Need 30-06 load help

[Randy1911]

I just got a new rifle today (Rem 700 ADL). It is in 30-06 Sprg. I need to know which is the best powder to try first. I have some Varget on hand, but nothing else. so I am open to suggestions. I will be using a 180 gr bullet. Maybe a 168 gr. if I can find them, Thanks for any advise.

 

[sharptailhunter]

If you have Varget already, start with it. It's found in a lot of load recipes. IMR 4064 is well known in the land of -06. IMR 4895 is in a lot of recipes too.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I've used Varget, 4895, 4064 and 4350 for the 30-06 and I like 4350 best with bullets 165gr or heavier. I've gotten good results with the other powders too so like said above, start with Varget and work from there. Varget is supposed to be the most accurate powder around, it's been called the Unique of rifle powders. I haven't gotten good accuracy with Varget and a 180gr bullet though.

 

[Randy1911]

Thanks for the replies. I plan on going component shopping tomorrow. I will see what kind of powder I can find and hopefully primers.

 

[Tim the student]

I use Varget for my M1s. I think you can find a good load with it.

 

[cheygriz]

I've had my best loads with W-W 760/H414.

 

[Randy1911]

I just got back from the store. I got some Varget, primers, brass and some 147 gr. mil-suplus FMJ-BT bullets (that's all he had in stock). When my dies get here I will be ready to start loading.

 

[Jim Watson]

Get on with Midway, Midsouth, Grafs, or Natchez and order some good bullets. I recommend the 175 gr Sierra MatchKing; but there are others that will shoot well.

I shoot for accuracy and do not want to spend time, burn powder and expend barrel life with cheap bullets. It is false economy to me.

 

[Grumulkin]

I get really good results in mine with Varget and 165 and 168 gr. bullets.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I'm with JimWatson;

I've played around with junk bullets and I'm in agreement, lifes too short, and good bullets are just a bit more. If your rifle won't shoot MOA or better with 54-55gr of IMR4350 and either a 175gr Sierra Match King or 180gr Sierra ProHunter or GameKing; or 56.5-58.0g of IMR-4350 and either a 165-168gr Nosler B.T., or Sierra or Hornady match or Hunting JSP, or BTSP, it probably won't shoot MOA with anything. (Speer's are good too.....)

Other than the above listed make and wt bullets, I just shoot cast bullets through my '06's. Most of them will make 2moa at 100yds.

The only reason for using Varget, RL15, the 4064's, ect. is with 150gr bullets or less in weight. The only reason for using a lighter bullet and faster powder is for the Semi-auto's such as the Garand that won't tolerate the slower powders. And I don't use the lighter weight bullets in the '06 anymore. If a lighter bullet is called for, I use a smaller caliber rifle......