what powders for top velocity in 30-06 22" barrel 180gr

[mcseal2]

My load for the 180gr Sierra gameking (58gr H4831) did not shoot well with the 180gr Partition in my remington 760 30-06, so I'm starting fresh. All my loading books show results with 24-26" barrels, and I figured with this being such a common caliber some of you would have chronograph results from 22" pipes. I have many powders on the shelf, and have to run to town in the morning anyway so I can get more. With the pump action I will start light and work up but stay under max loads for the book. I'm thinking of starting with RL22 and H4350 or H100V tomorrow.

Any suggestions?

 

[velvetant]

Helped my buddy work up a load, 57 gr H4350 with a 180 NAB for 2720 FPS and groups under an inch.
He has a 22" barrel. I don't own a 30-06 so I don't know if those velocities are high, low or normal.

Randy

 

[kendog]

I think you will find 4350 a little quicker of the 3 without looking at my records.

 

[corbin9191]

+1 on the H4350. It is a great powder.

 

[DrMike]

mcseal2,

You will only lose about 70 fps with a 22 inch barrel when contrasted with a 24 inch barrel. In the real world, that is inconsequential. In the 30-06, you are using a good powder with the H4831. RL22 and H4350 are also excellent. Other powders that perform well in the 30-06 are IMR4831, IMR4350, VN550 and H414.

Randy,

Those velocities look good from here. I opt to shoot a lighter bullet for my 30-06, choosing 165/168 for most applications.

 

[kendog]

Here on the east coast 150 grain bullets are pretty much all I need, I have used 165s and 180s but 150 NBTs shoot flat and kill whatever they touch. With those I used alot of IMR4350 and the H414/W760.

 

[billbam]

I'm using 60.5 RL22 with the 180 Partitions in my BDL 22" @ 2640 fps.
For info, the Federal High Enegery 180 PT was at 2772 fps. I stayed with RL22 for years but now waiting for the weather to break to try some of the other powders to see what i get.

 

[HeathSexton]

59grs H4831 + 180 gives me 2737fps and sub MOA. 59.5grs is more accurate in my rifle but I have not chrono'd it yet.

 

[JD338]

IMR 4350 was always my go to powder for 30-06 with 150-180 gr bullets.

JD338

 

[FOTIS]

RL 17 is it. Some loaders are reporting close to 2900 with the 180 and over 2700 with the 200 gr.

 

[FOTIS]

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthread ... ost3216390

 

[kendog]

wow, that sounds pretty hot.

 

[FOTIS]

Not hot. Just an optimum powder for the task.

 

[kendog]

Never had the chance to play with that stuff when I was running the '06. It seems to me 3000 fps was uncomfortable with the 150s and a 22" tube.

 

[Elkman]

I use 4064 for the 150 and 4350 for the 180, either will get the job done. Most game wont know the difference between 2900 and 3000. :grin: :grin:

 

[kendog]

4064 and me never, ever got along. Not sure why but it has always been a waste of time and bullets for me.
My young fella is having good luck with it in his 308 but still nothing here with the 7mm08.
With a little luck, I will be trying it on a new 243 in a couple months.

 

[mcseal2]

I got to shoot it just now, it likes 55gr of H4350 with the 180gr Partition. It is a mid-level load that should be in the 2600-2650fps range by cross-referencing books. I didn't get the chronograph out yet, I don't think it would read today. My first 3 shots I touched 2 and pulled one 1.5" out of the group. I loaded 3 more and shot just under an inch. I would keep tweaking the load, but that is plenty good for what I'll use the pump on. Also I have the 3x9 Leupold with a heavy duplex on this rifle and I think I would need a finer crosshair to fine tune it past this. I am still trying to decide if I should leave the 3x9 on this gun or put the 1x4 Leupold on it. I wouldn't carry this rifle if I planned to shoot over 200yds, but you don't always know what shot you will get when you go out. I think my bear hunt fell through, but I am going to Texas to shoot hogs later this year and I think this will be just right for them. I was amazed again at the difference the trigger spring kit made on this gun, it sure lets me get the accuracy out of the rifle.

 

[SJB358]

I wouldn't worry about the scope. Having it set on 3X, shooting with both eyes open will allow you to kill up close pretty darn well. Sounds like a great load. Be interested to hear what it chrono's, but I am sure it is much faster than a 30-30 or 300 Savage which have killed ton's of black bear and deer, so I imagine you will be in great shape! Scotty

 

[Hegland]

55gr of H4350 with the 180gr Partition

Mine shot well with the same load, then had another sweet spot with 57.5 grains. Hodgdon lists this as a max, and it was about as hot as I could go without getting nervous.

 

[mcseal2]

55gr of H4350 with the 180gr Partition

Mine shot well with the same load, then had another sweet spot with 57.5 grains. Hodgdon lists this as a max, and it was about as hot as I could go without getting nervous.

I was a little worried about getting to hot a load with the pump action. Especially if I ever do get to use it for bear, I don't want to stick a case with to hot a load. It showed no pressure, I got to thinking about it and I may try 56gr and see what it does. If I think I will be shooting over 200yds I will grab the 270WSM or 264 WM, so the extra speed isn't real important to me for this gun. That said, I'd like to get the chronograph out and see where I'm at and if I can get 2700fps with good accuracy and no pressure. Maybe tomorrow or Tuesday I'll do a little more testing.