To any who might disagree with Nick - his help with the 165 SST (.30-06) was right on the money! The optimum load for the 165 Hornady SST with IMR 4350 was, in fact, 57.3 grains. The lower end load was OK, but this one is hot and accurate (.250" inside, .400" outside) and printed 5.5" high on a Redfield target (compared to 1.5" with my old Ballistic Tip 165's). I would really appreciate your help again with the computer program.

I want to load the 180gr Accubond and accurately push it over 2700 fps. My .30-06 barrel length is 21 29/32", brass trim length is 2.486", empty brass weight 195.47 gr., full of water (no meniscus) is 265.40 gr. Ballistic coefficient is .507 and sectional density is .271. I plan to use RL-19 powder, but can return it and exchange for something any of you recommend if necessary. I hope to maximize velocity and get superb accuracy.

The second part of this is to compare the 180 with the 200 AB. The 200's BC is .588 and the SD is .301. I'd love to be able to push the 200 over 2700 fps and still get .500" at 100 yds. My gut, however, tells me the 180 AB will be the faster and more accurate load.

Thanks! I appreciate any help you can offer.

Change of plans...... after a good reality check from other Nosler fans, I am going to go with the 200 AB. I am hopeful Nick is on vacation and can offer a good starting point. His analysis of the 165 SST was dead on. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

Sniper,

I did pretty close to 2700 with 56.0 grains 4350 and the 180 grain Sierra game king. .5 moa. This was from my Rem 06, and not the Sig, and the 970 normally does a shade better velocity wise, so I think its in there, or at least very close.

Not sure you'll be able to hit 2700 with the 200 grain, but stranger things have happened. I guess its possible, and I haven't tried it quite yet, but I did the 220, and managed about 2450. This was again with the Remington, so the difference in the Sig might be enough, it just occurs to me to be a little ambitious.

I did shoot up the rest of my 165 sst load with the 4831, and managed 2800 and change, although it grouped around 1.5" cconsistantly. I think I'll try out the 4350 with this bullet, its working great for everything else 06, this minute.

I haven't done the accubond bullet with the 06, but have for my WSM, 180- grainer performed extremely well. I believe it to be a quality bullet, and made to fly.

Best of luck to you, friend.

Steve

Steve - Thanks for the update! I think you will like the 165 SST with 57.3 gr. IMR 4350. I seated it .002" off lands and it SMOKES at 2900 with incredible groups.

I got 200 AB with I4350 powder. I hope to load in the next few days and get to the range (God, I need trigger time!!!!). I'll keep you posted. BTW - your SIG should love the 165 SST!

Tim

sniper1958
Getting a 200 to 2700 FPS in a plain '06 is probably not going to happen! If you had a 26-28" barrel maybe. Your trying to get '06AI velocities out of a '06! I would think 2500-2600 would be more realistic! I can get high 2600's for 180 gr and great accuracy out of my 22 " barrel!

Thanks again! I think I can get mid-2600's if things go right. I'll post the results soon (I hope)!