Suggestions 30-06, IMR 4064 and Barnes XXX

[Glock22Fan]

I plan to make some rounds for deer hunting in 30.06 using 165 grns Barnes XXX.

I have some IMR 4064 on hand; anyone any suggestions for a good starting point for this?

Thanks

[ocabj]

You can get data on the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center site:

http://data.hodgdon.com

They have basic data for a 165gr Sierra with 4064 in .30-06.

[Glock22Fan]

You can get data on the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center site:

http://data.hodgdon.com

They have basic data for a 165gr Sierra with 4064 in .30-06.

Thanks,

I do have quite a bit of data for 165 grn and 4064, I just haven't loaded Barnes (or any other copper) bullets before and wasn't sure if they were different. Barnes has some data on their webpage, but nothing for 4064 - so I'd have to buy more powder, which I'd prefer not to do.

Can I treat the cooper bullets imilarly to same shaped lead ones, to get a start point anyway?

[ocabj]

Cast bullets are typically shot significantly slower than copper jacketed bullets in centerfire. What kind of cast loads have you been shooting in .30-06?

[Fjold]

Use the data from Hodgon for the 165 grain bullets which lists a starting load at 49 grains and work up slowly. The maximum listed charge weight is 52.5 grains.

The thing about the Barnes TSX bullets is that they have the driving bands (less bearing surface) and they should be loaded .050" short of the lands which both help reduce the pressure in the load.

It's harder to overload them using book data but your mileage may vary so watch for pressure signs carefully.

[halifax]

Barnes lists 46.0 (2616) to 50.0 (2844) for their 165gr XFB, XBT, and "165gr Solid"

I don't know for sure if the "Solid" is the XXX. The manual is #3 from 2001.

Reload

[Glock22Fan]

Thanks everyone. That gives me some confidence. I tend to load on the lightish side - I have no interest in pushing pressures to their limits (anyway, I usually get most accuracy a little below max loads).

Yes, Halifax, the XXX is a farily new offering, I believe. It has three bands cut into it to lessen the contact with the barrel, reduce drag, reduce copper build up, reduce pressure and increase accuracy. Supposed to be excellent.