Powder choice for 30-06

[mkk41]

I like H-414. It's the same powder as W-760 , just a different label. It's the ball version of 4350. Good for heavier bullets.

For 165gr and less , the Garand match shooters I know are having excellent results with Varget. It's in the 4895 burn rate class. Somewhat faster than 4350.

 

[Marksman]

+1 on IMR 4064, some years ago I was looking for a single IMR powder with which to load .257 Roberts and .35 Whelen. After extensive research and range testing IMR 4064 became my powder of choice, I see no reason that it shouldn't prove to be an excellent choice in .30-06.

 

[ACP230]

I have had good results in both bolt and semi .30-06s with H4895.
It's worked fine in both match and hunting loads with 147 and 150 grain bullets.

 

[running iron]

I have been using IMR 4350 with 190gr. bullets for years in my B.A.R. with excellent results. I'm using 52.5 grs. This is the same load that one many matches at Camp Perry. I do know that my B.A.R. does not do well with lighter bullets. It cycles too fast, but with 180-190gr. bullets she shoots very good. I never heard not to use this powder in a B.A.R. 190gr. Sierra H.PB.T. for targets and the great Hornady 190gr.B.T.S.P. for Elk. I can see that maybe it's the bullet weight that is the problem in some cases, not the powder. At least that was the case for me.

 

[Dan Cash]

I'm surprised no votes for IMR-4064. I found out that Federal uses it in their .308 Gold Medal Match round, and I've had terrific success with it in that round. I am going to work up a load for my Springfield 1903s with it next, .30-06.

4064 is a super powder for bullets up to 165 gr. Beware if you use it with heavier slugs as your load is either ok or too hot and it gets too hot quickly. No pre indicators, just too hot.

 

[HalfSwiss]

Do you have other calibers you are going to load for? I've had excellent results using 4064 for 30-06, 7.5 Swiss, 30-30, 250 Savage, and 22-250. Makes it so I don't have a bunch of different powders stacked up in the cabinet. My standard bullet weights for both 30-06 and 7.5 Swiss are 165 and 168 gr. Consistently excellent results with 4064.

 

[true fire]

iam using the imr 4350 and 150 corlocts
iam using imr 4350 and 150 gr rem cl seem to be working good i am getting 1in groups at100yds.try some differnt powder and heads to see witch ones your 06 likes best. have fun reloading and give us a range report

 

[Lowpower]

I lucked into approximately 500 rds of Lapua 170gr FMJBT'S. I'm loading them behind I4895; 46.0 gr for the Garand and 46.5 gr for the -03 and they have been very accurate.

I shoot competition with my .308 bolt gun and have been shooting Berger 175 LRBT's behind 43.0 gr of Varget. I've been using it for years now and it has to be the most stable powder in any temperature.

I will continue to use IMR 4895 in 30-06 as I save the Varget for targets.

I seldom get down to 150 gr bullets in a 30-06 since the bigger bullets will normally carry long distance in this caliber.

If you noticed my powder charges...they are not for the hardest hitting power but the most accurate shot placement.

On a side note has anyone noticed that there really is a difference in felt recoil between Varget and I4350? The Varget pushes against your shoulder and the I4350 slaps it.

 

[scorvers]

Full length size for hunting ammo and neck size for paper punching. I like maximum charges of IMR4350 for hunting ammo. Some folks think IMR4895 gives better accuracy but with less velocity. For hunting animals the size of northern Whitetail, I REALLY like the Sierra 165 grain SPBT. Your rifle will tell you what it likes best.



Bruce

^^THIS^^ With the exception that I use the flatbase bullet. Keep in mind that it's hard to load a 30-06 round that isn't accurate.

 

[jlynch34]

IMR 3031 - 150 Gn Hornaby PSP - works great for me.

 

[Bearcat74]

I use IMR4350 with 150 and 165gr bullets. I moved up to the 190 BTSP Hornady for a while and had great results with H4831.

 

[cmort666]

For anything up to 168gr., IMR4895 or H4895 is great.

For 175gr. and up, I would use IMR4350 or IMR4895. I shoot nothing but the 200gr. Sierra Match Kings in my .30-06 Savage 112BVSS, and get excellent results at 600 yards.