30-06 Loads

[VA Shooter]

I just got a Ruger American and I'm going to start reloading for it, I have a few different manuals and was wondering what loads you all have found to be accurate.

 

[Rick Courtright]

I just got a Ruger American and I'm going to start reloading for it, I have a few different manuals and was wondering what loads you all have found to be accurate.

Hi,

It's kinda hard to say if there's a universally accurate load for most rifles!

So all I can do is report that MY rifle, a Savage, likes Alliant Reloader 15 or Win 760, using 150 gr bullets. My brother in law's Ruger 77 MkII is happy when it gets 180 gr bullets w/ IMR 4064. Many will suggest the 4895s, either IMR or Hodgdon's, using both bullet weights.

Someone will correct me if I get this wrong, but I believe you'll find the military .30-06 was loaded w/ a 147 gr bullet over IMR 4895. These guys talk about some current loads that work well in the military rifles for match purposes (I notice one of them's almost identical to my BIL's favorite), so some of their recipes may be of interest:

http://garandforum.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=ammoandreloading&action=display&thread=57

If you're lucky, you won't have a picky rifle! If it is, though, you may have to try a few powder/bullet combos before you find what you, and YOUR rifle, like! Sorry to be so "unhelpful."

Rick C

 

[VA Shooter]

Rick, This was very helpful I have several powders and bullet weights to try. I'm going to load some up this week end I will try some of the ones you mentioned and any other ones that come up. Thanks

 

[loaded round]

I've had excellent results in my 700BDL with Hodgdon's Varget using loads in my Speer #14 manual.

 

[sourdough44]

I'd start by asking your goals? Is this mostly range shooting or setting up loads for hunting? If hunting, is it local deer or something else? I mostly use one of the 4350s with 180 grain bullets, also with 165 grn bullets. If I drop down to 150 grains I'd use a slightly faster powder, Varget, 4895, or one of the many choices in that area.

For just plinking away I load some mil surplus 147 grn FMJ with a mild charge of H-4895.

For local VA deer hunting I'd 1st try a 165 grn Sierra Gameking.

 

[catfish621]

We use 4064 with 150 gr. bullets for Deer. You can't go wrong with 4350 either.

 

[Silent Sam]

Pick a bullet that meets your needs. Find a medium to medium slow powder you have or can get. Compare charges in as many manuals possible. There are probably more published 30-06 loads than any other caliber. I bet your rifle will shoot many loads well.

 

[The Preacher]

For years and in a number of '06 rifles I've used 48.5 grs. of IMR 4064 and a 165 gr. spitzer (In my case a 165 gr. Remington Core-Lokt). Not the fastest load but target load accurate. If your rifle doesn't shoot this load well it's the rifle not the load.

The Preacher

 

[Buckhorn150]

Good to here all the IMR 4064 posts,just picked up a pound to try for my 30-06.Gonna save my varget for my 223,and 22-250.

 

[dougader]

150 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip with 52 grains IMR 4064. Crazy accurate, and a great deer load.

180 grain Speer BTSP with 56 grains IMR 4350.

These are max loads in at least a couple reloading manuals, so back off 5% or so and work up to your most accurate load.

 

[LAH]

150 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip with 52 grains IMR 4064. Crazy accurate, and a great deer load.
These are max loads in at least a couple reloading manuals, so back off 5% or so and work up to your most accurate load.

+1

 

[catfish621]

we also use the 52 gr. charge of 4064 under 150 gr. bullets. Some manuals show this load as over max but we have had no trouble with it.

 

[Paul B]

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/newsletters/May_2009.html

This should help if the link works.
paul B.

 

[sailorb]

In my Ruger M77 Mk 2, a 180 gr Nosler Partition over 60 gr of RL22 shoots 3/4" groups at 100yds. I have had the best results from slower powders, H4831, RL 22, RL 19 and any of the 4350s. My gun seems to like heavier bullets, 165 and up and I have never found anything faster than 4350 to work well. I do have some good loads for 110 to 125 gr bullets with H4895.

 

[Bryan]

I use 50 grains of H4895 and a 130gr. Speer Hollow Point in my Encore pistol for my hunting needs.

 

[M'BOGO]

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/newsletters/May_2009.html

This should help if the link works.
paul B.

Gotta agree with the 165's and 4350

 

[horseshoe]

Its already been said but I will say it again, 150 Nosler Balistic Tip and 52 grains of IMR 4064. I also like IMR 4064 with the 165 grain Speer. Good luck.

 

[Deadeye]

For years and in a number of '06 rifles I've used 48.5 grs. of IMR 4064 and a 165 gr. spitzer (In my case a 165 gr. Remington Core-Lokt). Not the fastest load but target load accurate. If your rifle doesn't shoot this load well it's the rifle not the load.

The Preacher

I used the same load in my old Remington 700 Classic I could cover the group with a dime.