The sticky "Cast Bullet Loads for Military Rifles" at the start of this forum suggests that 16 gr of 2400 with a 170-180 gr CB would be a good "200 yd Target Load". The Lyman 3rd edition Cast Bullet Handbook shows the #311291 (169 gr) and #31141 (170 gr) with a starting load of 18.6 gr and 20.0 gr of 2400 respectively for 30-06. Is the 16 gr load safe? I'd be using a Remington Model of 1917 (made in June 1918) with the original 5 groove barrel.
Good load, does fine in 8mm mauser 170-180 gr also.
I have been using 16 gr of 2400 in my 1903 for a long time. I use the Lee C312-185 and a NOE version of the 311041, sized and gaschecked.
They hit the 12" gong at 175 yards with ease.
I have gone higher, up to 19 gr and it works well also. But 16 gr is a good starting point and may turn out to be all that you need.
In my 1903a3s I started at 16grs and worked up. Found 19grs gave a lower trajectory and finer accuracy for the 200 yard targets.
I have used 16 gr. of 2400 for years in my various surplus military rifles and have found that using Mag primers always gave me better accuracy with 2400 than standard primers.
Winchester Standard LRP
30-06 100 yds, typical groups.
Dan
I also started at 16 grains in my Mosin and worked up. 16 worked fine out to 200 yards, but I wanted to drop steel silhouettes at 500 - 20 grains 2400 and a 311365 does the trick nice and accurately with no pressure signs in my particular rifle.
16 is a good place to start and may work for what you want.
I'm at 18 in the 308 sized cases and 19 in the 0-6 cases.
As Ed says 16 gr is a good load in any full size military type case 30 cal or larger. I start a 16 and work up until accuracy falls off. When it falls off it falls pretty hard.
In my 3 06s with the 311041 20 gr is accurate. 21 is not. 17 gr for my 30-30 and for my 8mm Mauser. 24 gr for my 338 win mag
16 gr is max for my 7x57 and the 168 RCBS boolit. I can go accurately faster with 5744 but that is the top end for 2400 in my rifle.
Ive found many of the start loads in the Lyman manual to be above accuracy level with my guns and alloy.
Im of the opinion based on my experience accuracy will fall off long before you get into high pressure territory.
At the same time if the load is too light 2400 will not be accurate
Last edited by Wolfer; 03-17-2016 at 08:11 PM.
Some people live and learn but I mostly just live
I assume from your target note that you are using 4 parts WW to 1 part linotype. I have been using 1:1 but have a lot more WW than linotype so I am tempted to try a lower % linotype.Originally Posted by guicksylver
Winchester Standard LRP
30-06 100 yds, typical groups.
Dan
Gary
16gr even works for a 243 Win and a 358 Win! Amazing isn't it!
" Associate with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation: for it is better to be alone than in bad company. " George Washington
I have wondered about the magnum primers with 2400 since it is a ball powder. I will try that next time.
Gary
It is not a ball powder & I use Small pistol primer with it in 223 Rem
" Associate with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation: for it is better to be alone than in bad company. " George Washington
I tried 16gr but 18gr is better in my savage 116 308
I don't use 2400 but Harris's recommendations for comparable 4198 and 4227 have been equally successful in everything from 30-30 (albeit a bit under the 200 Yard levels) to 30-06 and 35 Krag. So, his 16 grs 2400 load appears to be equally valid.
Is 2400 in short supply? I can't seem to find it...
I've been looking for the past three years. Only found one pound of the stuff and I'm almost out!!!! I'm sure it's available somewhere, but would have to be shipped and I'm not paying more for shipping and hazard penalty than the cost of the powder!
Chris
Midsouth has 1 & 8lb 2400 in stock right now......Happy Shopping!
An old Cherokee was teaching his grandson about life. "Inside me two wolves fight," he told the boy.
"One is evil - he is anger, envy, greed, arrogance, self-pity, resentment, lies, false pride, and ego. The other is good - he is joy, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, generosity, truth and faith. The same fight is inside you - and every other person, too."
The grandson thought for a minute and asked,"Which wolf will win?"
The old Cherokee replied, "The one you feed."
You are correct, I have had a container of 2400 since around 2000 and always thought it was a ball powder. Today I poured a small amount on on a sheet of white paper and with a light and magnifying glass it looks to be a very short cut extruded powder. My eyes are too old!
Darn I missed that one. I have been looking for 2400 for two years now and have yet to score.
Vietnam Veteran (68-69), NRA Life Member
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