30-06 range data

[R Cubed]

Hi Folks,

I took the Handi to the range yesterday and Chrony'd my 30-06 hand loads. The loads were; Sierra 168g HPBT IMR3031 42.0g WLR Primers. The Remington Brass yields a MV of 2437fps and Winchester brass 2421fps. The Deviations were 48 and 20 fps respectively.

I would like to get the mv up to 2800fps - that would be about 48g of IMR3031. Anyone have input of how these loads would work in my Handi?

Thanks,
Rick

[quickdtoo]

The Sierra manual says 46.1gr is max at 2700fps, and that's in a 26" barrel, you're gonna have to change powders to get there IF you can in the 22" barrel. The Lyman manual says 48gr is max for 2808fps, but that's in a 24" barrel. Looking at the Lyman data, I'd want to use IMR4831 or  H4831, the velocity is higher and the pressure is about 2kpsi lower which is always good in a Handi.

Tim

[Sourdough]

With my 165gr Nosler loads I am using 55.5grs W760.  My Chrony says avg 2833 fps.  I want to keep my velocity up above 2800fps to get the range I need, and to match the BDC settings on my scope. 

[Odinbreaker]

I find I cannot load my 3006 handy with the same load as my Ruger 77 I get many stuck shells and failure to eject.  I use a slightly reduced load for the handy which also improves accuracy.  I like to get about 2650 with a 165 gr.  27to 2800 with 150 gr.  Ruger is up around 2950 to 3000 with 150 gr.  I like reloader 19 or im r4350

[quickdtoo]

Stuck brass can be reduced/eliminated by chamber polishing and increasing ejector pressure which are covered in the FAQs, I haven't chrono'd all of my '06 loads, but the Federal Fusion 150gr do a little over 3000fps with no sticking issues in my SS '06 Handi. Sticking brass is usually barely stuck and it doesn't take much to eliminate it IF shooting factory level pressures. Hot handloads will likely stick anyway, it's just the nature of the break barrel action IMO. Of course, a late model extractor barrel makes all this pretty much a moot point.

Tim

[quickdtoo]

On the powder selection criteria, for a Handi, choosing a powder that provides good velocity with lower pressures is always a good idea. For example, IMR4350 compared to IMR4831, the Lyman data shows max loads for both right around 2850fps, but IMR4350 does it at 50.4kcup, where IMR4831 does it at 47.2kcup, and the load density for the IMR4831 is better. Almost 3kcup less pressure says a lot to me in terms of its use in a Handi, then it's just a matter of finding the accuracy you're looking for, experimenting with seating depth and charge weight. 

Tim

[R Cubed]

OK Tim,

I just learned something new about reloading - go for the velocity using the least amount of pressure. It makes excellent sense but I had not though about it.  This is my first year reloading, I chose IMR3031 to load for a 30-30 Winchester and it works well for that rifle. I am now starting to reload for the Handi. It looks like a different powder is in order.

Thanks!
Rick

[Sourdough]

IMR 3031 is great for 125gr loads, but for heavier bullets you need something a bit slower.

[tony212]

I use 3031 for my .30-30 also, but for my.30-06 i have had pretty good luck with IMR 4350.  I use 56.5 grains under a 165 gr Remington pspcl. and a fed 210 primer.  I full length size using an RCBS small base die. No problems yet.
Hope this helps.
Tony212