30-06 reload question
- Thread starter Jfdakota
- Start date
Smoke & Recoil
New member
The IMR 4895 is a good powder for 30.06, the 160 gr FTX I know nothing
about.
I use IMR 4895 for 180 and 220 grain round nose with my 30.06.
about.
I use IMR 4895 for 180 and 220 grain round nose with my 30.06.
I cannot precisely tell you off the top of my head.
IMR 4895 is essentially the original military powder for the 30-06 ball ammo used in the Garand.At first glance,it would seem a good choice.
However,my little yellow caution light comes on over the Barnes TSX bullets.
Its not a red light,its a caution light.
IMR 4895 is a good 30-06 powder,but it is on the quick burning side of the spectrum.
The Barnes TSX bullet is solid copper,isnt it?If Iunderstand correctly,those are a little harder for the rifling to engrave.So,maybe,they are more resistant to moving down the bore.A quicker powder like 4895 may not like that.
I'm going to the trouble to explain because there are better approaches.
I think if you go to the Hogdon site you can get some IMR data.Maybe they will list your bullet.Try the Barnes website.
In any case,you need tested,published data for the recipe you use.
Once you find load data for your bullet,you might see how IMR or H-4350,and REloader 19 compare.
You also might look at Grafs,Midway,and Natchez websites.They have a little more inventory.
If you don't have a loading manual,get one or two.I like to have one from my bullet MFGR,and my powder MFGR.
Most all of the loading manuals will step you through the process.
Good luck!
Edit: I did some research for you.This will tell you what you need to know.
Data!
http://www.barnesbullets.com/files/2016/03/30-06SpringfieldV9ForWeb.pdf
IMR 4895 is essentially the original military powder for the 30-06 ball ammo used in the Garand.At first glance,it would seem a good choice.
However,my little yellow caution light comes on over the Barnes TSX bullets.
Its not a red light,its a caution light.
IMR 4895 is a good 30-06 powder,but it is on the quick burning side of the spectrum.
The Barnes TSX bullet is solid copper,isnt it?If Iunderstand correctly,those are a little harder for the rifling to engrave.So,maybe,they are more resistant to moving down the bore.A quicker powder like 4895 may not like that.
I'm going to the trouble to explain because there are better approaches.
I think if you go to the Hogdon site you can get some IMR data.Maybe they will list your bullet.Try the Barnes website.
In any case,you need tested,published data for the recipe you use.
Once you find load data for your bullet,you might see how IMR or H-4350,and REloader 19 compare.
You also might look at Grafs,Midway,and Natchez websites.They have a little more inventory.
If you don't have a loading manual,get one or two.I like to have one from my bullet MFGR,and my powder MFGR.
Most all of the loading manuals will step you through the process.
Good luck!
Edit: I did some research for you.This will tell you what you need to know.
Data!
http://www.barnesbullets.com/files/2016/03/30-06SpringfieldV9ForWeb.pdf
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condor bravo
New member
4895 and 4064 are popular choices, especially for the mid range bullet weights up to 180. However 4350 is commonly used for the 165 bullet weight and especially for 180 gr and heavier. There is probably more loading data in the manuals for the '06 than for any other caliber.
condor bravo
New member
Looking at loading data for the 160 gr ftx bullet for the .30-30, most of the max loads are shown with velocities around 2100 fps, and only one with a velocity of over 2300 fps, using leverevolution powder. You would want more velocity with the '06. But should the bullets be limited to those velocities, probably not. A vendor source for the bullet indicates 1600 to 2600 fps for medium game. There are better bullets for the '06 for hunting and you would be better off with a different bullet. Use the ftx bullets on targets.
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Jfdekota
Imr4895 is a good powder for 30/06 but it is temperature sensitive. Hodgen 4895 is a better powder that is extreme not temperature sensitive. This is the powder that I use in my hunting rifle and my M1 Garand and for my 30/30.
4895 will work with the 160 ftx , follow reloading data from Hornady.
Imr4895 is a good powder for 30/06 but it is temperature sensitive. Hodgen 4895 is a better powder that is extreme not temperature sensitive. This is the powder that I use in my hunting rifle and my M1 Garand and for my 30/30.
4895 will work with the 160 ftx , follow reloading data from Hornady.
My favorite powder for reloading the .30/06 is H4350. An easy bullet to load with and get great accuracy is Sierra's 180 grain Game King. I liken it to a target bullet you can hunt with. My favorite hunting bullet however is a Nosler Partition, 180 grain. H4350 is really easy to come by around here so if it's around your area I'd say pick up a pond if your other powder doesn't make you happy.
FYI to OP -
As others have mentioned, the Hornady 160 grain FTX bullet was designed for application in 30-30 tubular magazine rifles.
As such, the Hornady reloading manual (9th edition) does not contain load data for use of this projectile in 30-06 rifles. It does contain 30-30 rifle load data for this bullet.
I've used this projectile in 30-30 application, and for that, it is a fine projectile.
Bayou
As others have mentioned, the Hornady 160 grain FTX bullet was designed for application in 30-30 tubular magazine rifles.
