30-06 and 168 gr bal tip loads

[tkeveney]

Anybody work up any loads for the 30-06 and the relatively new 168 gr balistic tip bullets?

So far, I've tried W760 and IMR 4350 powders.

Best accuracy was with 56 gr of IMR 4350 - group size .97 inch (not bad for my Ruger)

Best combination of accuracy & power is 57.5 gr of W760 - group size of 1.2 inch (not perfect by any means, but again not shabby for my gun and this shaky shooter.)

Any reason why Nosler hasn't added this bullet to their load data chart?

I am relying on Hornady load data for working up my loads. I'm sure that Noslers' marketing director believes that friends shouldn't let friends use Hornady :grin:

I'll continue testing with some different powder weights, and will probably focus on W760, as it works very well with a volumetric powder measure.

If anyone else has experiences with this caliber/weight combo - please chime in.

Thanks!

 

[Richracer1]

I would say to use the 165BT info. Nosler has several caliber listed that 2 weights of bullets share the same info. Those already listed are a 5gn spread, 3gn isn't going to matter that much.

 

[DrMike]

+1 to RR.

3 grains is negligible in load development.

 

[tkeveney]

Other manufacturers have vastly different data for 165 and 168 gr bullets. On the surface, it would appear that the data should be the close to the same as the weight difference is only 3 gr. However, the 168 gr bullet is a lot longer than a 165, and has a much more gradual taper than a 165.

If one seats bullets to depth using a comparator, which measures your loaded length based on the point at which the ogive diameter reaches .308, the 168 gr bullet should be seated further out - giving one more room for powder.

If you have a Hornady loading manual handy - check the differance between 165 and 168 gr bullets. Their data shows a higher maximum charge for a 168 than a 165.

I can't believe Nosler built the 168 gr bullet without testing it. They give us data for everthing else - why not the 168?

 

[DrMike]

I'm uncertain what loading manual you are reading. On page 475 of the 7th edition of the Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, the data generated for the 165 - 168 grain bullets in the 30-06 Springfield is identical. The data on page 386 of the 6th Nosler Reloading Guide for the 165 - 168 grain bullets is identical, including the 168 grain CT Ballistic Silvertip and the 168 grain Custom Competition. All manufacturers list data as tested, and not all are identical due to a variety of differences in powder lots, rifle used (24 inch Lilja barrel for Nosler and 23 3/4 inch Winchester Model 70 for Hornady). Therefore, I would think that respondents are somewhat puzzled by your question. Can you clarify what you are asking, especially in light of the fact that Nosler lists data for the CT Ballistic Silvertip?

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

A good friend of mine uses a max load of H4350 w/the 168g CT NBT. Shoots 1/2"-3/4" at 100 yards around 2900fps. He uses it for elk and deer and hasn't had any problems with them on the 2 elk hes shot with them. He said they were all passthroughs, not more then 300 yards either.

 

[tkeveney]

I'm using th 4th edition of the Hornady book.

On pages 347 and 348 the max powder charge for the 168 gr is 2.5 grs higher for the 168 gr vs 165.

 

[30-338]

I'm using th 4th edition of the Hornady book.

On pages 347 and 348 the max powder charge for the 168 gr is 2.5 grs higher for the 168 gr vs 165.

Nosler # 1 use to give separte data for the 30-06 using 165gr or 168gr bullet. Most reloading manual list the two bullet using the same data.

If I want to work up loads using 165gr or 168gr bullets in the 30-06 I'll use the Hodgdon 2009 reloading manual as they list the powders I like to use. They have separte data for each bullet and since Hodgdon has taken over the IMR powders they have increased to a max of 60grs using IMR-4350 with a 165gr Sierra bullet and a max of 58gr with a 168gr Hornady bullet.

I don't have the new Lyman manual but #48 list load for 165/168gr bullet separte same with Richard Lee 2nd edition Modern Reloading.


well good luck