New reloader tips

goldwingdwarrior

Hey you guys I am just getting into reloading and am looking for some good starting loads for 30-06 out of a 700 Rem. Deer loads 150 or 165 grain and Caribou loads 180 gr? . Need a few starting ideas. The manuals are kinda overwhelming with all the different loads.

CapnMidnight

Goldwing,
30-06 180gr Nosler part spitz,59gr H4831sc Win LRP has worked for me for 30 years. Good hunting.
W.D.

Pinhead

My load as of 30 plus years has been the Speer 150 grain JSPBT bullet, a Remington 30/06 case, a Federal 210 primer, 57.5 grains of IMR 4350 powder loaded at an overal length of 3.256", no crimp. I started using this load in a Remington Model 700 in 30/06 with a 20" barrel and have since used it in my 1903's, 1903A3's, 1917 Enfields, and a CZ550 and it works just great in them all. I tried 58.5 grains of IMR 4350 but could see no real advantage in either velocity or group size, so I went back to 57.5 grains. 1 grain of powder is not much in 100 rounds that most people would call a years supply, but I shoot on the average about 1200 to 1500 minimum rounds a year and 1 grain adds up on costs. Unless you are a 600 to 1000 yards shooter and beyond, anthing over 2700 to 2800 feet per second velocity is much overated. Of course, if you do shoot at longer ranges, then the 180 grain and heavier bullet is the ticket and then you do want to shove it to as serious a velocity as your rifle will allow. At longer ranges the shooter's ability to read wind, range, bullet drop and cope with mirage are key. Here, velocity a real friend as it helps to cut down on range estimation error and fights wind although it doesn't help with mirage. The Nosler and Barnes bulletes are great but I just can't justify the nearly double price per bullet on deer or caribou size animals. Larger animals are a different story. My experience anyway.

Jim the PA Hunter

Pinhead, I used the same load for almost 40 years in a 1903 Springfield and a 1909 Arg. Mauser 30-06.[:D] However I found that for the ole 760 Rem. Pump-gun '06 the load was 58grs IMR-4350 using a rem 9&1/2 LR primer. The bullets we used were 150 gr. Rem. Bronze points and 150gr. Hornady SP. Small Base dies were a must for the pump gun. I know of at least four guys with 760's that loved that load.[8D]

goldwingedwarior, My favorite whitetail Deer/varmint/coyote load is using Varget powder and a Speer 130gr. HP.

If you need a few starting ideas, I always used IMR 4350 or IMR 4831 for years and they are both great powders for 30-06. Hodgdon also makes some great powders for the '06 like Varget, H4350, H4350sc.

Since you are new to reloading I'll remind you that the loads described here and in other replies may or may not work in your gun.[:(] Chamber dimentions, bullet seating depth, brand of primers and even brass will play a significant factor in working up loads for YOUR gun. ALWAYS START OUT AT SUGGESTED STARTING LOADS AND WORK UP TOWARD THE BOOKS MAXIMUM LOADS CAREFULLY! Watch for signs of high pressure.[xx(]

Read the loading books sections on how to reload ammo. Lyman, for instance has a great section describing the steps to loading your own ammo and the warning signs of high pressures, etc.

Once you find the load that performs the best in your gun you will enjoy the process and feel a little more confident in your shot placement when hunting. Every gun I own has had a load worked up for them. I know that by using care and precision in my loading practices I will produce the most accurate ammo for each gun, therefore I feel confident that my shot is going to strike where I aim.[^]

Most of all ---- HAVE FUN!