Looking for a good Varget .30'-06 load

[Major03]

Specifically, looking for a good starting load for a m1903A1

I have tons of prepped HXP brass and was able to locate some Varget. Also SMK 168's and AMAX 178's

Any suggestions?

 

[hvymax]

Go to the manufacturers load data and work up a load your gun likes. Start low. Work up till accuracy starts to get worse. Pick the most accurate load that works in your gun. Of course you also need to find the bullet weight your gun likes as well. There is no throw random crap together and shoot magical groups load.

 

[Pinecone]

This is an EXCELLENT method of working up a load:

http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/

Follow the directions to determine otimum powder charge, then play with seating depth.

 

[byf43]

I've never used Varget, but, for that '03, consider what I was once told.

(Paraphrasing, here), "The '06 is usually most accurate running the projectiles between 2600-2800 fps. Finding that 'sweet spot' is the key."

Just for kicks and grins, load a few of those 168 SMKs and see IF they're going to be accurate out of that tube.

You MAY find out that barrel prefers a 147-154 grain boolit.


Now, FWIW, and IF you decide to use something other than Varget, several '06 rifles that I've loaded for, like the 168 SMK with 47.7 grains of W-748 powder, in LC69 and LC72 brass.
(My personal M1 Garand will NOT shoot that load worth a darn!! Several accurized M1 Garands and my Remington 700 BDL LOVE that load!)

 

[Major03]

Thanks. I'll try getting the chrono out and aim to start at 2600 and ladder test up.

Thinking 46 gr to start should get me close.

 

[Pinecone]

Read the OCW page before you ladder test.

And it is not linked, but he mentions some papers by another guy. I found the papers and he makes a VERY good case for why OCW works.

 

[blackseven]

I Know this is a month old, but still worth noting... CMP hands out hornady match ammo with Varget, and 168gr A-max's. I've "heard" on the CMP forums it's 46.6-47gr of Varget (but varied lot to lot, never over 47gr).

In my hornady book 47gr of Varget is a max load for the Garand. I ladder shot up to 48 grains of Varget in my '03A3 with no signs of overpressure.

 

[Pinecone]

Also, with .30-06, you might want to look at some slower powders.

IMR4350 or H4350, WW760/H414 (same powder).

 

[Bolts Rock]

47.5 Varget under a 168 A-Max is pretty much Hornady Garand Match.

 

[dist1646]

Also, with .30-06, you might want to look at some slower powders.

IMR4350 or H4350, WW760/H414 (same powder).

Not good in a Garand! Slower burn rate powders could potentially damage the gun. You should only use powders in the medium burn rate range in a Garand.

 

[Pinecone]

Not good in a Garand! Slower burn rate powders could potentially damage the gun. You should only use powders in the medium burn rate range in a Garand.

Op was NOT looking for a Garand load. But you are correct, for a Garand, stick with slower powders. Not as bad as in the M14/M1A, but not good.

Specifically, looking for a good starting load for a m1903A1

 

[SOMDSHOOT]

Speaking of 30-06 reloading. Anyone interested in trading me some .223 brass for some 30-06 brass that has been tumbled, sized, and deprimed ? Some of it already primed ? I have about 300 rounds ready to reload...

I have some .270 Winchester and 300 WinMag as well. Some primed, all have been cleaned, sized and deprimed. I'm just trying to get a couple hundred rounds of .223 OF brass to make it worth my time to reload the .223