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View Full Version : Accurate loads for Ruger MK II 30-06?


Nate(accuracy)
11-02-2005, 11:42 AM
I have been trying a while now to find the most accurate manufactured load for my Ruger MK II 30-06. I know every gun dislikes certain bullets and likes others. I have a constant group at 100 yards of 2 inches regardless of make, bullet type, or grain. (nothing to brag about). I was wondering if any body has found a more accurate load or any suggestions of bullet manufacturers for this gun and or caliber?

mikej
11-02-2005, 12:45 PM
Nate,
Are you using factory ammo, or do you handload? If factory, then you're sort of stuck unless you find the "magic bullet". Once you find one that does perform, buy a bunch, hopefully from the same lot number. I would give Federal Premium in 180 and 165 gr a try, if you haven't already.

If you handload, try varying the powder amount and type as well as primer make as well. I have also found that seating the bullet as far into the lands as I can, and still feed from the magazine, has tightened my groups in almost all of my rifles.

If none of the above does anything, then you might want to free float the barrel and glass bed the action. To be quite honest, consistent 2" groups at 100 yards and 4" at 200 is good accuracy out of a factory rifle nowadays. Handloading and minor gunsmithing can sometimes shave a little off of this, but unless you really want to invest in a new barrel and action trueing, it probably won't improve that much. Sub MOA factory rifles are as rare as hen's teeth. If you have one, hold on to it.

recoil junky
11-02-2005, 12:55 PM
Ditto on the Federal premium ammo .It's the best box ammo I've found. I don't shoot a whole lot of store bought stuff but when I absolutly have to I'll spend my money on the Federals.

You might also check to see if the stock is touching the barrel someplaceother than on the foreend. You may have to experiment with the wood that's in the foreend too and full float the barrel. I know my 300 RUM didn't shoot for sour owl poo till I floated the barrel. The only rifle I have that doesn't have a floated barrel is the 35 Whelen in 700 BDL.

Speeking of Federal, does any body know where I can source some Federal brass for my 300 RUM? Not that there is anything wrong with the Remington brass I picked up from Midway.

VA Bigbore
11-02-2005, 03:38 PM
I have been trying a while now to find the most accurate manufactured load for my Ruger MK II 30-06. I know every gun dislikes certain bullets and likes others. I have a constant group at 100 yards of 2 inches regardless of make, bullet type, or grain. (nothing to brag about). I was wondering if any body has found a more accurate load or any suggestions of bullet manufacturers for this gun and or caliber?

From your post you sound like you are asking about factory loaded ammunition. As mentioned previously, if you are shooting factory, you are limited to the factory's loadings and lots, which can change from year to year. While dealing with the 30.06, if you want accuracy I would stay away from Round Nosed bullets unless you are hunting large game and need that type of projectile. Also, in my experience, lighter bullets seem to group better than the heavier bullets. I prefer 150gr over 180gr for deer sized animals; Just my opinion.

I am partial to Ballistic Tipped bullets for just about all my rifles for accuracy and expansion. I also include the new Accubond, Partition, and similarly tipped bullets in this group as well. These bullets are designed for accuracy and have delivered well for me. I prefer Nosler bullets to Hornady, just because of my experiences with both bullets. Winchester's Silvertipped loaded ammo uses Nosler Ballistic Tipped bullets.

If you get into reloading, I suggest you try some IMR 4350 powder. This is an old standby powder for this cartridge that has been used as a staple for this platform and others for years. You could also try Hodgdon's H4350 and get similar results (but do not cross-reference one's load data for the other). I have also had good success with IMR 4831 and H4831 and Hodgedon's Varget.

You have a lot more options when reloading, but you have quite a few options with factory ammo with this cartridge as well.