I've been using Varget in my .223 H&R with very good results, and am looking at loading for my .30-06 700 BDL. I was thinking Varget with the Nosler 125gr BT's, but was wondering what are good powders for larger bullets? I'd be shooting 150-200 Nosler BT's/Accu-Bond and/or Hornady SST's.

IMR4350 seems to be a popular powder for the larger bullets, but was wondering what kind of luck you guys have had? I'm looking for accuracy in a good hunting bullet, and tend to be a bit of a velocity-nut, although the "sweet spot" with my .223 is a bit down from the max recommended loads. I haven't shot much beyond 200yds, but would like something I could also try at longer ranges, say 400yds or so.

Thanks :cool:

55.0gr of IMR-4350 is the favorite in my M-70 with 150-200gr bullets, ultimate accuracy comes from the Sierra 165gr BTHP matchking. Fully acceptable hunting accuracy with 150-220gr flat base bullets. Never had much luck with bullets under 150gr, ok too 100yds but not much beyond that.

For my rifle, IMR4350 is hard to beat in the 30-06 from 150grn to 180grn. My best accuracy was near the top of the loading data. Also had good results with 4831 for 180grn bullets and 4064 with the 150grn bullets. Had some good loads with max loadings with 150 and Varget too. IMR, Hod, or AA4350 will all work but need some adjusting. IMR seems to be pretty consistent from lot to lot.

Bill

Varget should be fine with weights up through about 165gr, then switch to 4350 for 180-200grainers. Actually there are so many powders that will work well that we could fill a page with them. Why mess with 125gr loads when you already have a .223? Normally, the point of impact shift between say 125gr and 165gr is enough that carrying a "varmint" load in your pocket on a big game hunt, just in case, is really not functional. Spooks your game, too.

I agree the 4530 is outstanding. Also had best accuracy with the 165 gr SPBT.

I tried some 125 gr once. Don't know where they went - not thru my paper anyway. Tried holding center, hi, low, left, right - no sign of 'em.

For semiauto rilfes, follow the mfr's recommendation. For the M-1 one is not supposed to use 4350. Being slow, it keeps the pressure higher at the muzzle, and too much pressure goes to the gas cyl/op rod.

But, for my bolt guns, I use the 4350.

Many of the older powders were developed with the 30-06 in mind. IMR- 4350 is a good one.
Do not overlook IMR- 4064 for the lighter bullets or IMR- 4831 for the heavier ones. All of them and several others are very good here.
Near 50 grains of anything work well in this cartridge with most bullets.( I do not mean unique or bullseye here).
It is a very forgiving and versitile cartridge.
I haven't tried Varget yet in anything.
Stay below published loads and have some fun!
Cheezywan :D

Best '06 powders for my 160 - 165 gr loadings has always been the IMR's - 4895, 4064 and 4350. The pre-war M70 has a preference for 180 gr's with the 4350 loadings.

H-414 is a good one.

Don't underestimate Varget for 150 and 165 grain bullets. I have gotten the very best groups out of my 30-06 while using that powder with 150's and 165's, and the velocity is right up there. I'll grant that I can get higher velocities with 4350, but not much, and accuracy is superior with Varget in my Model 70.

As another poster said, switching to 4350 (either flavor) or even IMR4831 makes sense for 180 grain bullets and up.

To be honest, I've never come up with a really bad load for my '06, and I've tried IMR 3031, 4064, 4350 and 4831, H414, H4350, H4895 , Varget, R15, and a couple of the old Brigadier powders. I've also used SR4759, H4198, AA#5, and 2400 with cast bullets.

Very versatile and easy-to-load round. Have fun!

Wow, thanks for all the replies! Sounds like the '06 is even more versatile than I realized. I think I'm going to start with the 150-165 grain bullets and IMR4350; I'll try Varget with those when I re-supply for the .223, just to compare. I'm looking forward to trying out differentloads, with all the combinations available -- kind of like the 225-600grain loads I try with my muzzleloader. :) Maybe cook up a good 220gr load, even though there isn't much in Arizona to use it on... :eek:

I've had great success with 165 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips using 57.5 gr of IMR 4350; very accurate in many of my 30-06's. Another good load for 180 gr Nosler partitions is 56.0 gr of H4831SC. Good luck.

I have tried H4350, Reloader19, H4831 and IMR 4831 in my -06and they all worked well but I landed on 55 grains of IMR4350 with the 180 grain spitzer bullets for 2775 fps average, + or - 9 fps in a 24 inch barrel and under half inch groups when I am clicking on all cylinders.

Two weeks after I found this combination and how well it worked, I was looking at Ken Waters Pet Loads. Guess what? R-P cases, 180 grain bullets, large rifle primers, and 55 grains of IMR 4350 made up one of the best of his loads. Looks like I reinvented the wheel. Read what he has to say about the 30-06. You'll get a lot out of it. Good luck!

I use varget for all my 06 bullets.

I just finished working up a load for my 3006, using Varget with the Hornady 165 IB. Chronied Load is:
Cases: WW
Primer: WLRM
Powder: 52 Grs. Varget
Velocity: 2917 FPS in a 22 inch barrel
Std Dev: 23 FPS
Estimated Pressure: 61,979 PSI using an extrapolation formula based on known PSI in Hogdon's Manual at 50.5 Grs loading. NO Pressure signs observed in 5 shot string and the rifle is still working and in one piece!
If attempting this load, please work up while watching for pressure signs.

Deedmonton

Welcome to the board, deedmonton -

Yes, indeed - folks should ALWAYS work up 10% below those recommended to assure their particular firearms don't react adversely to the listed load.

Varget is just a good all-'round powder, like the IMR4350. I use it with great success in my .223 Rem.

I switched to H4350 from IMR4350 in my 30-06 A.I. H4350 is just a tad slower than the IMR and my load is compressed which the rifle realy likes.

I haven't tried Varget yet. I used to shoot it in my 22-250 and have some of left so I may have to give it a try in the 06.