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Author Topic: Powder Choice For .30-06 Semi Auto  (Read 463 times)

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Offline Landngroove

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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.
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Offline Mikey

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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.
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Offline Almtnman

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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.
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Offline dw06

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Re: Powder Choice For .30-06 Semi Auto
« Reply #3 on: December 29, 2006, 02:59:47 PM »
IMR 4895 is a good one.
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Offline Val

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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.
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Offline Castaway

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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.
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