311291 w Red Dot in 30-06 ?

[straphanger]

Not getting decent grouping w Red Dot in an 03 Springfield based rifle w NOE 311291 sized and GC and Red Dot. Have tried 11.5 and 12.0 gr with equally poor results. This is a nice middle of the data range load...can't figure why it doesn't perform better.

Same bullet, same rifle etc will group 10 around 1.5-2 in. at 100 with 16-18 gr of 2400 and a 1 gr filler.

Also get good results with the same bullet unsized at about .312 w 11.5gr Red Dot in 7.62 54R in both a 91 30 and an SVD.

Scratching my head on what to try next, experience and suggestions welcome!

[Outpost75]

How hard are you casting your bullets, to what diameter are you sizing them and how are they lubed?

[brstevns]

Not getting decent grouping w Red Dot in an 03 Springfield based rifle w NOE 311291 sized and GC and Red Dot. Have tried 11.5 and 12.0 gr with equally poor results. This is a nice middle of the data range load...can't figure why it doesn't perform better.

Same bullet, same rifle etc will group 10 around 1.5-2 in. at 100 with 16-18 gr of 2400 and a 1 gr filler.

Also get good results with the same bullet unsized at about .312 w 11.5gr Red Dot in 7.62 54R in both a 91 30 and an SVD.

Scratching my head on what to try next, experience and suggestions welcome!

You may have answered your own question. Try shooting unsized in that 06

[straphanger]

These are cast from scrap from ranges and wheelweights. I have no idea what the BHN is. Sizing to .310, lubed w 2500 lube.

[skeettx]

20 to 24 grains of 4227
No filler
Load in 1/2 grain increments, and you will find the sweet spot

[GhostHawk]

I would say go both lower, and higher.

Agree with not sizing the bullets as long as they will chamber and remove without pulling apart.

In my 7.62x54r I started at 13, then started stepping down. When I reached 10 I had found the accuracy I wanted and my shoulder was happy.


You might run the ladder from 6 gr up to 12, 3 to 5 shot groups. When you hit a better group go back and work half grain above and below to find the sweet spot. There should be several in that range. Pick the one that works for you.

[richhodg66]

I agree, lower charge and larger bullet.

I always see guys touting "The Load" but in my experience, it's too hot. About 10 grains is where I'd start.

[Outpost75]

IIRC "the Load" was based on jacketed bullets

[brstevns]

Did you slug your barrel to find bore size? Also if you were shooting jacket in it before starting to use cast give it a really good cleaning to get rid of any copper fouling. Copper fouling can really open up a group.

[richhodg66]

IIRC "the Load" was based on jacketed bullets

"Within these restrictions now engraved in stone, "The Load" works! The bullet may be either jacketed or cast. Gas checked cast bullets required in the .30 cals., otherwise you will get leading, but plain based ones work fine in the 8mm Mauser or larger."

https://www.hensleygibbs.com/edharri...The%20Load.htm

[RU shooter]

I agree, lower charge and larger bullet.

I always see guys touting "The Load" but in my experience, it's too hot. About 10 grains is where I'd start.

This has been my experience also 10-11 gr worked better in my rifle with 160-185 gr bullets

[straphanger]

Thanks to all who posted. Next time I get a chance to shoot I will try dropping the load down from 11.5 toward 10.

[Hahndorf1874]

What size is the bore riding section of your 311291, mine is .297-.298, pain in the butt, too small .The rest of the pill casts @ .316. I use this projectile in my .303 no.1 mk.3 but only after I have bumped up the nose to .301- .303.My alloy is 20 Bn salvage Lino. Check your pill in the muzzle of your rifle should a very snug fit. Cheers Mal in au.

[randyrat]

Your NOE drops bullets at about 170 grain.Here is some cast bullet loads using Red Dot and 170 grain bullet
http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm