.30-06 and 215 berger

It won't stabilize a bullet that big don't even try it.
Interesting assumption considering for all we know he has a 9 twist. The majority of 30-06's have a 10 twist, which is what Berger recommends. If he has an 11 or 12 twist, if I were him I would use the Berger twist rate calculator and look at my stability for my elevation to decide if I wanted to try it. If it has the standard 10 twist, I wouldn't even give it a second thought. Go for it, it will be stable.
 
I used 55.0 of RL-22 in my Ruger Express 30-06 w/ Woodleigh 220 FMJ, including the Norma 200 gr. Oryx w/ 57.0 RL-22 when I worked in Africa, both loads shot to the same POI.

The 220 gr FMJ is a long bullet too and I never had an issue with stability...... But neither did anyone else when the round was used in WWI or II, or when everyone went with heavy for caliber bullets back in the bygone days when the 30-06 was super popular.

I say go for it and see what happens, if it key holes, well you'll know for sure?
 
I have run the 215s in my 30-06 with IMR4350 powder and CCI 200 Primers. Was able to get 2800 without bad pressure signs. No extraction issues just alight and I mean light smearing on the case head and slight flattening of the primmer.

I also Have tested the 215 with up to 65 grains of RL26 Powder with Fed 215 Mag primers . I am going to finish testing when the weather warms up. But this is what I plan to stick with. I am getting a little over 2850 with 65 grains with no case head smear but a very light primer flattening. And I mean very light. I cant get enough powder in to get over pressure. I plan on test loads from 65 to 65.5 Grains and going with the best one.

First load with 56 grains of RL26 and 215s with Fed 215 mag primers saw 2373 average on the crony. So for those wondering I did start low and worked up.

A couple more things to note. I have a 28" 1:10 twist barrel. I also Am jumping to the lands with a .250 Jump. Yes you read that right a .250 Jump. My COAL is 3.640" So I am also seated out a ways already. More room for more powder. ;)
 
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54.5 GR of H-4350, Lapua brass, GM210M primer. COAL 3.618.
I could probably go higher in charge weight, very very faint ejector marks at 54.2, had to look real hard to find then. Took it to 55.5 grains, all easy bolt lift one finger.
 
Tagging in. Have a friend has a Rem 700 30 06, 1:10 and he was asking me about the Berger 215. Hunting rifle.
 
Do you have the load you used as a starting point? It's not nice to dance around skimpy and not give it up:(

I see folks using it in a creed, I wonder if a 308 may do any good.

Have an 11 twist with a 22" tube. So wasn't very stable. Never checked velocity. Got up to 57gr with H4831.

I have used the 210 hvld with RE17. Topped out at 51gr/2564 fps for accuracy. It will go higher but wasn't good enough.

I load RL 26 in multiple rifles and it is magic dust in 6.5 creedmoor. So I don't have a starting place for you on an 06. NEMTHunter has info in post #21 that should get you going.
 
I have a 30 cal barrel and about 6k 06 cases. I was going to build a 30 mag but now with this info I might just do a 30.06 AI should net 2850 with Rl26. Since I have 3 8#ers I will just stock up on bullets till I'm ready

Well... you could do that... or you could build your 30 mag and run them at 3k FPS +, depending on chamber, throat and barrel... aaannnd then send me those 30-06 cases... I'll PM you my address...
Hahahah! Just kidding.

On your 30-06 build, If you go that way, You could probably run them faster If you run a barrel 26" + in length. With that short 22" I have, I actually top out on speed right at 2750 FPS, even with up to another full grain of powder. Just want to remind you in my rifle it's a pretty hot load, like 3 reloads and done, but it's a hunting rifle so volume of shooting is down on it anyway. I imagine with an AI round and a bit longer barrel, you'll be happy. Either way, good luck and keep me in mind on those 30-06 cases! LOL!
 
In addition to my 2 30-06's, and 4 300 Win Mags (I obviously LOVE those guns...) I also have a Savage 10 FCP-SR with a 24" 10 twist barrel that has no problem stabilizing them...
 
just a wild thought the other day. I have a bunch of 215 Berger's for my 300 mag and thought why don't I try them in my .30-06?

Does anyone have any good loads using h4350 or rl22? These are the powders I currently have.
I use IMR 4350 which is one up from the H4350 in my 06. 51gr. chronograph with 210 ABLR for 2474 fps & use this also for 208 Amax, 210 BLD Berger, 212 ELD-X and even 225 ELD-M. With the ELD-M 52gr chrono's at 2507. All sub MOA out of a 24", 1:10 & well over 1000 Ft/#'s at 1000 yds.
 
RL17
Win brass
Fed primer
Hex coated 208 eld
2700+ FPS

Lapua brass
Mid 2600 FPS

HEX BORON NITRIDE COATED BULLETS.
Always work up!

I had a 215 Berger load and it ran about the same.
(Elds are cheaper)
I have some notes on temp swings with this powder with a 6.5 creed and 30-06. The 30-06 had way less sensitivity than the smaller 6.5. I have some theories on this. Don't overlook RL17. IMR 7828 SC would be a good one, especially if you make a long drop tube and load over 3.40"
 
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