180g Nosler AB - 30-06 R22

[AzDak42]

I have an upcoming elk hunt and decided to go with a 30-06. I had some crazy chrono number and I'm curious if anyone else is seeing this with R22.
COAL 3.330
Brass: New Starline

The velocity at the min load is already over what R22 is showing as faster than max.

58.0	NR
58.4	2836
58.8	2854
59.2	2870
59.6	2854
60.0	NR
60.4	2901
60.8	2904
61.2	2899
61.6	2937
62.0	2953

Seemed like it was shooting reasonably well. Zero pressure signs on the primers. No flattening at all. This lot of R22 goes back to 2018 but it's been sealed.

I'm tempted to try some accuracy testing at 60.8g.

Just a little leery about being 150fps over the book. It's a different primer and a different case. Just surprises me I'm that far over. Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[RL338]

What is your barrel length and chronograph used?
Your RL-22 numbers are inline with what I saw with N555 and 180gr AB. Mine wears a 24” barrel and shot with a Magnetospeed. 180gr AB are on the right side of sheet.

 

[salmonchaser]

I’m working at the BBQ but 62.5 gr. Rl 22 gives me 2925 or so with a 180 AccuBond in my 06.

 

[AzDak42]

Good to know I'm not way out of bounds. Thanks!

24" Bergara barrel and using a lab radar chrono.

 

[TackDriver284]

I don't have a 30 -06, but that is some nice speed for a 180 AB in a 30 06. Looks like there is two nodes there, one at a slower speed with 59.2 -59.6 grains and the faster node at 60.4 -61.2 grains. I won't hesitate to try 60 .4 to 61.2 grains and see what it shows on paper. Keep us posted.

 

[jimbires]

60.4 - 61.2 looks like a nice wide node . I'd start working at the 60.8 gr and try working seating depth for better accuracy .

 

[SJB358]

I’m not sure you could get into pressure trouble with RL22 and the 30-06 myself.

Remember 30-06 data is capped around 60k PSI so if you’re seeing a bit faster speeds but cases, primers, extraction, etc are good you’re likely in good shape,

2900 with a 180 is solid 300 mag territory and that’s pretty serious on the reach factor as well.

60.4 - 61.2 looks like a nice wide node . I'd start working at the 60.8 gr and try working seating depth for better accuracy .

Agree with Jim here as well.

I loved RL22 when it was available. I never saw all the terrible things the internet said it was. Wished it was still around myself.

 

[Blkram]

Bergara's barrels have a good reputation, and yours may be faster than other barrels in 30-06.
And reloading guides are just that: guides showing SAAMI standardized data for typical performance in the specific barrel the manufacturer used in their testing.
E.g. I have a 7MM STW with a 24" MacLennan barrel that produces velocities matching the 7mm RUM with a 26" barrel: just a fast barrel.
If you are getting great accuracy with it and no pressure signs, you are golden!
QuickLoad is a great resource as you can enter your data for your rifle and it will tell you if you are safe, or over pressure, with a particular load. But again, you must verify in your rifle. (The old saying is "Trust, but verify".)