Nosler#6 and Nosler#7 Don't March

nosler06 · Apr 9, 2013

So I have decided to check some of the data from both manuals after a day at the range. I find there is some differences with the 30-06 180gr info. Here is what is printed:

Nosler#6

IMR4350 powder
max 55.0grs 2758fps 100% load density
53.0grs 2653fps 96% load density
51.0grs 2548fps 92% load density

Nosler#7

IMR4350 powder
max 56.5grs 2734fps 94% load density
54.5grs 2636fps 90% load density
52.5grs 2528fps 87% load density

Am I missing something? The IMR4350 max loads are now increased, but the load density has gone down 6%. The Hunter powder shows similar as the max load has gone up, but load density has gone down 8%. Does anyone else know if I am missing reading something? It is making me think twice about what data has been printed.

DrMike · Apr 9, 2013

Different lots of powder. Different lots of primers. Test chambers and barrels may well have changed. All contribute to the differences you see. It is a good reminder that hand loaders are responsible to start low and work up whenever changing a component.

Guest · Apr 10, 2013

Something as simple as a new lot of brass could easily change the measures case capacity for the testing. At least we know Nosler is likely doing actual tests as opposed to recycling data or using a computer simulation.

joelkdouglas · Apr 10, 2013

I think the load data is very similar--if you look at the velocities that start going into high pressure. IMR's data indicates 56.5 grains is max--at a velocity of 2750 fps. If you have a chrono just load until you hit 2750 fps, and that's probably a good max.

Hard to get into pressure issues with IMR4350 and the 30-06 anyhow. I run out of case capacity before I see high pressures, or velocities approaching "max load" velocities.

I was disappointed that the 25-06 info from Nosler #6 and Nosler #7 was the same. To me that means they didn't retest 25-06 loads.

SJB358 · Apr 10, 2013

joelkdouglas":2o47k2uh said:
I was disappointed that the 25-06 info from Nosler #6 and Nosler #7 was the same. To me that means they didn't retest 25-06 loads.

Actually, I think they added some Retumbo loads and some other slower powders in the new #7. I was very happy to see they added some new data. Maybe I am missing something, but I could swear #6 didn't have Retumbo data shown?

joelkdouglas · Apr 10, 2013

Also just saw the info about Hunter. I don't have them in front of me, but I think Nosler #6 lists 58.0 grains of Hunter as max, and Nosler #7 lists 57.0 grains of Hunter as max with 180s.

I load Hunter with 180s--it's my primary powder for that bullet weight, and I only load for a 30-06 that I shoot quite often. I don't think the case fill percentage is right anyway--Hunter never quite fills up the case as much as other powders. But that's fine with me, as I don't have to use compressed loads like I do with IMR4350 (my rifle has a short throat). I believe Ramshot says 60 grains of Hunter is a max load in the 30-06.

Have you tried Hunter with magnum primers? It's all I have ever used--I've not tried it with regular primers. I should one day, I guess.

joelkdouglas · Apr 10, 2013

SJB358":xutrrx5e said:
joelkdouglas":xutrrx5e said:

I was disappointed that the 25-06 info from Nosler #6 and Nosler #7 was the same. To me that means they didn't retest 25-06 loads.

Click to expand...

Actually, I think they added some Retumbo loads and some other slower powders in the new #7. I was very happy to see they added some new data. Maybe I am missing something, but I could swear #6 didn't have Retumbo data shown?

You're probably right--I'll have to look again. I don't have either here at work.

I have a 25 cal barrel now, just waiting on a stock and then I'll have a 2nd rifle--a 25-06! I found some H4831 and H4831SC locally to get things started. If 110 ABs (have some on hand from SPS 2nds) shoot well with it, that will probably be the first and last load I try!