Author Topic: Powder Recommendations for 742 Carbine, .30-6 (Read 509 times)

menotomyhunter · « **on:** May 12, 2006, 12:16:56 PM »

I have a Model 742 Carbine in .30-06. It functions flawlessly with 150 and 165 grain Federal ammo. I want to try reloads for it using 150 and 165 grain bullets. I am looking for powder recommendations as its barrel length is 18.5 inches and most reloading manuals are based on bolt-guns with 22-26 inch barrels.

Gregory · « **Reply #1 on:** May 12, 2006, 12:57:16 PM »

Back about 20 yrs ago I was loading for a Model 760 pump 30/06 and was using IMR-4320 with 150 gr bullets.

http://www.imrpowder.com/data/rifle/30-06-2005apr03.php

Savage · « **Reply #2 on:** May 12, 2006, 02:03:23 PM »

IMR 4895.
Savage

Lone Star · « **Reply #3 on:** May 12, 2006, 02:26:46 PM »

Use the same powders you'd use in a longer barrel semi-auto. It is an old wives' tale that you need faster powders in a short barrel. If you want top velocity, use the "long barrel" powders. IMR4895 is a classic powder for mid-weight bullets in auto '06s. Slower powders may give higher velocities (Nosler and Hornady agree here) but the action may not operate correctly with the higher port pressures.

R.W.Dale · « **Reply #4 on:** May 12, 2006, 02:50:29 PM »

I've had great results with Varget in my rem 7400. 1.5MOA if I allow the barrel to cool between shots

Savage · « **Reply #5 on:** May 12, 2006, 02:54:44 PM »

Lone Star is correct. IMR 4895 has pretty much the optimum burn rate for use in .30 autos. Too slow or too fast a powder will cause cycling problems in these arms. The pressure curve is a limiting factor in powder choices for autos.
Savage

menotomyhunter · « **Reply #6 on:** May 12, 2006, 03:28:17 PM »

Thanks for the rapid responses. I have an ample supply of IMR 4895 to build some test loads. I'll probably use Speer #13 as a starting guide.

Regards,
Menotomyhunter
w1wbz

Ranger J · « **Reply #7 on:** May 13, 2006, 02:30:07 AM »

Mine gets a steady diet of Reloader 7 or if I want a little more zip Reloader 15. Both seem to function well and loaded behind a good 150 g bullet will knock the socks off a deer. Provided of course that I can find a deer that wears socks. :grin:
RJ