W760 loading data discrepancy for 30-06

[libbylibbylibby]

Hey folks,

I just sent an e-mail to the folks at Winchester Smokeless Propellants ([email protected]) asking the same question, and hopefully I get a reply in a reasonable timeframe, but I thought I would also draw on the experience of forum members as well.

I have been using Winchester 760 powder for 30-06 loads for many years with good success. By chance, I was out looking around on the Winchester powders site, and decided to take a look at their "Reloading Data Center" web page where you can look up load data for Win, IMR, and Hodgdon powders. However, when I looked up loads using W760, 150gr bullets, I was surprised to find that the listed "starting" and "maximum" values were significantly above all of the data sources I had been using for years, Hornady (older manual), Lee Precision (packaged with their dies), and to double check myself I also went to Handloads.com.

When I say significant, the older data "maximum" value was the new data "starting" load! Does anyone have any specific experience with this discrepancy in the data? Any other insight?

Thanks!

 

[Sagebrush Burns]

With any powder/cartridge/bullet combination out there, there is often a rather wide range of min/max loads. If you have loads that have worked for years and new data appears it is best to approach with caution, especially if your loading near max. I have found W760 to be my best powder for 30-06 loads using 150 and 165 bullets, but the available data was on the hot side. Loading at listed max levels I was getting 3200 fps with 150s and over 3000 with 165s, but the loads were VERY hot. Using less than max loads I settled at just over 3000 fps with the 150s and just over 2900 fps with the 165s with no pressure signs and fine accuracy. Each rifle/load combo is its own story and you need to test and establish what works for yours.

 

[xtratoy]

loads I have used for years for my 22-250 and 30-06 are 2-4 grs. lower on the Hodgdon web site than my Hornady manual from the 80's show.