As such, the Hornady reloading manual (9th edition) does not contain load data for use of this projectile in 30-06 rifles. It does contain 30-30 rifle load data for this bullet.
I've used this projectile in 30-30 application, and for that, it is a fine projectile.
Bayou
ligonierbill
New member
For bullets, just look on line. I buy from Midway, Graf's, Powder Valley, Midsouth...there are many more. I like Sierra GameKing 165s or good 'ole Speer Hot Core 150s for the "aught 6". A friend of mine shoots nothing but 180s. He's done well on elk and deer.
As stated, you have a good powder for your round. I load IMR-4350 almost exclusively, but Varget, H4350, Reloder 19 (and 17) and other medium to slow powders also work well. Be safe, and good shooting!
As stated, you have a good powder for your round. I load IMR-4350 almost exclusively, but Varget, H4350, Reloder 19 (and 17) and other medium to slow powders also work well. Be safe, and good shooting!
Jfdakota,
What you got will work fine. You just need to observe a couple of limitations. One is that the bullet, being for 30-30, is designed to perform on game at muzzle velocities about 200 fps slower than 30-06 is capable of giving it. Nothing over about 2600 fps, and I would aim for about 2500 fps if game is what you intend to shoot with it, as bullet manufacturers can be a little optimistic about how their bullets perform at the extreme ends of the claimed range.
Fortunately, IMR 4895 can do this for you in 30-06, and is loaded to these velocities in the Garand all the time. The same loads will work in a hunting rifle. Use the load data Hodgdon has for 30-06 for the 165 grain Hornady GMX bullet. By happenstance, its load range will be about right for use with your bullet and even allows for the fact it will be seated deeper than most bullets (seat it so the crimp cannelure is at the level of the case mouth—ignore the usual 30-06 COL).
This data calls for 44.4 grains of IMR 4895 as a starting load and 47.8 grains as maximum. If you want to hunt with it, to be sure the velocity doesn't get too high for this bullet, I would not exceed 45.4 grains if your barrel is 24" long. If it is longer, then the starting load may be where your want to stay. If it is shorter, say, 22", then you can go up a another grain, assuming, as with any load workup, no pressure signs appear. With your slightly lighter bullet, I don't expect any.
What you got will work fine. You just need to observe a couple of limitations. One is that the bullet, being for 30-30, is designed to perform on game at muzzle velocities about 200 fps slower than 30-06 is capable of giving it. Nothing over about 2600 fps, and I would aim for about 2500 fps if game is what you intend to shoot with it, as bullet manufacturers can be a little optimistic about how their bullets perform at the extreme ends of the claimed range.
Fortunately, IMR 4895 can do this for you in 30-06, and is loaded to these velocities in the Garand all the time. The same loads will work in a hunting rifle. Use the load data Hodgdon has for 30-06 for the 165 grain Hornady GMX bullet. By happenstance, its load range will be about right for use with your bullet and even allows for the fact it will be seated deeper than most bullets (seat it so the crimp cannelure is at the level of the case mouth—ignore the usual 30-06 COL).
This data calls for 44.4 grains of IMR 4895 as a starting load and 47.8 grains as maximum. If you want to hunt with it, to be sure the velocity doesn't get too high for this bullet, I would not exceed 45.4 grains if your barrel is 24" long. If it is longer, then the starting load may be where your want to stay. If it is shorter, say, 22", then you can go up a another grain, assuming, as with any load workup, no pressure signs appear. With your slightly lighter bullet, I don't expect any.
brasscollector
New member
I've been reloading for a few years now. I'm always learning something new. Might be that I'm a slow-learner or maybe that I sometimes pass over the little nuances that I should really be paying attention to. Either way, always learning something.
"...the 160 gr ftx is good for 30-30..." Yep, but it'll do for .30-06 too. Has a soft insert on the point. It's used in Hornady's .308 Marlin(max loads run at 2450ish to 2680ish with a 160)as well as .30-30.
IMR4895 will do as well. IMR4064 gives more consistent accuracy though. Use 155 or 165 grain data and you'll be fine. The 5 grains one way or the other won't matter much. However, when you buy more bullets, buy 165's. The brand doesn't make much difference. Chances are the same load you work up for the 160's will be ok for a 165 too. Moreso if you use 165 data.
IMR4895 will do as well. IMR4064 gives more consistent accuracy though. Use 155 or 165 grain data and you'll be fine. The 5 grains one way or the other won't matter much. However, when you buy more bullets, buy 165's. The brand doesn't make much difference. Chances are the same load you work up for the 160's will be ok for a 165 too. Moreso if you use 165 data.
Brass Collector:
I've been reloading for 55 years. At no point do I ever consider my learning over. Through forums like this one, I learn something new every week. Pay attention to the manuals and don't get distracted while reloading. Maybe you won't wreck as many pieces of gear as I have.
I've been reloading for 55 years. At no point do I ever consider my learning over. Through forums like this one, I learn something new every week. Pay attention to the manuals and don't get distracted while reloading. Maybe you won't wreck as many pieces of gear as I have.