Is 59 grains of H4350 safe for a 180g bullet in a 30-06?

[Macchina]

Hello,
I'm working up loads for my Father's Savage in .30-06. I am shooting a 180 grain Nosler Accubond over H4350. Last time I shot, I used 165 grain Accubonds and loaded 57, 58, and 59 grains with 59 being the best. None of the loads showed any signs of over pressure. The 59 grain load performed well.

I bought more bullets and decided to load up 50 of the 59 grains for hunting, only to discover I bought 180 grain bullets when I was double checking everything. The max load for a 180 grain bullet is 57.5 grains of H4350. The load is just barely compressed. Would these bullets be safe to try out to see how the pressure is? I know the 30-06 is a relatively low pressure cartridge to begin with.

 

[Kernel]

I know the 30-06 is a relatively low pressure cartridge to begin with.

 

[NCsmitty]

I think that you better invest in a bullet puller if you do not have one. I know that I cannot give you the ok to pull the trigger on that load.


NCsmitty

 

[Macchina]

sorry, I'm not looking for somebody to tell me out of the blue: "eh, sounds safe". I was hoping somebody shoots this load themselves and can tell me if they are expiriencing any pressure signs.

 

[Shoney]

The 59.0 gr IMR4350 w/180gr bullet load exceeds the maximum loads in several of my references. My notes also show that 57.5 gr IMR4350 with 180gr bullet is a compressed charge, and that is working hard to get all of it in to Win cases with a long drop tube and vibration.

It would be interesting for you to pull a few of these loads and see what they actually weigh.

 

[Varminthound]

Like NC said, get a good reloading book. Mine shows that the load you ask about is excessive. Additionally, when you change one component you need to restart at the starting load again and work up the load in your firearm.

I don't mean to "talk down" to you but in the interest of safety....

 

[ants]

Hi, Michael.

The answer is "No". Your rifle (and your Dad!) are too valuable. Love them both and take care of them.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I realize the current load data is a bit anemic but I tend to trust the powder manufacturer's load data. Hodgdon lists the Max charge of H4350 under a 180gr SIE SPBT at 57.5gr so I'm guessing 59.0gr is pushing the limits and will probably be over-pressure.

I normally load a 165/168gr bullet in the 30-06 and I use 57.0gr to 58.0gr charges depending upon the bullet I use. I would try starting much lower than 59.0gr with a 180gr bullet and work up to be sure you don't ruin a good gun.

 

[qajaq59]

Do it the safe way. Just say, "Oooops" and pull them. Then start over. There's no profit in risking yourself and a rifle to avoid 20 minutes worth of work.

 

[rcmodel]

I know the 30-06 is a relatively low pressure cartridge to begin with.

That's kind of a stretch.

SAAMI MAP for the 30-06 is 60,000 PSI.
That's right up there with the best of them.

And plenty enough to blow you clean up if a case lets go with your over-loaded 180 grain bullets..

You need to pull them!

rc

 

[LeonCarr]

58.0 of H4350 is max for the 180 grain .30-06 in the Speer #14 manual...don't do it.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[lgbloader]

I see a bit of a problem with someone going straight to maximum powder charge for a new cartridge or firearm without proper work up to begin with much less starting with an over max powder charge. This is just not a good practice.

I believe now would be a good time to rethink your ammo assembly process. Take it for what it's worth, don't take it as an attack, file it under great advice.

LGB

 

[Offfhand]

Just count your blessings that you discovered your error before shooting the 180s. Probably the worst that would have happened would have been stiff bolt opening, and the Savage is a stout action too. But still?