Reduced loading

DEG305

Could someone give me the insight for SAFE reduced loads in 30-06 with 125 to 150 gr bullets using IMR powders?

nononsense

DEG305,

This is one of the suggested powders used for reduced loads and the only one I think from IMR:

SR 4759

This bulky handgun powder works great in the magnums, but really shines as a reduced load propellant for rifle cartridges. It's large grain size gives good loading density for reduced loads, enhancing velocity uniformity.


This is the information from Hodgdon regarding reduced loads and H-4895:

INTRODUCTION TO YOUTH HUNTING, INFORMAL TARGET AND PLINKING LOADS

Hodgdon Powder Company has developed the following reduced loads for youth and beginning shooters for use on deer and similarly sized game animals. The bullets chosen were originally designed for single shot pistols and their lower velocities. These loads have been developed to closely approximate those pistol velocities in rifles, and therefore, similar performance on game animals. This provides our young and beginning shooters with loads effective to 200 yards with minimal recoil.

For all cartridges we chose H4895 because it is the slowest burning propellant that ignites uniformly at reduced charges. For years, H4895 has been the top choice by cast bullet shooters. For this type shooting, loads are reduced even more than the hunting loads listed herein. To create loads of this type for target and plinking, we recommend our 60% rule with H4895. By taking the maximum charges listed in our Annual Manual with any given cartridge and multiplying it by 60%, the shooter can create a 1500 to 2100 fps load, depending on the bullet weight shown. This works only where H4895 is listed. Do not use H4895 in a cartridge where it has not been shown.

Call Hodgdon Powder Company if additional information is needed. Loads may be adjusted up or down to achieve best accuracy. Do not reduce by more than an additional 10%.

http://www.hodgdon.com/data/youth/index.php

Best.

dcso3009

While on the topic of reduced loads, does anyone have a reduced load for a 325 WSM? I need to break in my barrel and don't want that much punnishment.

mrbruce

The 325 don't kick all that bad, and firing one at a time while breaking in the barrel shouldn't be a problem for you unless it's some kind of lightweight rifle.
Have you ever though of using a PAST recoil shield when shooting the heavy weights ?
If it seems to be a problem then use the lightest bullet you can get to hard touch the rifling.

dcso3009

mrbruce
This is a light gun. Browning A-Bolt stainless with the brush camo stock. Just over 7lbs all set up. I will try a 150gr. for the break-in. Just talked to a friend who is lending me his lead sled. That should help as well. Thanks.

steve4102

Range Report: 30/06

Powder: IMR's SR 4759

Bullet: 125 grain Sierra SP

Case Used; Remington

Primer Used: CCI Large Rifle

Rifle Used: Winchester Model 70, 24 inch barrel


20 grains: 1911 fps
21 grains: 1937 fps
22 grains: 2074 fps
23 grains: 2134 fps
24 grains: 2195 fps

25 grains: 2253 fps
26 grains: 2344 fps
27 grains: 2406 fps
28 grains: 2434 fps
29 grains: 2511 fps

30 grains: 2575 fps
31 grains: 2661 fps
32 grains: 2682 fps
33 grains: 2742 fps
34 grains: 2803 fps
35 grains: 2848 fps

Accuracy was excellent with this powder, and this bullet. Easily within "minute of coyote or prairie dog"

Recoil reduction noticed a lot at 25 grains or less.

No filler needed, this is a bulky powder.

This powder is very stable and did not show any signs of pressure spikes when higher than 35 grains was loaded.

As always work up your loads, when approaching the max limits.

35 GRAINS will be recommended as max, and proved to be safe in MY Winchester Model 70. These loads and velocities were also tested in a 1917 Enfield with a 26 inch barrel and in a 1903 Springfield with a 22 inch barrel. Neither barrel lengths showed any appreciable differences in velocity or accuracy