Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles What is the optimal powder for 165 gr. bullets in 30'06?????

Guys, I'm a die hard 165 grain bullet fan. What powder would you most recommend for a 30'06. I've been using H414 for years, just because "it worked" but my case necks keep coming out filthy. I'm beginning to think the 414 burns dirtier than some other powders and would like to try something new and don't want to waste a lot of powder, searching for a new load. Thanks for all the feedback.

Any of the 4350's is my choice with the Hodgdon version leading the pack. The results that some guys have had with Ramshot Hunter looks real good too.

I've always used IMR-4350 or H4350 for the 165/180 gr. bullets in the 06'.

Another vote for H4350

I'd come out of the gate with H4350.

I'm going to steal a quote from someone who stole a quote, I believe from Jack O'Connor. To paraphrase, "...if your '06 doesn't shoot 165's with 4350, you need an exorcist, not a gunsmith." +1 vote for 4350 from me. 57.0gr of IMR4350 and a couple different 165's has shot well from my '06. I'm off to play with H4350 next.

IMR 4350 has always worked for me! In fact I use the same powder with the 165 in my .300 Win Mag! Awesome long range Mule deer killer!

IMR 4350 for me.

57 of IMR 4350 and a 165 has long time been my go to load in an 06. For both hunting and when working with a new gun to see how high an IQ it has.

Dober

One more vote for the IMR 4350 and the 165. With Dober's load of 57gr. its hard to find an '06 that it WOULDNT shoot well in...

Now all I gotta do is figure out how Dober knows what works in an '06....
Ingwe

I load for four different .30-06s now. Two winnies, one Rem, one Browning. All of them spit 165 gr. bullets down range at 2800-2900 fps when propelled by 57 gr. of IMR 4350, and they do it with sub-MOA accuracy as long as myself or my father is shooting. It was amusing to shoot the load for my brother-in-law's Browning when he got it, I shot a 5 shot, 3/4" group and he said "Great! Let me try!" He shot a 5 shot 2 1/2" group with the same load and bitched about the rifle not shooting the load well. I asked for it, sent 5 more rounds down into a 3/4" group. He's okay with it now, but it took him a while!

the optimal powder is the one that shoots the best out of your rifle could be either of the 4350s or W760............

Have to agree with IMR-4350 and H-4350 in the .30-06/165 or 180's . Right now, my Ruger #1 works verrry nice with 57.0gr H-4350& 180 Horn. or Partitions. However, I've been using Hunter in another '06[Ruger Mk2] with 165 Horn& Part. and that shoots very ,very good! Those three powders are all you need for your .30-06. Good luck. Rifletom

I've use IMR and Hodgdon 4350 with great results (different data).

For the first 25 years or so, I loaded with IMR4350 -- 57 gr for everyone but myself. For my rifle, it was 58.5 gr and the velocity was so close to 2900 that we'll just call it that. (2892) Accurate, killed well. But a guy buys other powders because . . . . . . well, there must be a reason. I now really like H414. Not noticing any inordinate amount of black soot.

Accuracy is phenominal. I'm guessing that RL19 would also work well, but I haven't tried it . . . . YET! Couldn't get IMR4064 to shoot up to my standards. H4895 shoots good with 150's. So does IMR3031. For the 180 grainers, I like IMR4350, H414, and my new favourite is H4831 -- a case full = bug holes.

Love the old gal. Just an old battle horse.

Ditto.

59.0 H4350 and most standard 165's is my choice...

Same here!

H4350 here as well with 165s.

well, I might be stepping out on a limb here but I'm getting the impression that 4350 (H or IMR) would be a good place to start.