Need some help with loading 30-06

[NRAhighpowershooter]

another Varget user here for 308, 30-06, 223, 7mmIHMSA, 7.62x39, 7x57, 7.5x55 Swiss......

[Fjold]

Don't be scared of compressed loads. The reloading manuals even tell you that it's a compressed load and it's pefectly safe.

One of the loads in my 375 H&H magnum fills the case with the powder into the neck of the case, then I seat a 300 grain Barnes TSX on top of it and compress it probably 3/8".

[LloydXmas250]

Reading through my manual a second time the maximum charge of 63 gr of R19 is listed as compacted. The 60 is not but it looks like it would be compressed if not extremely close. We'll try out a few loads but we might end up switching to Varget since so many seem recommend it.

[pennstater]

I've loaded 61.0gr of RL 19 using Hornady 150 FB bullets, and 62.0gr RL 19 using Hornady 165 FB bullets with no problems in my rifle[Ruger MK II]. They shot pretty well.
However, once the #19 ran out, I have stuck with H-4350 and 165's, or 180's on occasion.

[Munk]

Reading through my manual a second time the maximum charge of 63 gr of R19 is listed as compacted. The 60 is not but it looks like it would be compressed if not extremely close. We'll try out a few loads but we might end up switching to Varget since so many seem recommend it.

Like a few have said before, don't fear the compressed load, so long as your manual says it's compressed (even if they only list the high end as being compressed).

One advantage to having a load that damn near fills the case is that you know you can't double charge it, or even overchrage it much.

I'd suggest you slowly work into the load you want, start with 3-5 of a load that's just a hair away from being compressed, then add a grain or half a grain until you've hit the point you're going for. Pay attention for case deformities coming up and punched or flattened primers.

For my .30-06, i'm running a 150grn Sierra on top of 45 grains of 4064. I'll be testing them the next time I go out. This is listed as being fast, yet is still not near a max load and i've got room to rattle around in the case. So you may look to 4064 as an alternative if you're uncomfortable using your powder.

[LloydXmas250]

Since the starting load seems so much, is it ok to start even a little bit lower just to experiment or is that not a good idea?

[tzahoy]

H4350 is the go to powder for 30'06. If you want to use an Alliant product Reloder 17 is more appropriate.

[Sideline Shooter]

When you see load data that only has one charge listed it is the MAX charge. Always reduce your loads by 10% and work up from there. When you get a 60C the C=compressed load. R19 is too slow a powder to be efficient for 30-06, yes it works but not that well when there are much better powders. Hey you already have the powder just pick another bullet or load the ones you have a little lighter.

sideline shooter

[LloydXmas250]

Only calibers we load are .233, 30-06, and 9mm. I don't think this powder will work for any of these. 63 grs is the max. I'm asking if it would hurt to go under the starting load of 60 grs.

[GeoffLinder]

Like a few have said before, don't fear the compressed load, so long as your manual says it's compressed (even if they only list the high end as being compressed).

One advantage to having a load that damn near fills the case is that you know you can't double charge it, or even overchrage it much.

I'd suggest you slowly work into the load you want, start with 3-5 of a load that's just a hair away from being compressed, then add a grain or half a grain until you've hit the point you're going for. Pay attention for case deformities coming up and punched or flattened primers.

This I totally agree with. Compressed load is fine IF it's in spec and tested to be safe by carefully working up from reduced charge starting point.

[GeoffLinder]

Only calibers we load are .233, 30-06, and 9mm. I don't think this powder will work for any of these. 63 grs is the max. I'm asking if it would hurt to go under the starting load of 60 grs.

No, it won't hurt to reduce to start. In fact, starting at least 5% but no more than 10% under singular data you find and then working back up in .2 grain increments is the safe, sane and preferred way to go about this. When minimum data is available, I check to see if it's more than 5% under max and then start at 5% if it is. There are very good reasons for max and min load data, never exceed these end points without careful testing procedures in place. Too little powder can be dangerous too. 10% is an awful lot to take off a 50-60gr recipe, but not so much in a 20-25gr one.

Like said above, load a handful of each charge weight from reduced starting to just over the 60gr point. Test each charge weight shooting for groups and watch for pressure sign, chrono to note velocity if possible. Stop when the group is smallest or pressure sign shows up. Stick with the load that provided best accuracy. If pressure sign is found, back off .2 to .4gr and call that max safe for that recipe in that rifle.

For case filling charges, settling the powder by one method or another will quite often take you back into uncompressed territory if done right. Vibration, slow trickling and drop tube methods all do the trick and can be combined for max effect.

[LloydXmas250]

Well I went over today in an attempt to help my step-dad out once more with this powder. He went out and bought the RCBS 1500 scale and dispenser combo and it worked brilliantly for me with my .223 and H335. Before I could get there today he tried with the dispenser and the R19. He didn't like the way it dispensed the powder and he said he couldn't get the bullet seated properly with 60 grs of R19. I tried to explain some of the tips you guys have made like the straw and slow trickling and vibration to compress it but he was done with it. He has a short fuse and now he's moving on to H4895, giving up on the R19 completely. He also said he'll be returning the RCBS 1500 which I'm upset about. He didn't like the way it dispensed but I feel like it may have just been that powder and he should give it another try with a new kind but he's too damn stubborn. Looks like I lost this battle. Thanks for the help anyways guys. When I get my own 30-06 or similar gun I'll use this knowledge well. Thanks again.