Reloading semi-auto .30-06

[rubbman]

Can I use any .30-06 reload info for a semi auto? I have a Remington woods-master .30-06! I plan to reload with 168Gr Hornady match BTHP!

[FLIGHT762]

No, as a general rule of thumb for reloading for .30 caliber autoloaders, it's wise to use powders that are in the "medium" burn speed. This would mean using powders that are faster than in the IMR 4350 and slower speed category.

There are quite a few powders in the medium speed that will work fine. An example of the powders I'm referring to are 4895, 4064, Varget, Reloader 15 and others.

To make it simpler, you can look at 30/06 loading data with a 150 grain bullet and find the powders that get to maximum loads at about 50- 52 grains or under. Those powders will be in the medium burn rate. You'll see powders that will max out at 54-60 or so grains, those powders are too slow.

The examples I gave you are normally used for reloading M1 Garands, and M-1a / M-14's. The reasoning for medium powders is the gas systems were built and tuned around those powders. Using slower burning powders will cause higer gas port pressures and will strain the gas system.

The gas system on your Remington Woodsmaster (740,742 and 750) may be more forgiving, but you'll definitely not hurt it with medium burning powders.

[Enfield47]

^^^this

Use load data for an M1 Garand and you will ensure that your rifle functions properly and that the gas system isn't damaged. Do this and you will enjoy many happy years of enjoying your rifle.

[rg1]

If you don't want to do damage to your Woodsmaster then use a medium speed powder as suggested. I've had one from the 70's and started loading for it in the 80's. Shot factory loads in the beginning. Slow powders often recommended for 30-06 like IMR 4350 and 4831 and others in this burn range over drive the bolt of the Remington semi and the locking lugs dig into the bolt rails of the receiver. This will eventually damage the bolt rails to where the rifle no longer cycles. Remington nor most all gunsmiths will even touch this rifle so if damage is done the rifle is scrap. Parts no longer exist or are scarce. Powders with the burn rates from IMR 4895 to IMR 4064 will work fine and not damage your rifle. Mine has evidence of the bolt over traveling and dinging the bolt rails from too slow powders. It damages both the bolt and the receiver. It is said that the soft rails can be rewelded and remachined but you won't find a gunsmith that would try it or cost would be too high. My 30-06 Woodsmaster is a good shooter and I like the rifle but the action of the Model 742 Woodsmaster is fragile. Later edition 7400's had some design changes and gas system changes to supposedly improve the reliability??? In 1982 Remington dropped the 742 line and made the 4-74-7400 model. They had larger locking lugs, a cone shaped breach, and a hardened rail insert in the top to guide the top locking lug. This was supposed to eliminate rail damage. Once Remington's warranty replaced damaged 742 receivers but that long ago stopped. If you like to hunt with the 742 don't take it to the range and blast 100's of rounds at cans and targets. Treat it gently and use only for hunting and it'll last. Like mentioned powders for the M1 Garand and even M1 Garand load data will be best for your rifle

[rm1911]

All true but sporting semi autos should be perfectly fine shooting commercial store bought ammo. I hardly think a rifle manufacturer would sell a rifle that wouldn't shoot commercial ammo.

Which means the rifle will most likely shoot any load that replicates or comes close to factory ammo. I wouldn't push the limits like its a bolt rifle or anything.

The garand problem is specific to garands, in that it was designed to shoot imr4895 and only imr4895. Other powders will work well and be safe but the garand powder issue is for the garand. The operational mechanisms of the garand was designed and built to work within a very specific pressure curve and rate, because it was supposed to be shooting only one type of ammo: M2 ball (or the AP rounds).

However because it's a semi auto, even though it will have a wider range of powders that are usable, you will most likely find that the medium burn rate powders work better.

[Enfield47]

All true but sporting semi autos should be perfectly fine shooting commercial store bought ammo. I hardly think a rifle manufacturer would sell a rifle that wouldn't shoot commercial ammo.

Very true, I just considered it to be an older model for some reason and considered powders that were of that era that weren't as hot as more modern powders are.

[SHYGUY5150]

Check out Master PO's guide to reloading M1 Garands.. GL john

[AGGRO]

My 740 eats core lokt 150s all day. You'll be fine with the lighter bullets.

[Bainter1212]

I concur with the previous advice about downloading a bit to preserve the rifle.
The older ones would get the bolt rail damage inevitably, over time. To minimize this damage load it exactly as you would a Garand....use Garand load data. Trust me.......I have my grandfather's 740. It has signifigant bolt rail damage from the old man loading to max velocities.
I baby it now to keep it going for a few more years at least. Light loads using IMR4895 and a few mags a year is all I do.
These are not plinking guns. These are hunting guns. Develop a load, sight in and hunt. Repeat once a year.

[rubbman]

Thank y'all for the good answers! I inherited the gun with 4 boxes of winchester super x 220 grain bullets. I think I will save reloading for when I buy a bolt action!