168 Gold Dots in the 30/06

[Cwlongshot]

I have worked up one load with StaBal ).5 in a 22" Mauser. Velocity is 2840 and just under 3/4" accuracy.

I have been picking these up regularly so Im not caught flat footed with no projectiles is Speer up a deletes these as they too often will. Grrr. Anyhow. I have a good quantity and want to work up some 165's in a new Winchester Stainless. I would like the 165 GrandSlams but having difficulties getting a quantity. I have 150 or so pcs. I would like a temp insensitive powder but dont have enough StaBall and dont Find more. I do have Varget and H4350. Varget is slower so H4350.
So far I have pushed them to 2950 but not great accuracy. 1.35". Trying the 168's next...

Anyone using these at these higher velocities? I understand its a "308" bullet so 1/150 fps slower.

What say you guys?

CW

 

[Joe C.]

I like the Gold Dots very much. I shoot the 150 grain variety from my 308 Win at 2980 fps and CFE223. A few things about this load surprised me.

First was the velocity of 2980 fps while having no pressure signs. It’s a less than max Hodgdon load.

Second, they are very consistently going into 1/2” at 100 yards.

Third is on game performance. Shot a small 4 point at 70ish yards in WV a few years ago. The Gold Dot retained 139 grains of weight, with a perfect mushroom. Disintegrated the near side shoulder knuckle, and stopped under the far side hide after breaking a rib of the far side. It’s a truly bonded bullet, the Deer dropped in its tracks, and the bullet looked like a chunk of chewed bubblegum, but it sure held together. I like them very much. I have no doubt that the 168’s will work very nicely for you.

Maybe try CFE223 in your ‘06. It works great in the 30-06. It loads at the top end of the velocity curve. It’s not temp stable but I’ve spent a good bit of both range time, and hunting with it and never saw any difference in POI. It’s also readily available just about anywhere.

 

[Cwlongshot]

Thanks fellers!

So far I have shot two test loads with H4350 and Hornady 165 BTSP and 168 GD bullets.

The Hornadys allowed past 59.5g and 2940 fps. The Speer showed stiff bolt @ 57.8g and 2900 fps.

Accuracy was right @ 1 MOA for first couple loads then expanded to 1.75 W/ Hornady and 2.15" W/ GD. Ill try the 165 Grand Slam next. I could probably. BE OK with 2875 fps. As long as accuracy is there. 2900 is target for this 24" Bbl.

I will try Varget next. Then if I can get some more, Sta-BALL 6.5.

I did work up a .780 2860 fps load with sta-ball 6.5 and a 168g GD in my 22" Mauser 30/06. That same load is 2.25 moa in this Winchester!!! Its also about the same velocity!!! Woulda been nice to have same load shoot in both guns...

I just re stocked my Winchester in a pillar and glass bed Hogue stock.