I was using varget with ok results. I switched to the IMR 4350 and it was like magic. That powder and cartridge are made for each other. Give IMR 4350 a try you won't be disappointed.
I've been told by many old timers that if you have a 30-06 and it won't shoot a 165 gr Sierra with somewhere between 56-57 grs of 4350 sell the gun. That combo is one of the best out there.
I totally agree with the 54.7 Gn more thorough evaluation. It will be easier on you, the gun, and the groups will be more consistent (based on the minimal SD and the plateau).
That is a great group considering it's across almost 3 grains of powder !!!! I like Nosler brass ... that was the 1st brand I bought for my 338 Lapua it's very consistent brass .
I shoot two different Tikka T3x's, a 22-250 and a 260 Rem. The 22-250 is a tach driver. Only got a few rounds through the 260 so far so can't say on it yet. I haven't had that great of success in my 30-06 with varget. I get pressure signs really early.
For velocity plots, try turning off the connecting lines and plot a best-fit line with the equation instead. This ignores any node behavior, but for .3 gr increments, you will not get any statistically significant node data anyway. The equation will allow you to compare with Quickload, evaluate overall powder consistency, and you can get a feel for the effect of weighing error.
Mine also is much more consistent at 100 yards with 180 than any of the 150s iv tried. Could be just my gun but the groups with 150 I could never get much tighter than around 3"
Train wreck is right. You could use both but why. 3006 is kinda a dated cartridge that really shines in the heavier gn bullets 308 is a little more nimble, I guess reloading is like opinion, everyone has one. I guess if you only have one gun and you're trying to make due. But I doubt bolt action reloader has only one gun.
Dxp Vxo I have both and the 308 always seemed to shine with 150s and 4064 powder and the 30-06 seemed to do best with 180s and 4350. I agree both bullets would work in both cartridges. I never saw a reason to shoot 150s out of the 30-06 when the 308 did pretty much the same thing within normal deer hunting ranges where I am from, Maine. God bless all and happy reloading.
Why would you use a 150gr bullet in 30-06. Sure that is what they rolled with in WWII but for many different reasons. 168gr to 185gr.is the sweet spot for most rifles. I like 185gr to 208gr. for all out accuracy but for hunting I find 168gr. to 180gr. does what I want to do in a hunting situation 99% of the time. My recommendations are decades old but well tested. A lot of guys go heavier than 180gr routinely.
I don't know why you think that the 150's would be the only ones that I would try. I picked these 150's based on drop and wind drift at a distance out to 400 yards. Assuming that the BC is correct (it isn't but none probably are) it drops less and is less affected by the wind to that distance. The 180 factory that I tried was the best group with factory, but drops are quite a bit different at a little further distance.
I have tried several 150 grain loads to no avail, my 06 will shoot 165, 168, 175, and 180s all day into 1moa, but not 150s for some reason? Good luck with the tests.
I was using varget with ok results. I switched to the IMR 4350 and it was like magic. That powder and cartridge are made for each other. Give IMR 4350 a try you won't be disappointed.
I've been told by many old timers that if you have a 30-06 and it won't shoot a 165 gr Sierra with somewhere between 56-57 grs of 4350 sell the gun. That combo is one of the best out there.
Interesting test with Varget. I look forward to trying StaBall in .30-06/165 - new powder with impressive load data numbers and proven temp stability.
Honestly I haven't been able to find it locally, and didn't want to pay the hazmat charge for 1 or 2 pounds.
I think that imr 4064 was made for the 30-06 and 150 grain bullets from 51 to around 52 1/2 grains gave real good accuracy
Great help. Appreciate all the work & data.
I totally agree with the 54.7 Gn more thorough evaluation. It will be easier on you, the gun, and the groups will be more consistent (based on the minimal SD and the plateau).
The 30-06 a great cartridge and hunted with one of these for years.
That is a great group considering it's across almost 3 grains of powder !!!! I like Nosler brass ... that was the 1st brand I bought for my 338 Lapua it's very consistent brass .
Awesome video and Cartridge you chose.
I shoot two different Tikka T3x's, a 22-250 and a 260 Rem. The 22-250 is a tach driver. Only got a few rounds through the 260 so far so can't say on it yet. I haven't had that great of success in my 30-06 with varget. I get pressure signs really early.
For velocity plots, try turning off the connecting lines and plot a best-fit line with the equation instead. This ignores any node behavior, but for .3 gr increments, you will not get any statistically significant node data anyway. The equation will allow you to compare with Quickload, evaluate overall powder consistency, and you can get a feel for the effect of weighing error.
I would have liked to see some of the better shot groups as they were fired.
I checked Hodgdon data and they listed Varget at 51.0 gr. Max. It can be confusing and make a guy nervous when attempting to develop loads.
I extremely interested in your opinion on Nosler brass. I’ve read it’s made by Norma, but sorted and prepped by Nosler.
54.7gr is looking prospective. Is adjustment with seating depth in the works?
I want to get my setup perfected a little before I play with that. I can't get much closer to the lands and have any left in the case.
Question, why wouldnt you focus on smallest group size or OCW for smallest group size, then chrono? Afterall accuracy is most important
My 30-06 is a lot better with 180 grain and heavier bullets. If I was going to play with 150s I would rather use my 308 Winchester.
I think they will work in both.
Train Wreck
If deer are the menu the 150gr is perfect for 308 win and 30-06
Mine also is much more consistent at 100 yards with 180 than any of the 150s iv tried. Could be just my gun but the groups with 150 I could never get much tighter than around 3"
Train wreck is right. You could use both but why. 3006 is kinda a dated cartridge that really shines in the heavier gn bullets 308 is a little more nimble, I guess reloading is like opinion, everyone has one. I guess if you only have one gun and you're trying to make due. But I doubt bolt action reloader has only one gun.
Dxp Vxo I have both and the 308 always seemed to shine with 150s and 4064 powder and the 30-06 seemed to do best with 180s and 4350. I agree both bullets would work in both cartridges. I never saw a reason to shoot 150s out of the 30-06 when the 308 did pretty much the same thing within normal deer hunting ranges where I am from, Maine. God bless all and happy reloading.
Why would you use a 150gr bullet in 30-06. Sure that is what they rolled with in WWII but for many different reasons. 168gr to 185gr.is the sweet spot for most rifles. I like 185gr to 208gr. for all out accuracy but for hunting I find 168gr. to 180gr. does what I want to do in a hunting situation 99% of the time. My recommendations are decades old but well tested. A lot of guys go heavier than 180gr routinely.
I don't know why you think that the 150's would be the only ones that I would try. I picked these 150's based on drop and wind drift at a distance out to 400 yards. Assuming that the BC is correct (it isn't but none probably are) it drops less and is less affected by the wind to that distance. The 180 factory that I tried was the best group with factory, but drops are quite a bit different at a little further distance.
I have tried several 150 grain loads to no avail, my 06 will shoot 165, 168, 175, and 180s all day into 1moa, but not 150s for some reason? Good luck with the tests.
I have a great load with 165 Accubonds and IMR4350. Good combo for me but as we know, every rifle is different.