Powder for 150 Grain Hornady SP Interlock Bullets.

[Bart Solo]

I am about to reload 30-06 for the first time.  I have been reloading for a while, but I have never owned a 30-06 before. I thought I would  start with 150 grain Hornady SP Bullets (#3031).  I need to buy some powder.  Lyman's 48 Edition recommends IMR-4064 as a good first choice for the bullet.  Do you all agree?

I have been using IMR-4350 in my 6MM and find that it doesn't work very well in my Lee Powder Measure.  I have to weigh every shot. In fact, after a while I usually just give up using the measure and dip onto the scale. While tedious, I have to admit hand weighing each load has resulted in some pretty consistent bullets.

Does IMR-4064 have the same handling characteristics as IMR-4350 and is there a better choice?

[AtlLaw]

I've never had any complaints with IMR 4350 in an '06 with a 150 gr. bullet.  But I am trying another powder just for grins... H 4350...   

[John R.]

I just started loading 150 gr. bullets in my dad's 30-06. I tried IMR 4350 and it shot ok, then I decided to try IMR 4064 with the 150's and group size went to 5/8ths of an inch @ 100 yds. I do think that IMR 4350 will work better with the heavier bullets, 165's on up.

[Swampman]

I really like IMR-4831

[223Shooter]

I load my 03-A3 with 150gr Horn sp's with 51.3 grs of IMR 4064. It is extremely accurate in my Springfield. I also load the 165 Rem cls...using IMR 4064...it too is very accurate. My 06 likes IMR 4064..... 

[Brithunter]

I just started loading 150 gr. bullets in my dad's 30-06. I tried IMR 4350 and it shot ok, then I decided to try IMR 4064 with the 150's and group size went to 5/8ths of an inch @ 100 yds. I do think that IMR 4350 will work better with the heavier bullets, 165's on up.

Hmmm well one thing about the 06 Springfield cartridge is it's versatile  I have tried several powders including :-

Reloader 15
Reloader 19
IMR 4831
Vectan TU5000
BLC-2 and H-380

      I hear that IMR 4064 is an excellent powder for thsi application btu not sure if I can get it loacally  .

    As for the quote  well the 30-06 used a 150 grain bullet at a rather sedate velocity of 2700 fps then switched to a 180 grain bullet but they found it induced flinch so they went back to 150 grains.

[Swampman]

In a properly stocked rifle the .30-06 doesn't have any recoil to speak of even with the heaviest bullets.

[Val]

I don't think that IMR 4064 will measure any more accurately than IMR 4350. IMR 4350 works great in my two 30-06s with 150 grain bullets too.

[Dave in WV]

I use H4350 in my 30-06 & 7m-08. I set my powder measure a bit low and use my trickler to bring the charge up to the desired weight.

[Siskiyou]

IMR4064 is a good powder in the 30-06, but my favorite is H414.  H414 gives me good velocity, consistent loads, producing good accuracy.  The kicker is that it flows great out of my Lyman 55 powder measure. 

Admittedly, I weight my loads on a scale.  But H414 because of its outstanding flow characteristics has tempted me not to weight every load.

H414 also produces very accurate loads in my .243 Winchester.

IMR4064 is my favorite powder for the .300 Savage cartridge.  I have not notice any flow problems when load it into that cartridge.  I believe IMR4064 is slightly smaller then IMR4350 and should flow smoother.

[Larry Gibson]

I don't think that IMR 4064 will measure any more accurately than IMR 4350. IMR 4350 works great in my two 30-06s with 150 grain bullets too.

I agree with Val. I suggest you try any of the 4895s. They all are excellent powders with 150 gr bullets in the '06.  H4895 is an "extreme" powder (said to be less temperature sensitive) and meters the best of them.  I throw consitent charges of +/- .1 gr with a Lyman 55 when throwing 40-51.5 gr charges.  Start at 46 gr and work up in 1/2 gr increments to 51.5 gr watching for pressure signs in your rifle.

Larry Gibson

[Swampman]

Many of the faster powders were perfect for the M-1 Garand but the slower ones give better accuracy in bolt guns.  That's why I could shoot 3/8" groups using IMR-4831.  The case should be nearly full to get best accuracy.

[Tn Jim]

I agree with Dave in WV on both calibers, except I use IMR instead of H4350 in both calibers.

[victorcharlie]

I haven't loaded a lot for the .06, but have recently been working up a load.  Win 760 has produced some nice under 1" groups with a 150 grain bullet.

[goodconcretecolor]

I have used both powders in that same load. Both have given good accuracy. I use the Lee Factory Crimp die and 56 grains of 4350 or 51.5 grains of 4064. The 4350 gives 2800fps and the 4064 load gives 2950. Both give good groups. Neither powder meters well for me. I have been experimenting with H414. It meters very well and is showing promise.

[Autorim]

I only shoot 165 and 180 bullets in my 30-06's now, but at one time I shot a lot of 150's with IMR 4895 which for many years was the standard powder for the 150 grain bullet. You will find the '06 to be very versatile and forgiving. 4895, 4064 and 4350 will all work very well. I use IMR4350 with 165 and 180 bullets. I am only speaking from my experience with bolt action rifles only. The Garand and other semi-autos may not be as flexible.