load help, 30-06 with cast bullets.

[1006]

Tried to post a picture of some data from Lyman’s Cast Reloading Manual, but it was blurry.

If you can find a copy, it has a lot of data for the 30/06.

[1006]

A post from several years ago-good info from some experts:

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...ing-loads-quot

[MUSTANG]

Below is an expanded pic of the 311291 (169 Grain) data from the same source. It is not as crisp as might be desired; but still quite readable. For both this pic and my previous one; a reader can click on the picture and it will open in a different window - but expanded much larger - which helps in readability for those with more seasoned eyes.

[MUSTANG]

It just struck me that Shadow9mm and other readers might not yet have the background to understand my post when I stated that W748 and BLC-2 had similar burn rates. For their clarification; the following is an extract from one of many "Powder Burn Rate Charts".

Attachment 301366

A complete pdf version of this "Powder Burn Rate Chart" can be found at: https://hodgdon.com/wp-content/uploa...rate-color.pdf

[garrisonjoe]

Bullet hardness is more important as you start to make rifle slugs. I get excellent plinking performance (1400 FPS) in 30-06 with Brinnell Hardness of 16, and hunting performance (1900-2000 FPS) at 30 Brinnell Hardness (that obtained with heat treat - water quenching).

good luck, garrisonjoe

[Adk Mike]

I like 13 grains of Unique with a 311291 sized to .311
Nice groups at 50 and 100

[Adk Mike]

I forget to mention the rifle is a US model 1917 made by Remington.
One of the best shooting rifles I’ve ever owned

[robg]

2400 is very flexible .works in 357mag/308 and 45-70.

[Shadow9mm]

well, my case flare tool should be in here in a few days. I decided to start with HP-38 as i have that on hand. I struck out on 2400 but there is one other shop I can look at next week for it.

I decided to size the bullets to .309, as that is the sizer I have. Then powder coat to try and bump the size up a bit.

[405grain]

As others have pointed out: 2400 is not sensitive to position and requires no fillers. You can get good velocities and accuracy with it. I've had success using it in 30-06 with the 200 grain Lyman # 311299. Load what you can with what you've got on hand, but keep an eye out for some 2400; it's a good powder.

[Shadow9mm]

I'm still looking, but the shop I stopped at saturday did not have any 2400, I do really want to try it. Im hoping to swing by the other shop wed or thurs.

[GooseGestapo]

The Lee .309-170gr FN is my second favorite .30cal cast bullet.
Of your current powders, Power Pistol would be where I’d start.
PP isn’t listed in many sources because it’s just too new. For historical reference, it was originally called Bullseye ‘84. It’s a fine grain double base powder just like Bullseye, and Unique. It has the flake size of original Bullseye but is a tad bit slower burning than Unique.
I’d use the starting load for Unique and work up to max load for Unique.

For an upper power load, use the BLC2. Lee#2 lists loads with it on page 153. I’ve never used BLC2 in the .30/06, but my favorite load in the .35Rem is with a RCBS 200gr FNGC over 39.5gr.
The aforementioned 31.5gr load should be a good one.
Use a LR MAGNUM primer if you can get any. BLC2 is a spherical powder and works better in cold weather with a hotter primer.

Another strong recommendation is to size 0.311”!
With powder coat, you may likely be able to skip the gas check.

[gwpercle]

This data is from RCBS Cast Bullet Manual #1
30-06 170 gr. FP GC sized: .309"
Powder - H335

starting Load - 30.0 grs @ 1813 fps

Maximum Load - 32.0 @ 1966 fps .



BBS (Beg , Borrow or Steal) some Red Dot Powder and Load 13.0 grs under that 170 gr. boolit ...
It's a "special " load ! .... It's ... " The Load " and we Thank Mr. C.E. Harris for it !

I have a manual that shows loads for the 30-06 / 170 gr. FP GC and Red Dot powder as:

starting load - 10.5 grs. @ 1355 fps

maximum load - 13.5 grs @ 1585 fps

Several years ago I had read the article "The Load or: what you can do with 13.0 grs. red dot"... then later ... saw 3 cans Red Dot sitting on dealer's shelf ... I bought one and gave "The Load" a good try , shot them Sunday and Monday went to dealers and bought the other two cans Red Dot ...yeah , it's that good ...Red Dot and cast boolits became my new Match Made in Heaven ... wonderful in rifle and handgun loads .
Gary