Need some dope on reloading 180 gr. Noslers in .30-06

[pharmseller]

I need to start reloading .30-06 or I'll land in the poorhouse.
I have had great success w/Federal Premium High Energy 180 grain Nosler loads and my rifle likes them very much. Across my chronograph I get an honest 2880 ft/sec.
Two problems: I think Federal doesn't make them anymore and 2. even if they did I will not spend $55 for a box of ammunition.
I need some good load data so I can shoot myself silly in the preseason so when the time comes that I see the big bull at 350 yards I will have put in the time to make the shot.
What powder/charge/primers/oal work for you .30-06 shooters? Can you get around 2880 ft/sec, or does that velocity develop pressure issues?

P

[O.S.O.K.]

Well, if you haven't tried it yet, I recommend checking W760. I've found it to be very accurate. I'm not pushing much past 2700 fps though... but that's plenty plenty.

One thing you will really appreciate is how well this ball powder meters. Nothing like being able to throw loads into the cases and go right to seating the bullets.

[Terry Murbach]

IN THE TWO MANUALS HERE ON MY DESK NO LOAD IS THERE THAT'S WITHIN A BIT OVER 100FPS LESS VELOCITY YOU ARE CLAIMING. Hmmmmm....INTERESTING...

OKAY...I AM BACK....JUST RAN DOWNSTAIRS TO CHECK MY DATA IN MY 25" BARRELED 30-06 RIFLE. THIS RIFLE WILL EASILY TAKE 150gr BULLETS TO 3000FPS OR A LITTLE BIT MORE BUT IT WILL HARDLY TOP 2700FPS WITH IT'S BEST LOADS WITH 180gr BULLETS.

[pharmseller]

Federal Premium 180 gr Nosler
Clean, oil patch, dry patch, fouling shot.
1. 2743
2. 2715
3. 2730
4. 2728

Federal Premium High-Energy 180 gr Nosler
Clean, oil patch, dry patch, no fouling shot
1. 2877
2. 2876
3. 2877
4. 2890

I've heard 57.0 gr of H4350 gives 2800 ft/sec w/o undue pressure but I need to do more research.

P

[Terry Murbach]

Federal Premium 180 gr Nosler
Clean, oil patch, dry patch, fouling shot.
1. 2743
2. 2715
3. 2730
4. 2728

Federal Premium High-Energy 180 gr Nosler
Clean, oil patch, dry patch, no fouling shot
1. 2877
2. 2876
3. 2877
4. 2890

I've heard 57.0 gr of H4350 gives 2800 ft/sec w/o undue pressure but I need to do more research.

P

WOW !!! THOSE ARE AMAZING NUMBERS. I WONDER IF THAT HIGH FALUTIN HORNADY 30-06 AMMO WILL DO THOSE NUMBERS ??

[Bigahh]

Those are some impressive numbers! You are nipping at the Heels of the 300 Win Mag. I get 2960 with a Factory 180 grain Nosler from my Remington 700 in 300 Winchester Mag. Maybe that is the reason for 55.00/box?

[pharmseller]

Hornady has discontinued their "Light" and "Heavy" "Magnum" loadings.
Federal discontinued the High Energy line.
Not a significant difference for twice the price.
Products that sell well usually stick around.

P

[Glenn]

You probably won't be able to reach those velocities with the canister powders we can get. Years ago I loaded the 180 gr. Hornady bullet for my M70 and IMR4350 was very accurate stuff. Start at 55 grs. and work up.
Glenn

[Don McDowell]

I like H414 in the 06, my rifle shows a definet preference for Hornady 165 gr bt interlocs. Primer preference is CCi large rifle.

[stinson]

IMR 4350 56.0 grains (max; start lower), Federal 210 primers, 180 grain Partitions. No animal will know the difference between 2700 and 2800 fps.