Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Good 30/06 Loads

I've been trying to develop a good hunting load with 165-168 grain bullets in my Tikka 30-06 using IMR 4350 and XMR 4350. It's been frustrating, my rifle doesn't seem to like either 4350 very much. I tried several different bullets and primers but didn't get the kind of accuracy I wanted. Good velocity, but ho-hum accuracy. It shoots great with IMR 4064 but the velocity is lacking (I haven't pushed much with 4064 though).



My usual hunting load which puts three shots under 1/2 inch.

Bullet: Nosler 168 gr. Ballistic Tip
Powder: IMR-4064 49.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 210
Case: Winchester
LOAL: 3.340 (2.720 base to ogive with Stoney Point gage)
Velocity: 2639.38 fps
Extreme Spread: 30.43
Standard Deviation: 10.14
Comments: Loaded for .018 bullet jump to lands.

The XMR 4350 load I checked today (2 inch groups - yuck!)

Bullet: Nosler 168 gr. Ballistic Tip
Powder: XMR-4350 57.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 210
Case: Winchester
LOAL: 3.340 (2.720 base to ogive with Stoney Point gage)
Velocity: 2796.87 fps
Extreme Spread: 42.78
Standard Deviation: 19.74

I put my chronograph up (why check the remaining ammo?)

And then I tried this load to use up what was left... WOW!



Bullet: Hornady 165 gr. Spire Point Boat Tail
Powder: XMR-4350 55.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 210
Case: Hornady
LOAL: 3.230 (2.673 with Stoney Point)
Comments: Jam length 2.683 base to ogive, seated for 0.010 jump to lands. Six shot group at 100 yards measured 1.059 inch.

Back to the drawing board!