XMR 4350 is a smidge faster than the Hodgdon's or IMR powders of the same number. Pretty much "optimal"
Might look at the powder burn rate chart, and refer to your loading manual(s), if you own any...
Really ought to own several loading manuals just for this kind of "what's optimal" question.
If you're gonna be shooting cast boolits in your 06, you got Unique to consider as "optimal". Of course, it is optimal in every cast rifle load where looking for accuracy over velocity.
Seems like Varget and RL-15 are also pretty optimal for light loads in the .30-06. Haven't ever loaded an 06 under 180gr, but the 165gr is probably gonna do better with a little faster burn rate. Can also include IMR 4064 and 4895 in that mix.
Lots of new powders out there. Best advice for what's optimal is to refer to the Sierra Manual and go with their Accuracy Load for your bullet weight. If it is Accuracy you seek, use their bullets to isolate the variables.
The Lee #2 and latest Sierra books are excellent and compliment each other. I would go with the Accuracy Load as your starting point. Maybe look at the 168 matchking load as the one you want. Millions of those fired in an 06 for sure...
