Another 30-06 load questions...

[vega]

I tried my load for 30-06 last Sunday and below is my data:

Bullet - sierra sptz 150 gn
Powder - 49.1 gn IMR 4064
Primer - Winchester standard rifle load.
Case - Once fired Federal (by me)

At 100 yds it was about 3". I only tested 2 rounds then I went on to 200 yds but I was not able to put a paper target. My first 2 rounds found their mark but I don't know if I'm hitting low or high. My son was spotting for me.

My questions - I know I seat the primers flush but when I checked my empty casings they were not seated flush. I was not able to measure it but it bothers me. Did I put too much powder in there? I don't have the data in front of me now but I recall the max is about 52.0 gn.

Do I need to reduce the load for once fired cases? HOw many times more can I use this case? I still have about 60 rds of my hand loads and I don't want to shoot it til I hear from someone who is more knowledgeable. Do I need to pull out the bullets and reduce my loads?

BTW, I did not use load dispenser when I made this rounds, I did it the slow and sure way. Weigh and load using RCBS scale. I checked the accuracy of the scale first before proceeding to load.

TIA.

vega

edited to add - I dont have the OAL now but I know that I was within the standard.

 

[dakotasin]

from a safety standpoint, i think your load is safe.

i would start load development over from scratch, though as i would be unhappy w/ 3" groups at 100... and at 200, the groups are probably testing the outer limits of an ethical kill.

what was your chrony data? if your loads were at or above the max listed velocity (even w/ less than max powder charge), then you are at max pressure. it doesn't sound to me like this is the case, but the lie detector (chrony) could tell you better than i.

also, if your chrony was spitting back real high sd's, it would confirm a need for a better load.

when the firing pin drops on a primer the primer detonates against the case, and may unseat the primer a little. then the powder ignites, and the case is slammed back against the bolt (this is where lug peening occurs), and the primer is re-seated. so... although chrony data would make the info more complete, and may refute what i am saying, i think it is safe to say that your loads are adequately below max loads (not reseating the primer).

once fired cases are usually bigger than virgin brass. thus, to get the same operating pressure, you need more powder. this is an oversimplification because we are talking minute measurements, but you see the theory.

 

[vega]

Thanks for replying. Sorry I did not make myself clear. At 100 yds my shots were 3" high and the group was 1/2". I don't have a chrono and I'm already broke. I'd probably hook with someone who has one.

vega

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Your group size is 1/2", but 3" high at 100 yards correct?

That isn't bad at all if your running an off the shelf rifle, you just need to regulate the sights or scope for POA/POI to match up it sounds like.

 

[dakotasin]

ok, 1/2" at 100 = load development done.

yeah, i think your load is safe.

3" high at 100 is pretty high. makes killing smallish targets at close range harder than it needs to be... on my rifles w/ no turrets, i sight in 1.5" high at 100. where to sight in is a personal preference, though... through a few years of experimenting, i found that 1 - 1.5" high at 100 worked best for me - but if you like yours there, then that is fine.

 

[Art Eatman]

vega, I've been using 52.5 grains of 4064 behind a 150-grain bullet since 1950. I've used Remington Bronze Points, the old-style 150-grain Hornady Spire Points, and in Sierra both the spitzer and the SPBT. Given a wee dab of tweaking with whatever rifle I was using, I've reliably gotten about 3/4 MOA with three- and five-shot groups. My first '06 was a 1917 Enfield; since around 1970 I've used a Wby Mk V with the 26" barrel.

Sounds like you've got a nice, accurate load.

With a scope, I've always sighted in for two inches high at 100 yards. This is pretty close to dead on at 200, and about six inches low at 300. Since deer-hunting shots are rarely beyond 150 to 250 yards, I believe it's just a case of "point it and pull".

Art

 

[vega]

Thanks for all your replies. Now I feel safe to shoot my reloads. I won't be adjusting my sight yet since I have 2 more different casings with the same load but different bullets. Next time around I will put up paper target at 200 yds.

vega

 

[Coltdriver]

If your primers are backing out a bit you might want to check your head space.