Most Accurate Commericial 30-06 Ammo?

[salukijoe]

Is there such a thing?  I have a new '06 I want to test (I know, I should reload for it!)  I shoot a .308 (had it since I was a kid) that shoots sub MOA with the Winny Supreme 168 gr. J4 ammo.  Same ammo shoots MOA or sub MOA from 3 other .308's I have used.  Winchester doesn't make j4 ammo for the '06 but I'd like to shoot "match" quality ammo for it to see what it is capable of.

Suggestions?

[mountainview]

There generally is such a thing, but it depends. Different firearms even of the same model may like different loads. Can't say that what works for my piece will translate into equal performance for yours. Only thing is to try your preferred brand(s) and see how they do and keep experimenting until you are satisfied. If nothing else, reloading is a fun and satisfying hobby to complement your range sessions.

Safe shooting.

[Reed1911]

We routinely work up load in small amounts (10 round batches) for customers to find a load their rifle is most accurate with. It cuts the cost of buying a lot of ammunition, and we can use any bullet you'd like. Let me know if this might be the way you'd like to go. There is no extra charge for this, basically it's just 1/2 the cost per box for the 10 rounds.

[Thebear_78]

I have always had very good luck with federal premium ammo.  I would look to it for accuracy testing of a new rifle.   They have a gold metal 168gr sierra matchking load for the 30/06.  I have found the federal HE load with the 180gr partition to be extremely accurate in my encore.

[JBMauser]

I have often seen Lake City (Gov. Mfg.) match 30/06 ammo at gun shows.  It is pricy and I have read it is prized.  This is the stuff that was made for the army competitions.   I guess this would offer you a benchmark of sorts.  
Some is up for auction now. http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=5195810
I have no skin in this, I found it with google.   Lots of other good info given.  JB

[Mikey]

Salukijoe:  funny you should ask that question.  I've been reloading for just about 40 years, always trying to find the most accurate load for each of my rifles.  This has included the 223, 243, 6.5 Swede, 308, 7.5x55 Swiss, 303 Brit, 8x57, 30-06, and the 444.  I have relaoded for my own rifles and for those of some of my friends.  Believe it or not, I found that from my buddy's Reminton 7400 (06), Reminton 180 gn rns shoot the most accurately and that from my M70 Winchester (06), Winchester 180s shoot the best.  

When I say shoot the best, it means the same or better groups that I can get with handloads - and without all the concerns of handloading.  

It was a surprise to me, but a pleasant one knowing that either of us could walk into any sporting goods store and purchase factory fodder that would shoot well enough to hunt with.  You may wish to start there and see if it's good enough for your target work.  HTH.  Mikey.

[MnMike]

All guns are different. For factory loads, my BAR likes Federal Premium 165 Sierra. 7/8" at 100 yds.

mike

[lilabner]

Mr. Reed will work up good loads for you for a price. The alternative is to buy a box of each premium ammunition and run it through your gun, and that won't work as well. Guns have preferences for bullet types and weights, different powders, bullet seating depth etc etc etc. and every rifle will shoot best with a particular load.  One problem with the 06 is there are so many foreign rifles rechambered for it, along with lever and pump action guns and the factories have a hard time loading for solid modern bolt actions.