loads using Win 760 with 180 gr bullets.
Hodgdon says 50gr to start & 55.5 max.
Lyman 49th says 45gr to start & 52 max.
Where to start?
I've always used IMR 4350 in the past but haven't been able to get any lately.
This is the first time for me using 760.
Thanks.
 
Welcome to the Forum, bb07.

This is a very common question. Answer: You pick the book (or manufacturer's online reloading data source) you wish to follow, then follow it faithfully. Not just powder charge, but OAL and primer type and bullet type. The choice is yours.
 
Welcome to THR. bb07.

I recommend the Hodgdon site start load, but I would use a magnum primer with that ball powder.



NCsmitty
 
This is a situation where I like to reference a 3rd source, in this case I have Hornady's 4th ed. data. They list the MAX load as 56.6gr of WIN 760, a min load of 49.4gr, with a Federal 210 primer. Max Vel - 2800.

I've had good luck with WLP primers, and that is the primer listed by Hodgdon, so I wouldn't worry about it lighting up that 760. I've also had good luck with Hornady data, but I stay away from their MAX, since I don't always use the primers they list.

Based on the 3 sources, 53max-55gr MAX, and you would be safe starting 46gr-48gr.

Personally, I would use a WLP, and load a few at 48, 50, and 52 gr. If the 48 gr & 50 gr shoot best and similar patterns, I'd go with 49gr. Same for 50 & 52. If 52 is best by a noticeable amount, I'd try 53, and a couple at 54 if it's getting better. If 50 is best, I'd bracket (49 & 51), and see which side to be on. Could end up at 50.5gr for a nice accurate load, for example.

I should also mention that I pay attention to the pressure #s that get posted, and if a powder is at or near the top of the range, I definitely want to stay below the MAX listed to account for variations from the test equipment to my test equipment, which includes my limbs. Since I seldom see the pressure curves of the listed powders, it's hard to know if pressure is going up incrementally at MAX (linear), or taking healthy steps up in pressure (non-linear) and quickly approaching dangerous levels.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top