load information for 30-06 168 gr ballistic tip

[tkeveney]

I've just ordered the new 168 gr balistic tips in .308 caliber. I will be loading them in 30-06 for my ruger model 77 - 22" barrel length.

Anybody out there loaded this one yet?

I am curious to as to which loads perform best.

The 165's seem to work quite well with IMR 4350 - 57 grains.

Is there much difference?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[JD338]

tkeveney

Welcome to the forum, happy to have you here with us.
The 168 gr shouldn't be much different than the 165 gr you are currently loading except for a little better BC. For safety, drop down 2 grains and work up with your current load.
If you are up to playing, try RL 22. Start at 59.0 grs and work up to a MAX load 63.0 grs.

Let us know how she shoots for you.

JD338

 

[tkeveney]

I've not ever toyed with the RL powders as they typically involve compresed loads.

Any thoughts or experiences on compressed loads would help.

Thanks.

 

[JD338]

I've not ever toyed with the RL powders as they typically involve compresed loads.

Any thoughts or experiences on compressed loads would help.

Thanks.

This is a compressed load, 338 RUM 250 gr AB and 98.6 grs Retumbo

JD338

 

[tkeveney]

Holy Christopher, dude. That's a nice group. 98 grains of powder - that must be some cannon you have.

Do you use a drop tube to get the charge to shake down.

Whats the load density?

I see that the results are impressive. Talk to me about procedure - if you would please.

Thanks.

 

[FOTIS]

Load density should be 108 % or thereabouts.

 

[Richracer1]

It's not over 100% as I have some some 338RUM loads w/250ABs and Retumbo. 98.6gns is, my guess, around 95-98%. What do you think JD?

 

[JD338]

First off, this is not a Max load. The load density is close to 100%, I think Richracer1 is spot on. The charge is very close to the mouth of the case. I then use a Black & Decker Mouse sander (with out any abrasive) and vibrate the charge to settle it down in the case. Then I seat the bullet and have but the slightest bit of powder crunch.
I never went above this charge weight with the 250 gr AB because of the accuracy level I achieved at a decent velocity.
Here is another group with the same compressed load-

JD338

 

[normo]

I have had good luck with IMR 4064 at 48.5 grs with the 165gr AB
and switched to RL19 with 58.0grs and the 165gr AB, I got better accuracy and was able to tighen the group a fair amount, plus the RL19 meters better.
This is shot in a Ruger M77 as well.

 

[tkeveney]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I think I will try the RL 22. The velocity figures are pretty impressive. If I read the data correctly - RL 22 produces it's best accuracy near max load. Something close to 3000 fps would be screaming fast for this caliber & weight.

JD338 - I noticed you live in Rockford - I'm in Byron Center.

Which club do you shoot at?