Max charge of 2400 in 30/06

[turmech]

After reading through the the other thread in this section about 2400. And having used 2400 in several rifles I got thinking does anyone have an idea of what the maximum charge would be when used in say a 30/06? or a 308 Winchester?

I know 16 grains is very common and you work up from there until accuracy falls off but I got curious about a maximum based on pressure not accuracy?

[swheeler]

I think you need to consider bullet weight first and then several other factors

[longbow]

The Lyman Cast Bullet handbook lists pressures for many loads so you may find it in there. Don't have mine handy at the moment.

Longbow

[Outpost75]

Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, 4th Edition (2010)

p. 153 .30-'06 with #311299. 200 grain, #2 alloy, 3.25" OAL

#2400 start 15.0 grs. 1376 fps @ 15,400 psi
#2400 max 21.0 grs. 1736 fps @ 27,300 psi

With #311284 they go up to 24 grs. of #2400 for 1827 fps @ 32,000 cup, which is based on their older data.

The above agrees with my experience, for while you might load more #2400 within safe pressures, accuracy falls off above those currently published.

For velocities above 1800 fps you are much better off with 4895, 4064, Varget or RL15.

Varget Start 30.0 grs. 1588 fps @ 15,300 psi,
Max. 38.0 grs. 2017 fps @ 27,800 (which will cycle an M1 Garand)
This range of charges is also OK in my experience with 4895, 4064 or RL-15.

[Frozone]

A old Ideal 311414 HP ~150gr
24gr max.
Be careful - the case Will hold 48.5 if you make a booboo.

[BruceB]

A old Ideal 311414 HP ~150gr
24gr max.
Be careful - the case Will hold 48.5 if you make a booboo.

I won't bother with HOW I did it, but suffice it to say that I once loaded FIFTY-NINE grains of 2400 into a .30'06 case, fully intending to seat a 200-grain Partition on top of it. It was supposed to be H4831.

Fortunately my loading routine, with its periodic checks, detected the error.

2400 is one of the very few powders that I would select for my "minimal must-have list"..... 231, Herco, 2400, 4895 and 4350 would do for the thirty-odd cartridges I load ammunition for. I wouldn't be "happy" with these five, but they would get it done.