Thomas Edward
Member
I have a Noreen BN36 AR style gas operated 30-06 rifle. I have a supply of Sierra Match King bullets in 168 gr and 190 gr. and I have AA 4350 powder, Reloader 22, and a few pounds of Vitavuori N160. I will be using Winchester LR primers and Brass. I have searched through reloading data on the web for loads using these combinations of components with the intention of determining a good starting charge for load development. My concern is that most of the load data I have encountered has been worked up in bolt action rifles. There were loads listed for the M1 Garand rifle, but I am looking to work up loadings that are more powerful given that the Noreen BN36 is a newer design and can likely tolerate higher pressures. 1) Does anyone have any experience developing loads for the Noreen BN36. 2) Because it is a semi auto should I consider that the max load I am working up to will be less than the loads listed that were developed in bolt action rifles. I found one reference where an individual who was loading for a 30-06 semi auto using Reloader 22 topped out at 58 grains because the action/cases were showing signs of stress above that. The Maximum charge of Re 22 in bolt actions was listed as 60 gr with some folks actually loading above that charge weight with no ill effects.