« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: Powder Choice For .30-06 Semi Auto  (Read 461 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Landngroove

  • Trade Count: (12)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 207
Powder Choice For .30-06 Semi Auto
« on: December 29, 2006, 12:14:22 PM »
I have read that a good powder choice for handloads to be used in a A Semi Auto rifle is a medium burn rate powder, to keep jams to a minimum. I also understand that loads should not be either slow, or very fast, but somewhat in the middle of the velocity table. Is there an IMR Powder that you find that works well in these rifles? 4350, and 4831, are too slow? maybe 4064, or another? I will be loading 165, and 180 grain Hornady BTSP.
Logged

Offline Mikey

  • GBO Supporter
  • Moderators
  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8734
Re: Powder Choice For .30-06 Semi Auto
« Reply #1 on: December 29, 2006, 12:32:25 PM »
Landngroove:  I have used 3031 and 4064 for 180 gn loads for a semi-auto and they shoot to about an inch in the particular rifle I worked with.  3031 is used for an accuracy load with the 180 and the velocity is just past factory duplication loads, one of which uses 4064 powder.  Velocites are in the range of 2660-2680'/sec. 

Some heavier loads in the 06 with the 180 gn bullet use slower burning powders that may not work well with semi-autos and I believe one of the Hornaday Light Magnum loads for the 06 with the 180 is not advised for semi-autos.  The slower burning powders do not work up to enough pressure by the time the bullets passes the gas port to cycle the action.  Similarly, slower loads may have the same effect. 

One of my handiest and most informative loading manuals is my old Lyman 45th Edition - got great loading data and information.  It was the reference book for my workup with that rifle.  HTH.  Mikey.
Logged

Offline Almtnman

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 853
  • Gender: Male
  • Walk softly and carry a big stick!
    • The Mountain
Re: Powder Choice For .30-06 Semi Auto
« Reply #2 on: December 29, 2006, 01:35:17 PM »
I think 4064 would be a good choice. That's the powder most recommended for use in a M-1 so in other semi-automatics, it might be a good choice for them also. I think in a semi-automatic that you want to stay away from the max loads and stick with the lower load settings.
Logged
AMM
The Mountain
"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."~~Thomas Jefferson

Offline dw06

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (6)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1074
  • Gender: Male
Re: Powder Choice For .30-06 Semi Auto
« Reply #3 on: December 29, 2006, 02:59:47 PM »
IMR 4895 is a good one.
Logged
If you find yourself in a hole,the first thing to do is stop digging-Will Rogers

Offline Val

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 846
Re: Powder Choice For .30-06 Semi Auto
« Reply #4 on: December 30, 2006, 02:18:10 AM »
My hunting buddy has a BAR in 30-06. He uses my full length sized 165 grain loads using 57 grains of IMR 4350 and gets just under MOA with them. I haven't played with the bullet seating depth because he's happy with the accuracy he's getting now.
Logged
Hunting and fishing are not matters of life or death. They are much more important than that.

Offline Castaway

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1105
  • Gender: Male
Re: Powder Choice For .30-06 Semi Auto
« Reply #5 on: December 30, 2006, 12:50:39 PM »
You can't go wrong with IMR 4895.
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »