Author Topic: .5 MOA 30-06 at 140 yards could it get better? (Read 1078 times)

Remmy · « **on:** June 20, 2008, 05:04:21 AM »

I purchased an M700 last summer, after some over winter work i took it out to the range shooting 56.01 grains of IMR 4350, Hornady BTSP 165 and getting groups of half an inch at about 140 yards. Does anyone get smaller groups with their 06 or would i be wasting my time working with different powders, bullets, primers and seating depth?

Bubber · « **Reply #1 on:** June 20, 2008, 05:48:34 AM »

If I could get my .270 to shoot a 1/2 inch group @ 100yds it would tickle the crap out of me.

Personally I don't think you are going to get it much better, but if you have the time, money, patience, and want to try, go for it.

burntmuch · « **Reply #2 on:** June 20, 2008, 07:17:32 AM »

I suppose that aint too bad

. Sounds like ya got a shooter

calvon · « **Reply #3 on:** June 20, 2008, 07:34:52 AM »

Sit down and have yourself a good cry. Some day that barrel will wear out and it won't shoot like that any more.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #4 on:** June 20, 2008, 08:33:21 AM »

Quote from: Remmy on June 20, 2008, 05:04:21 AM

Does anyone get smaller groups with their 06 or would i be wasting my time working with different powders, bullets, primers and seating depth?

This is a joke right? Or is u just wantin to rub it in, boy!?

Lone Star · « **Reply #5 on:** June 20, 2008, 09:27:47 AM »

Are these 5-shot groups or 3-shot groups? Do us a favor, sit down with a box of ammo and shoot four, 5-shot groups or six, 3-shot groups in succession (cool the barrel between groups), then tell us what your average group size is. Then we can tell you if it is worth trying to improve.

.

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 20, 2008, 11:02:40 AM »

How does that old adage go --- If its not broke / don't fix it , well that sounds like its not broke .

stimpy

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #7 on:** June 20, 2008, 11:27:57 AM »

Quote from: stimpylu32 on June 20, 2008, 11:02:40 AM

How does that old adage go --- If its not broke / don't fix it , well that sounds like its not broke .

stimpy

I would have to agree. It sounds like it is shooting great. I say leave well enough alone. Dale

victorcharlie · « **Reply #8 on:** June 20, 2008, 12:03:08 PM »

No doubt three shot groups are easier to get a tight group with.

I've been loading 51.5 grains of W760 and a 150gn sierra which will give consistent 5 shot groups at 1".

Usually, three of the five are touching and often in the same hole.

My 700 is a BDL with a Leupold VX-III 3.5 X 10 and I don't think It'll shoot much better. I haven't loaded any 165's yet but I'll soon give your load a try as it sound pretty darn promising to me.

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #9 on:** June 20, 2008, 12:22:10 PM »

Quote from: victorcharlie on June 20, 2008, 12:03:08 PM

No doubt three shot groups are easier to get a tight group with.

I've been loading 51.5 grains of W760 and a 150gn sierra which will give consistent 5 shot groups at 1".

Usually, three of the five are touching and often in the same hole.

My 700 is a BDL with a Leupold VX-III 3.5 X 10 and I don't think It'll shoot much better. I haven't loaded any 165's yet but I'll soon give your load a try as it sound pretty darn promising to me.

I would think you could give it a try for sure. Just don't hold your breath hoping that it will shoot that well out of your rifle. All barrels are different and like different combinations. Dale

Remmy · « **Reply #10 on:** June 20, 2008, 03:51:18 PM »

just got back from the range and after reading these posts i am very happy with my M700 but i ran into something only a new reloader wouldn't know for sure. I ran some at 54 grains this time instead of 56 and got even tighter groups but the primers were not seated back in all the way, it was sticking out by a little. This is a result of the lower pressure from what i learned in the book.
My question: Is it safe?
I ran some at 54.5 and at 55 which all did better groups than 56. Primers seated back at 55. At 54.5 they were still out but not by much. Groupings were better at 54.
I shot 3 shot groups and round robined some.
Next time out i will do 5 shot groups to get a better idea.

Remmy · « **Reply #11 on:** June 20, 2008, 05:28:47 PM »

I mic fired rounds on RCBS getting readings at -.002 average. From what i understand is 0 is standard. Virgin brass is trimmed and full sized.
Once fired brass gets neck sized only. Factory rounds mic the same after fireing.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #12 on:** June 21, 2008, 02:05:59 AM »

See, this is where you screw yourself up. You start measuring stuff and weighing stuff and then you have "just got to have this gizzie and that gadget" or you can't reload, don'tchaknow. And you end up with a room (or two) full of reloading junque

Actually, you have discovered what I consider the most balanced load for a 30-06. I've posted before that if your 30-06 will not shoot well with 57grs of 4350 behind a good 165gr bullet, it's best to just sell the rifle rather than waste time on it.

Lone Star · « **Reply #13 on:** June 21, 2008, 03:05:41 AM »

Quote

My question: Is it safe?

Yes, it is safe. You simply have some excess headspace combined with a low pressure load. Heat the load up a little and the case will set back over the primer and you won't see the protrusion. Or, don't set the shoulder back on cases fired with full pressure loads so that you have less excess headspace. But the short answer remains, I'd say the load is plenty safe if the primer protrusion is less than 0.006".

.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #14 on:** June 21, 2008, 08:47:49 AM »

Quote from: beemanbeme on June 21, 2008, 02:05:59 AM

...the most balanced load for a 30-06. ... 57grs of 4350 behind a good 165gr bullet, ...

I don't remember hearing you say that before, not unusual for me

, but that has been my experience also and is the exact 165 gr. load I use in my '06 sporter.

FW Conch · « **Reply #15 on:** June 21, 2008, 03:04:40 PM »

Me to !

165gr. BT's , 57grs. "Hodgdon" 4350, CCI LR, 3.340" C.O.L., ( this is .168" off the lands). My BIL put me on to this load because it is his favorite 30-06 load also. My Handi rifle is a whitetail hunting gun & it likes a cold, clean barrel, so the only "group" I really care about ,with it, is the "first shot".

Actually, this load & rifle will usually group 3 to 5 shots in 1.125". If I can't get my deer with that I better get a new hobby.

As far as groups are concerned, I think it all depends on what kind of gun you have & what kind of shooting you are doing. P dogs & Bench Rest needs to work with a "warm barrel" but "dat ain't me".

beemanbeme · « **Reply #16 on:** June 22, 2008, 03:20:50 AM »

That's because you weren't paying attention.

I'd quote you chapter and verse but I forgot.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #17 on:** June 22, 2008, 08:23:32 AM »

I represent that remark Bee!

I pay close attention... for as long as my short retention span lets me...

And no need to quote chapter and verse, you already got a hearty AMEN! 'sides chapter and verse don't mean nuthin unless you also give the version. Old Speer vs New Sierra so to speak...

Savage · « **Reply #18 on:** June 22, 2008, 10:23:49 AM »

If I had anything that would consistently shoot into 1/2", I wouldn't change a thing! Especially in a long action mdl 700!!! Heck, that's a one hole group with a 30 cal. Hope you have a good supply of that particular lot # of compotents.
Savage

Remmy · « **Reply #19 on:** June 22, 2008, 12:20:44 PM »

What powder for HDY 110 SP for plinking and hunting monster squirrels.?
I was thinking Varget only because i could use it with my 165's.

PaulS · « **Reply #20 on:** June 23, 2008, 06:21:51 PM »

I would try just neck sizing and going back to your original 56.01 grain charge. My bet is that you will get better accuracy and keep the slightly higher velocity.
BTW: I commonly get .5 MOA 5 shot groups from my Remington 3006 too. It's an 03A3 issued 1942 and sporterized with the same barrel that was issued. My dad, brothers, sisters and I haven't been able to shoot it out in the last 40 years. If you don't try to make a 300 magnum out of it your barrel is likely to outlast your grandchildren.