Reduced load 30-06 with IMR 4064 OK?

[TargetTerror]

I just started loading for a sporterized Remington 1917 in 30-06. I'm getting my brass from surplus ammo that I shoot through it. It is setup with a peep sight, and I'll be using it highpower competitions, so I'm loading for accuracy, not speed. As such, if I can get a reduced load that is accurate, that would be preferable to reduce wear and tear on the gun and make my brass last longer.

I've got good preliminary results with 43.0 grains of IMR 4064 behind either a Hornady or SMK 168 gr HPBT. I'm using Winchester LR primers. This load is ~2400 fps, and right around the minimum values in most loading manuals. Is there any downside to downloading IMR 4064? I ask because I had a squib with a downloaded 357 magnum H110 load before I knew not to do that with H110.

 

[tlen]

Hodgdon recommends using H4895 for reduced loads and H4895 is a powder very well suited for .30-06.
http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/Youth%20Loads.pdf

 

[Toten Kopf]

I use reduced loads in my 03A3 during old military rifle shoots. The load I use is quite accurate and has very little recoil, it's also good out to 200 yards.

The load uses 20.1 grains of IMR 4759, with a 147-150 grain FMJ bullet and the mean velocity is 1730-1758. I have shot many, many of these load and never had any problems.

Of course it's not using the IMR 4064 but it is an alternative.

 

[USSR]

TargetTerror,

No problem with that 43.0gr load of IMR4064 that you are using. I have a similar reduced load using 42.0gr of IMR4895 with a 168gr bullet.

Don