125 gr. SPT .30-06

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lackeyse

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I would like to load some light gr. bullets, 125 gr. Pro-Hunters for my .30-06. Considering these bullets are really short I was wondering if I should use my Lee factory crimp die. Normally with larger bullets, 165 gr.+ I do not use this die. I will not be able to seat these bullets as close to the rifling as I would like. Is it beneficial to use the crimp to help with uniform start pressure:confused:. Also, does the crimp help stabilize velocity variations?:rolleyes:
 
You shouldn't need a crimp at all. Neck tension should be enough. Crimping isn't required for any .30-06 load. Not enough recoil.
You won't be able to get the 125's close to the rifling or have the same OAL. That's normal. The bullet is likely close to half the length of a 165. Don't use 'em myself so I can't actually measure one. They're not match grade bullets anyway, so being close to the rifling isn't that big of a deal. Try 3.2" for an OAL.
 
Thanks Sunray. Even though I haven't loaded these rounds yet I was just trying to consider all options to create an accurate efficient load. Here is a quote from my Lee Factory Crimp Die info. sheet.

"Those who load ammunition for profit know that the single most important ingredient to accuracy is a uniform start pressure. Until now, handloaders had to obtain a uniform start pressure by seating the bullet so that it would just touch or nearly touch the rifling. A firm factory crimp supplies the uniform start pressure for ammunition loaded for different guns and it is tolerant to rough handling. Tests demonstrate that bullets crimped with Lee Factory Crimper have significantly less velocity variation, especially when the powder used is not the optimum. This makes powder selection far less critical. Now you can match and exceed the conventional factory accuracy with little effort."

Because of the unconventional size of the 125 and the inability to load it close to the rifling do you think the Lee info applies. Even though neck tension and COL for the .30-06 isn't an issue will the crimp help the 125'er behave like it was loaded just off the rifling? Or do you think:bsFlag:and I should go ahead and load as per normal? Thanks
 
While I prefer to crimp most of my hunting ammo, I believe it is a mistake to crimp a bullet that has no cannular. Any attempt to do so must deform the bullet and compromise both accuracy and terminal performance - regardless of what the Lee pamphlet says. If you seat the bullet at least one caliber length into the case neck, there should be enough neck tension to prevent any problems.
 
You may want to consider useing the .311 diameter bullets intended for the SKS instead. They seem to be a bit more accurate in many of the 30-06 rifles. Another thing to consider is that most rifles chambered for the 30-06 have a 1-10 twist rate barrel. Very fast for the short light bullet and can cause separation in flight issues at higher velocities, usually much faster than the bullets were intended for. A 1-15 twist would be more appropriate. Another consideration will be powder, you don't want empty air space in the case, it can also lead to inconsistant ignition. MOST not all rifles don't shoot these light bullets well, you may be lucky. bearhunter
 
"...load as per normal?..." Yep. I had a look on Reloader's Nest. 3.2" is the length given for every 125 grain bullet load. You need enough bullet in the neck to hold it there. A 125 is too short to even get close to the rifling in most rifles. T'ain't physically possible and still have enough bullet in the case.
You're going have to work up the load anyway, so just load as per your manual and don't worry too much about being close to the rifling. That applies to longer bullets and definitely to match grade bullets, but not so much for the little fellas.
Bearhunter has a point about the rifling twist. The 125's may not stabilize anyway. Don't use .311" bullets though. That's the wrong diameter.
 
About 40 years ago, before I started to accumulate rifles for specific purposes, I used my 30-06 for everything, including Varmints. To hunt Columbian Ground Squirrels, groundhogs and the like, I used to load the 130 Speer HP over a good charge of H4895. I was shooting an early production Remington 700 Carbine, with a short barrel. I never did chronograph those loads, but I will assert that they were accurate and devastating on any varmint. It did not seem to bother that bullet that it was being spun much faster than necessary to stabilize it. I could put 5 shots into ¾moa practically any time I wanted. I tried several powders, but H4895 seemed to work best in that rifle, so stayed with it. Eventually, bought some other chamberings more suited to varmints, so I stopped using my 30-06 for them.
About 3 years ago, I stumbled on 7 rounds of that old ammo in with a bunch of sundry ammo boxes, brass and such. It had been toted around, packed away for at least 30 years. Out of pure curiosity, I pulled one down, and noted that it looked OK yet. Powder was still shiny and dark, and bullet pull seemed about normal. Remembering how well that load had shot in that old Remington 700 piqued my interest, so the next time I went to the range with my much newer 700 SSDM 30-06, I threw the 6 remaining rounds in the totebag and took them along. After sighting in with my pet 165 Partition load, I hung a fresh target, and fired those six rounds at it. Imagine my surprise to see them all in 1" with 4 cutting one another! Point of impact was different than the regular load, but they were still working great. (No crimps, BTW.) I see no reason why that 125 Sierra would not work similarly with the right load. Regards, Eagleye.
 
Thanks guys. BTW, the rifle I am using has a 20 7/8" bbl with a 1:11" rate of twist. My powder selection is limited. I have a good amount of IMR 4350 and IMR 4064 but don't have H4895. Any thoughts on powder selection? Which of the two that I have would you try first? I am looking forward to trying this load:D.
 
110 grain Vmax over enough RL15 to do 3400 fps is my "vermit load" in my 30-06. Its fairly accurate and Ive also used this load in two other 30-06s and it was accurate in all of them
 
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