30-06 Competition Loads

[Budget'06]

Hello everyone, I hope this finds everyone doing well. A few months ago I purchased my first rifle, a CVA cascade in 30-06. I've been working on a load to shoot at a local clubs 300 yard competition. I have tried two powders so far (both with the same bullets). Ramshot Big Game and IMR 4350. Big game has been amazing in other rifles but so far a lot down in accuracy here. The 4350 load was initially just a reload to foul the barrel after a deep cleaning.... For the fun of it I decided to shoot over a chronograph.
(My phone will not allow me to upload the photo)
Shot 1- 2905fps
Shot 2- 2901fps
Shot 3- 2900fps
Std deviation- 2.65
Group size was only .950" BUT I had to leave before the last shot and the rifle completely cooled down so not all shots were under the same condition. First two in the same exact whole and the last being a little less than and inch high.

With Big Game I was also using 57.5gr of powder over the same 150gr bullet. Velocity was 3070fps with a std deviation of 7. (Over 5 shots). However the group was terrible, roughly 2 inches. I went back and seated the bullet deeper, and I got down to a little under 1.5". I'm planning on trying one or two more things with that load as I have 8 pounds of the powder to use up and can't afford to switch.

This is only my second post here so if this is not the correct place to post this I do apologize. So far I have loved this community. Any advice on the Big Game load or your opinions/experiences on that powder would be much appreciated. Hopefully I'll be able to upload pictures soon.

 

[Budget'06]

Update, as I posted this the screenshots of the chronograph results couple up and decided to join in . Sorry in advance

 

[Justice1327]

If big game is that bad for you, try IMR4895. Which bullet? Berger 150 gr target bullet does well at 300yds.

 

[K.E.C.]

If I'm shooting for Accuracy I don't pay much attention to Velocity.
Hope this helps.

 

[Budget'06]

If big game is that bad for you, try IMR4895. Which bullet? Berger 150 gr target bullet does well at 300yds.

I might have some 4895 around somewhere. That powder shot decent with a 150gr nosler bullet. The bullet I'm using now is a Hornady 150gr fmj boat tail bullet. I wanted to be over 3000fps so maybe I'll try to do that with imr4350. I just can't believe that big game won't group


Edit: thinking about it now, my big game load was with Winchester brass, and the IMR 4350 load was with Remington 270 brass that I necked up... Maybe the Winchester brass is the problem

 

[Old Rooster]

I loaded 30-06 and IMR4350 for many years with great results.Caution,it is temp sensitive and what was a great load in winter was too hot for summer shooting

 

[Budget'06]

I loaded 30-06 and IMR4350 for many years with great results.Caution,it is temp sensitive and what was a great load in winter was too hot for summer shooting

My dad has used it for a very long time, he warned me of the same thing. The load I used was actually 3 grains under listed max and the primers basically look brand new with a small dent in the middle where the primer was struck. I put a small heater in front of the ammo before shooting, they were probably around 70 degrees, outside temp was about 32 degrees

 

[Buttermilk]

Myself and my brother have had good results using H4350 in our 30-06's with 165 & 180 gr bullets.

 

[Budget'06]

Myself and my brother have had good results using H4350 in our 30-06's with 165 & 180 gr bullets.

If I had some H4350 I'd definitely try some. I like speed so BigGame seemed perfect.

 

[amu_shooter]

I started shooting NRA/CMP Highpower XTC matches way back in late 90s before my time with the AMU using a Garand to get started.

I loaded IMR4064 at 45.0 behind a 168 SMK, used it for all stages at 200/300 and 600 yards, worked very well.

No doubt the 4350 would work, just listed what I used for info.

 

[Budget'06]

I started shooting NRA/CMP Highpower XTC matches way back in late 90s before my time with the AMU using a Garand to get started.

I loaded IMR4064 at 45.0 behind a 168 SMK, used it for all stages at 200/300 and 600 yards, worked very well.

No doubt the 4350 would work, just listed what I used for info.

I definitely think the 4350 will work, but I've got a small amount of it.

 

[Roughrice]

I know H4350 shoots very small groups with 165's in my 30-06.
If you find a powder that shoots small groups with the bullet you intend to use...roll with it even though it's a bit slower than you'd like!
300 yards doesn't need 3000 fps to shoot tiny groups.
I found that most 30-06 rifles like the 2950ish node with 165's.
I haven't used 150's yet but will work up a hunting load with my new batch of 150 Accubonds.

 

[338 dude]

 

[Buttermilk]

If I had some H4350 I'd definitely try some. I like speed so BigGame seemed perfect.

We're getting 2882 fps instrumental velocity (@ 18 ft) using a Berger 180 EH with H4350. Plenty fast. 24" barrel. Right at 1/2 moa.