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Posted: 1/8/2011 10:28:57 AM EDT
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the manual i have, the sixth edition, does not show any loads for 30.06 using 168 gr. A-MAX bullets with IMR 4895 powder. strangely, the IMR 4895 is not shown for any 30.06 load. i thought that this was the go to powder for bolt action 30.06 loads.
does the latest edition have any info for IMR 4895 loads? while we're at it, how about some of your favorite loads using this powder / bullet combination. thanks. |
IMR4895 is one of my favorite powders! My Speer 13th Edition has .30-06 data for the 168gr. bullet and IMR4895. It says 44gr's min. and 48gr's max. COAL 3.295". Velocity for those loads ranges from 2437 fps min. and 2605 fps max using a Remington 700 with 22" barrel, 1:10 twist. It also has a footnote that says that powder is recommended for use in gas-operated semi-automatic rifles. 
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5th Edition Hornady Manual has data for the 168gr. A-Max in the M1 Garand section for 30-06 using IMR 4895 powder.
primer Win LR Hornady case overall length 3.240" IMR 4895 start 37.1-2200fps.........42.1-2400..........44.6-2500.......47.1-2600 for an M1 Garand 24" barrel Same info in the 7th edition too. I suspect that bolt action data could be increased 1 to 1 1 /2 grains but work up to it and check that the overall length is ok in your bolt rifle. |
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IMR powder's web site shows a starting load of 48 gr. of 4895 (2719 fps) and a maximum load at 51.2 gr (2859 fps) for a 168 gr. hornady hollow point / boat tail bullet. just looked it up.
makes the Speer data look kind of conservative doesn't it, snake_driver? however they don't tell you what rifle they used or the barrel length. there shouldn't be too much difference between the A-MAX bullet and the HP / BT. i'm with you, IMR 4895 is also one of my favorite powders to work with - easy to measure and burns very clean. time to head for the range with the chronograph  .
thanks for your input, guys. |
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Quoted:
IMR powder's web site shows a starting load of 48 gr. of 4895 (2719 fps) and a maximum load at 51.2 gr (2859 fps) for a 168 gr. hornady hollow point / boat tail bullet. just looked it up. makes the Speer data look kind of conservative doesn't it, snake_driver? however they don't tell you what rifle they used or the barrel length. there shouldn't be too much difference between the A-MAX bullet and the HP / BT. i'm with you, IMR 4895 is also one of my favorite powders to work with - easy to measure and burns very clean. time to head for the range with the chronograph .
thanks for your input, guys. That's the difference in bolt gun data and M1 data that everyone else is quoting, so if using a M1 I would start at the very lowest charge weight as work up slowly as I'm sure you will. |
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Quoted:
IMR powder's web site shows a starting load of 48 gr. of 4895 (2719 fps) and a maximum load at 51.2 gr (2859 fps) for a 168 gr. hornady hollow point / boat tail bullet. just looked it up. makes the Speer data look kind of conservative doesn't it, snake_driver? however they don't tell you what rifle they used or the barrel length. there shouldn't be too much difference between the A-MAX bullet and the HP / BT. i'm with you, IMR 4895 is also one of my favorite powders to work with - easy to measure and burns very clean. time to head for the range with the chronograph .
thanks for your input, guys. Sad to say most loading books are all lawyered up these days. The different data between the various manufacturers is all over the place. The worst is Hornady that has the weakest loading data available. I have several older Loading Manuals that I consult to get a good idea about what is REALLY the maximum load and go from there. According to the new books, several of my favorite and most accurate loads are over maximum by today's standards where they were mid-range when I started using them. Yet, I've been using those loads in my guns for well over 25 years without any signs of excess pressure or problems. You'll just have try some different loads for yourself and see what works best in your guns.
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When considering how much lighter (cheaper) today's guns are becoming and comparing to guns of say..... 25 years ago when there was pretty much one plasti'k handgun and gas rifles were unheard of for hunting purposes. Look at the manuals of that time period and compare to today. Weapons change manuals faster than lawyers. In fact, if you think about it. It's not until the weapon fails that lawyers get involved.
Case in point. I wouldn't dream of loading heavy for my Glock like I do my Beretta. There just isn't the support or chassis there to do it. |
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a little after the fact, but i should have mentioned that i was looking to make accurate loads for target shooting.
a friend of mine and i both have savage model 110 bolt actions in 30-06 and want to compete a little. he shoots factory ammo and i reload for myself. being new to this caliber, i'm looking for a few tips from more experienced shooters before burning through a bunch of ammo. all the above info is invaluable. THANKS. |
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