.30-'06 reduced loads

[db22]

I'm looking to develop a handload for an NEF Handi-Rifle in .30-'06. Since the little gun is so light and the distances are relatively short in the deer woods up here in Wisconsin, I was thinking of trying to duplicate the ballistics of the .30-30, to hold down the recoil.

Alliant lists a 150-gr. bullet load with Rel 7, and I guess IMR has a similar '06 load with IMR 3031. Can these be dropped below the book minimums? That would leave a lot of empty space in the case. I rememeber reading about something called "detonation' or something like that, with reduced loads in larger rifle cases. Sounds pretty nasty . . .

Thanks for any suggestions or info!

[Questor]

The Speer manual has reduced loads for 30-06

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

I use 4895 for mid-range loads.  Works well down to 3/5 of a full load.  I didn't invent the concept.  It was well documented in THE RIFLEMAN, back 20-30 years.  Get more advice before adopting - Please.

[iiranger]

#1). The detonation thing was with extremely slow powders. 4831 surplus in particular. Mr. Ackley said he could never "do it" (in his two volume set of books available from eabco.com, sinclairintl.com, ebay, etc.)  but his best guess, the primer was packing the powder in the forward of the case without complete ignition and then as the powder plug burned and pressure built against the plug/bullet, things would let go... 4320/4064 powders, stick or ball, faster are not supposed to be subject to this problem. I have seen specualtion that if you were silly enough to use a pistol primer in a rifle case... MAYBE... but I repeat... silly...

#2). Lyman manuals for many years have recommended cutting loads with 4895 down to 3/5's book max. No loss of accuracy, just velocity. Hodgdon takes questions like this by email I believe they usually recommend 4895.

I would not worry too much about cutting R7 or 3031 loads some. Dupont/IMR had a data manual (free) that listed loads with all IMR powders for each cartridge. 4831 loads in the .22 Hornet are pretty silly. (or the .223...) And the 4227 loads for .458 Mag were tiny...

And you can achieve these reduce velocities and kick by using a very slow powder. '06 case full of 4831 of 7828 or 870 under a 150 grain bullet is not going to make alot of velocity. THIS IS DIRTY. The unburned powder fertilizes the forest floor. But it is a possibility. Since you have a case full, detonation is not a concern.

Or you can use alot faster powders and lead bullets. Lots of cast bullet loads out there and now with cowboy action shooting... luck.

[quickdtoo]

Here's Hodgdon's youth load data.

Tim

http://www.hodgdon.com/data/youth/30-06_y.php

[db22]

Thank you to all who helped with advice! Quick, I noted in another thread that your wife was in the hospital for surgery this week. Mine was too, had her gall bladder out on Wednesday. All went well with us -- we are hoping that your wife came sailing through and is on her way to good health.

Thanks again -- Dave

[quickdtoo]

Dave, she's just in for surgery next Tuesday, should be home the same day if all goes well, thanks. Glad things went well for your wife.

Tim

[Happycamper]

Remington sells
50 percent reduced recoil ammo
for 30-06
i think it has a 125 grain bullet

[goodconcretecolor]

Several years ago, C. E. Harris wrote an excellent article in American Rifleman on reduced loads for 30-06. One I have tried that replicated 30-30 ballistics was 35 gr. of IMR 4198 under a 150 gr. bullet. The lee manual lists a maximum load of 38 gr. with the same weight bullet. Velocity with the max load was listed as 2600 fps and this was confirmed by my chronograph. Did not chrono the  35 gr. load but it was reasonbly accurate(1.75" 3 shot groups @100yds) and very pleasent to shoot. Harris reports that 4198 is relativly insensitive to powder position and so is very good for reduced loads.

[BRL]

Yes, Remington "Managed Recoil" 125 grain bullet at 2,660 fps. Federal also makes a reduced recoil load. They use a 170 grain bullet at 2,200 fps. Very mild recoil. Actually, in my Remington autoloader, the .30-06 load almost didn't recoil at all. But that's a heavy gun and gas operated.