30-06 loads

[ejh69]

Can somebody share there 30-06 cast loads with me to get started? I will be using a Lyman .311, 165 gr. I would be interested in any loads between165-180 grs. Thanks

[sheepdog]

If you want to start low and slow look at "the Load" using 13 grains of Red Dot. That would put you at around 1550 fps with a pleasant lack of recoil (on par with aroudn a 223). Me and another member have tried this as well as lower grains (as little at 6.5 grains with modifed flashhole for about 1100 fps) with success for really light shooting and light cost. Ten shot groups at 100 yards around 2"average.

http://members.shaw.ca/cronhelm/TheLoad.html

[Larry Gibson]

Assuming a GC'd bullet(?).

All with a 3/4 gr dacron filler and work up in 1/2 or 1 gr increments until accuracy goes south;

2400; start at 16 gr.

4759; start at 18 gr.

4895; start at 28 gr.

Best accuracy will come between 1600 - 1950 fps depending on alloy, quality of casting/loading and powder used.

Larry Gibson

[ilcop22]

Target? Hunting?

12-13 grains Red dot for target
34-36 grains IMR 4895 for hunting

[OregonCaster]

One quick question are you using Lyman # 311672 or Lyman 311291 ?

[ejh69]

Lyman 311291----Also is the standard large primer used or a mag primer to complete a hot flash throughout the low powder volume in the large case? Again thanks.

[mpbarry1]

Do you need filler with Red Dot? I would like to have a good plinking load without the need for fillers if possible. I have never used filler in anything, but I guess I could try if that is the only option.

[L Ross]

I've used 13 gr. of Red Dot for target and I killed the only deer I've shot at with it and the RCBS 150 gr flat nose it was pushing at 1,630 fps. I also shoot a 311299 with 16 gr of IMR-4227 with excellent accuracy in an 03A3 when I want to show off shooting gongs and groups. 311284 with the same charge of IMR-4227 works also.

Duke

[Larry Gibson]

Lyman 311291----Also is the standard large primer used or a mag primer to complete a hot flash throughout the low powder volume in the large case? Again thanks.

Standard primers work fine and are recommended for all loads listed so far.

Larry Gibson

[Larry Gibson]

Do you need filler with Red Dot? I would like to have a good plinking load without the need for fillers if possible. I have never used filler in anything, but I guess I could try if that is the only option.

No, a filler is not needed nor recommended with such Red Dot loads or Unique loads for that matter. A filler is best used with powders of 2400 and slower burning rate with light to medium weight bullets such as the 311291. Not totally necessary but a filler, especially a dacron filler, will improve the ignition consistency, lower the velocity ES, eliminate "position sensitivity" and most often improve accuracy.

Suggest a reading of the "sticky" on fillers if you decided to try them. Using a dacron filler is neither difficult nor rocket science BTW.

Larry Gibson

[mpbarry1]

Thanks Larry. I read quite a bit about fillers on some earlier threads and I think i was overthinking it. Rube Goldberg style. Anything from dryer lint to dacron. I forgot that I did use cream of wheat once to fire form some 257 AI cases. that was an adventure. So, dacron it is. and I will read the thread. Thanks as always Larry.

[uscra112]

Dryer lint?

[OregonCaster]

You could also try SR4759 starting @ 20.0 grains or AA5744 starting @ 26.0 grains. Here what the fun part is and that is every rifle is different and what works for one may not work in the other, I agree is a labor of love, I also look at it this way it's cheap therapy.

[mfraser264]

I have been using the Lyman 311644 190 gr. with gas checks cast of Linotype. A charge of Reloader 7 at 22.0 grains. From a Marlin XL7 ay 100 yards easily 1 1/2" groups with weight sorted bullets. Sized at .310".

Also, a old stand by bullet design, Lyman 311041, 170 gr. cast of Linotype with gas check. The charge of XMR 5744 at 26.0 grains is working well. The Marlin can hold 5 shots just over 1" at 75 yards with quality cast bullet. This is the go to for this rifle. Sized at .310".

[ejh69]

Thanks for all your help.

[leadman]

I shoot 19grs of SR4759 with Lyman 311041 in 3 of my 30-06 rifles, WLR primer, no filler. Works good for 200 yard military matches.

[Sonnypie]

I've been having a great time with Lyman 311291, 170g cast bullets and 11-16g of Unique. 12g being a favorite.
I get tighter groups from Unique than I did with my Red Dot test loads.
So much so, I bought an 8 pound jug of Unique for my Cast Bullet shooting.

Specs are:
Winchester Model 70, 30-06 Springfield
.3085 bore
Bullets drop water cooled @ .314", 172g bullet W/ Lyman#2 alloy.
Lubed with my own hot lube concoction.
Sized to .3105 to set checks and to get consistent bullets.
With various aluminum, brass, and copper gas checks.
Neck sized cases, and no crimping.

And I use NO fillers.

[Larry Gibson]

And I use NO fillers.

Probaly a good thing as they are not needed with that fast of a burning powder. I mention that in my post on the "filler" sticky.

Larry Gibson

[LowPE]

I load a lot of 30-06 for my 15 yr old son. 90% of the loads have no filler, but are used simply for non match shooting time -- if he calls the shot good then the occasional flier doesn't bother us. This is a Rem 700.

Now, in the M1 Garand we use a filler otherwise in clip fed rounds the spread grows so substantially....of course being cheap shooters we use toliet paper. Please realize that we are not trying to set course records...

So using a filler is optional depending upon use.

I have followed Larry G.'s advice for years and he is always spot on.

[shredder]

I use the Lee 160 rn with 14 gr Herco. Nice load in the 1650fps zone. I also use 8 grains of Herco with modified flash holes. Both very good shooters at 100 yds.