Which powder - Cast in 06'

[Ben]

I'm curious to see the replies here.

If you wanted quick success ( nail driving accuracy ) in your 30 - 06 with cast bullets ( 160 gr. - 220 gr. range ), what would be your " Go To " powder for quick success ?

Ben

[sundog]

IMR 4227 at around 21 grains for about 1650 fps. N120 will work, too.

[MT Gianni]

2400 around 16 grains. WC872/860 runs a close second.

[Maven]

I've had excellent and repeatable results with IMR 4198 (24 grs.); 5744 (22 - 23 grs.); WC 820 (AA #9, 18.5 - 20.5 grs.); and WC 860 with LR mag. primers (46 grs. - 48 grs.). Please note that these charges are used with CB's between 165 grs. and 195 grs. only. In terms of favorite powders, I'd choose IMR 4198 because of its availability; 5744 because of its consistency (low velocity ES's & SD's); and WC 820/AA #9 because I can charge my cases using a pistol powder measure having established beforehand the exact weight a given cavity or "rotor" throws.

[Rocky Raab]

From an original Hercules brochure, that was the most common use for Unique back when.

(Quote)

Hercules UNIQUE was
first manufactured by the Laflin & Rand
Powder Company about the year 1898, or
shortly thereafter, and has been continuously
on the American market ever since.
It has been known generally to reloaders as
a stable and dependable powder for lowpower
or gallery loads for all caliber rifles.

(Unquote)

Sorry I can't upload the whole thing, but it's too big for the board rules.

[Eagles6]

I've used Unique and 700x with very good results. 3031 also but the others are more economical.

[Ben]

This is interesting, just might need to ask 45nut to make this a " Sticky " as it grows ?

Keep em' coming, good reading .

Ben

[shotman]

well the 5744 is kind of new so the {old guys} LOL dont know about it , it is the best for the slow loads I used 2400 for many years the 5744 is by far the best

[Bass Ackward]

52 grains of RL19 for the 160. Down to 44 grains of RL19 for the 220.

I use pistol primers above 50 grains and a MRP below that.

If you just can't get passed the primer logic, (and many people can't) below 46 grains, might help to use a filler.

IMR 4831 can be substituted if you don't have the RL19.

[excavman]

I've used Unique and 2400 for many years but have decided to give 5744 a try. Has anyone else had problems getting 5744 through the drop tube on the measure? It won't even go through my Lee funnel without hanging up.

Larry

[Throwback]

Unique, 2400, Accurate 9, H4895

Unique for light target loads - very accurate

2400 or Accurate 9 are pretty much interchangeable and excellent for heavier bullets at 1,600 to 1,800 fps. Lately I am more likely to use Accurate 9 - (great powder - easy to meter - consistent)

H4895 works best for heavier loads usually with Dacron

I will use Trail Boss for mouse loads on rare occasions

[jh45gun]

20 grains of 2400 with a 180 grain cast bullet

[Gee_Wizz01]

I use 16 gr of 2400 with Lyman 311291 or 20 to 23 gr RX7. Both loads will shoot 5 shot groups under 1" at 100 yds out of my custom 30-06 built on a 1909 Argentine action. Unique works well also, just slightly less accurate. The Lyman 311359 also shoots tiny little groups out of this rifle at 100 yds using 12 grs of Unique. All of these loads were using Hornady gas checks and lubed with Lee 50/50 Alox Beeswax.

G

[82nd airborne]

+1 for 2400 and unique. but then again I think unique is a go to powder for just about anything other than the superduper ultra magnums.

[leadman]

I use 19grs. of SR4759 with a 311041 to shoot 200 yard military matches with my 1903a3. Best groups are 3", expand out from there due to wind mostly. Usually able to keep 10 or so in the ten ring if wind is mild off the bench.

[Ben]

Throwback :

Many people say using light charges of ball powder in cartridges like the 30 -06 may not be a good idea ?

You've had real good success with AA # 9.

Being a ball powder , has AA # 9 ever shown any signs of erratic ignition for you ? Can you share the load data that worked well for you with AA # 9 in the 30 - 06.

Thanks,

Ben

[Bert2368]

14 gr of Green Dot with a 180 gr #311332 boolit. It's listed as an accuracy load in my 70's Lyman manual, and they were right.

We keep a LOT of Green Dot on hand for SFX work (flame projectors). I get it very cheap... I use it in .44 mag light wadcutter loads for the same reasons.

[Ben]

I guess I'm showing just how little I know, but what is SFX work (flame projectors) ?

[Bullshop]

Alliant Steel is the same burn rate range as 2400 and AA#9 but is bulkier so will fill the case better for the same weight charge and is a flake powder so will give better ignition with low density loads especially when compared tp #9.
I have burned more than a keg of steel so far in cast rifle loads and I am now a believer.
It has also turned in my best 100 yard groups with my new 357 mag Ruger bisley.
!3gn with the 180gn NOE HP is incredibly accurate but may be too hot for small frame revolvers so be careful.
Steel seems to be a sleeper for this type loading because the manufacturer only provides shot shell data.
BIC/BS

[NickSS]

I have used Red Dot and Unique for nearly 40 years for light loads in the 30-06 mostly either 13 gr of red dot or 15 gr of Unique witha Lyman 165 gr pointed bullet (I forget the number but it is not made anymore) I have gotten excellent results in just about every 30-06 I have used it in since I got the mold in 1971.

[geargnasher]

C'mon, guys, why are we still stuck in the rut of using torchy pistol/shotgun powders in a big-cased .30 caliber?

I use H4350, charge weights equivalent to those of J-words of same weight. Back off 10% from the minimum listed and work up from there until you reach about 2400 FPS. Use an "M-die" and put a little roll crimp on it. You will be surprised how well this works if you do your part making good casts and using good loading technique.

Gear

[JDL]

12 grains of Unique with 311644 will shoot inch groups at 100 yards in my M.70 Target. Velocity runs 1380 fps.
In my M/S sporter, 25 grains of IMR-4198 with 31141 or 311291 shoot a little less than 2" at 100 while 32 grains of surplus 4895 + poly and 30-180 FP go into 2".
JDL

[Thumbcocker]

4759 has never let me down and has edged out 5744 on accuracy. Two favorites are 311291 over 20 grains and a 311299 over 21 grains.

[Newtire]

RX-7 at 25 grains and 165-210 grains boolit.

[skeet1]

13 gr. of Red Dot or 14 gr. of Green Dot. Both work well.

Skeet1

[SAJTU]

+2 on the 2400 in the 30-06. My 03A3 loves 20 grains of 2400 under a 311291, keeping consistently at 2" at 100 yards of a bench. The 16 grain load comes in a close second. I use the 20 grain load all the time for our Club's 200 yard milsurp matches. It'll come close to holding the 10 ring on an SR target if I do my part and the wind stays down. I do use a fluff of dacron to hold the charge in the cartridge base as it seems to keep the groups rounder but most on the forum have good luck w/o any filler.

SAJTU