New to 30-06 cast loads

[tawastom]

I figured Id try this, I do use cast for smaller rounds, but I have around 30 ready to go cases, and figured Id try them in 06. Here is what I have to work with, 180gr. cast bullets w/gaschecks, sized at 312, imr 4895 powder, any good recipes? a M1917 will be the rifle. BTW the bullets are alox lubed and gas checked.

[curator]

Try a range of charges beginning at about 30 grains up to 38-40 in one grain increments. My M1917 likes to have cast bullets seated out to touch the rifling leade for best accuracy.

[Larry Gibson]

With that 180 gr cast and IMR4895 I suggest starting at 28 gr and use a 3/4 gr dacron filler in the '06. Work up to 34 gr in 1 gr increments using 7 -8 shot minimum test strings. The group size enlarging will tell you when it's had enough.

Larry Gibson

[shredder]

[QUOTE=Larry Gibson;2118724]With that 180 gr cast and IMR4895 I suggest starting at 28 gr and use a 3/4 gr dacron filler in the '06. Work up to 34 gr in 1 gr increments using 7 -8 shot minimum test strings. The group size enlarging will tell you when it's had enough.

+1 on the filler. I have had noticable hangfires using IMR 4895 in the 30 grain wieght range without fillers. I use puf lon but what ever works for you. the idea is to hold the powder carage tight against the flash hole and provide positive repeatable ignition.

If you have any shotshell powders like Red Dot or Herco they are excellent for 1500 fps or so. Most of my 06 loads shoot best somewhere in that velocity range. Under 1800 for sure. 4198,4759,and 2400 are likewise great powders for 06 if you have acess to any of them.

Not that 4895 won't shoot well with cast it genrally does. In my opinion though, it is best for heavy hunting charges.

[runfiverun]

I can't chamber 312 in my 1917.
but the 311041 does pretty well over 18 grs of 2400 with a lr primer,i have to use 19grs with a pistol primer to equal it.
I also use imr 4895, the 28.5 with Dacron is a good load,as is 31 without it.
"shoots good" and best accuracy is something you have to find for your rifle.
what works "best" in the 1917 and what works "best in the wife's 0-6" are two different things.

[Marlin Junky]

I agree with Larry's recommendation for powder charges but I don't think you're gonna need filler at 34 grains. If your boolits are hard enough, you should be able to take the charge to 36 grains. 0.311" will probably work better than 0.312" though, unless you've got a generous throat.

MJ