30-06 and 165 grainers, well there are so many good powders, the best for velocity and accuracy are those that fill the case and yield 100% or more density. So I recommend:
RL22, RL19, H4350, IMR4350, IMR4831. I sure there are others that work, but I found those that yield top accuracy w/ high velocity also have 100% load density.
Note1: RL22 is a compressed load but has yielded the highest velocities w/165's that I tested (actually I started years ago with N205, then changed to RL22, almost the same stuff). Work up to 62-63 grains of RL22 from well below and see near 3,000 FPS in a 24" barreled 06. In a Ruger 1-B 30-06 with 26" barrel and N205, I recorded a 3047 FPS average w/165 Nosler Partition. No flies on the 30-06. This was an old Bob Hagel load recommendation. I also use a Lee factory crimp die and mild crimp when using compressed loads of powder, especially RL22. Also note, I used only new once fired Winchester or Federal Gold Metal 30-06 Brass for load development and testing.
The TOP compressed RL22 loads are 60k PSI loads. Were using 270 Winchester pressures as a guide and your brass life will suffer, and these are HIGHER than normally recommended 30-06 pressures which are held a bit low due to old Springfields and the like. Do NOT use in lever guns, pumps, autoloaders, or 50+ year old bolt guns, also rear locking lug Bolt rifles (some Steyr's). MODERN guns only, please....use extree caution. Inexperienced, hamhanded, or daredevil type reloaders can get into trouble w/ any case and compressed loads, be advised....
Note2: I have not gotten a Barnes X 165/168 to go anywhere near that fast without undo pressure signs, load is too compressed for the long lead free bullet and RL22, Use caution.....Try only H4350, IMR4350, and RL19 with the X Bullets. I have NOT tried the newer shorter MRX bullet....
Also good are: W760, IMR4320, IMR4064, RL15, N204.
I have not tried RL17 or BigGame in a 06 case. May or may not work well.
Bob
Last edited by Shadow; 04/03/09.
