30-06, 165 BT, & H-4350

I finally managed to get some H-4350 to try in Caleb's rifle with the 165 BT. I also have some new Remington brass compliments of Rol_P. I first loaded a few rounds and shot them to measure velocities and water volume of the cases. Using that information I adjusted the QuickLoad program parameters and generated a Quickload projection.

Using the Quickload projection as a guide, I loaded up 9 rounds in .3 gr. increments. I tried to cover the range from a 22 " barrel OBT node 5 (1.127 ms) up to near maximum load (59,000 psi).

The results are shown below.

It appears that there is an accuracy node at 54.2 gr. (as predicted by QL). However, it is only at about 2690 ft./sec.

There may also be one at 55.4 gr. at about 2770 ft./sec.

I am trying to decide whether to load another batch in 0.2 gr. increments from 55.0 gr. to 56.4 gr. to verify a velocity plateau or just to load up some 55.4 gr. and shoot for a group.

I have say that I am very impressed by this relatively inexpensive Savage model 111. I may have to get one for myself...

I’d definitely keep pushing in .2 increments. I’m betting you’ll find another node a bit higher. Looks pretty great so far though.

That 165 tip is great on whitetails! RL22 is also great. achieves top velocities.
I agree, keep going....

Looks like everything from 6 to 9 is holding very tight in the X axis and moving up the Y quite linearly. I'd ignore the rocket science, load some at the top 3 levels you feel safe with, fire some statistically significant groups, and see what your rifle likes. "5" may be an outlier without more data.

Good all-around bullet for all but our heaviest game. And of course, you've paired it with my favorite 30-06 powder.

Should see good accuracy & velocity. Bullet expands readily, but it penetrates sufficiently.

Guy

Love my 30-06

180 Sierra Boat tails 200 yards



165 Partitions but this one is at 100

Dang, Fotis...

bdbrown66":3it0ll4h said:

Dang, Fotis...

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+1

I have used 68gr/IMR 4350/any 165gr bullet in several of my own and few others 30-06 rifles. Usually right at 2800fps in 22" barrels. H4350 does same somewhere around 56-58gr. Now, a 165 going 2700fps will kill everything in the mountains...but I always "liked" the sound of 2800...and 2900 sounds better yet! ha.

Preacher, I'm assuming that first sentence was a typo and you meant 58 grains??

Fotis, fantastic shooting as always!!

Accurate 4350 and Hunter are good powders it the 30-06 too.

H4350 and the 165 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip did good things for me, fall of 2016:

Black bear at 325 yards
Antelope at 245 yards
Mule deer at 140 yards
Cow elk at 338 yards

Only the mule deer required a finishing shot. All of 'em dropped very quickly.

Regards, Guy

Yep, I meant 58grs! ha It has been an "accuracy load" for just "some" 30-06 rifles in my hands through the years. I finally just went to the 200 Nosler PT/ 61gr R22/BR-2/Winchester cases for everything 30-06. I don't have one at present as Obammacares secretive, onerous "tax" plan almost ruined me..sold everything. Now just have a 338 and a 7x57. But my SIL had his grandpas old Santa Fe Arms Mod 98 refinished, etc. I worked up a load of 58gr/H4350/168 TTSX in it. I could only get about .75" with it....

SJB358":z678werh said:

I’d definitely keep pushing in .2 increments. I’m betting you’ll find another node a bit higher. Looks pretty great so far though.

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I took Scotty's advise and reran the above test with .2 gr. increments, up to 57.6 gr. and with once fired brass. I also shortened the seating depth just a tad. The results are shown below. Scotty was dead on. The velocity peaked out at about 57.2 grains. Based on the results of shots 12-15 I figure a node centered at 57.3 gr. - avg. of 2850 fps. My shot #14 was bad - I blinked, pulled or flinched. I called it bad before I looked at the target. Shots 12,14, & 15 are touching. I also duplicated a node at around 2726 fps.



Dan

Yessir I'd find a seating depth at 57.3 and go. :grin:

Dwh7271":z95b77bi said:

Yessir I'd find a seating depth at 57.3 and go. :grin:

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For sure! I think you’ll have a quick load right there.

Load 10 at 57gr, shoot them at 300 yards. Show us target.