30-06 & various 180gr

[Slamfire]

Compared the accuracy of Hornady 180gr RN, 180gr SST and 180gr Winchester PP handloads in my Sako 85 Bavarian Carbine. Used 46.0 gr of IMR 4064 which is about mid way between starting and maximum according to Hornady No.7. About the same POI as Sako 220gr Hammerhead factory ammo (2400 fps MV) which produce 1" groups at 100 meters off the bench and is my current hunting load.

Results as shown. Including an all-important off hand group. The PP group was fired from a clean barrel and probably isn't representative of its accuracy. A fouling shot or 2 should have been fired first.

Seems to like the SST's. The single set trigger is a great feature for accurate shooting.

.30-06 Sako 85 Bavarian Carbine with Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5x20mm

 

[Jim870]

Interesting, what was your goal with this? A gentler recoiling easier on the pocket practice load I assume.
Should be capable for that.

 

[BigUglyMan]

What's "all important" about the offhand group? Has nothing to do with the potential of the load, just speaks to how well you can shoot that load offhand.

But what's the point of a load that is 300 fps slower than most 180gr handloads?

 

[9.3mauser]

But what's the point of a load that is 300 fps slower than most 180gr handloads?

300 fps slower than most factory loads. Running at about .300 Savage/ .307 Win velocities.

 

[bbobie]

nice looking rifle

 

[Slamfire]

Settled on the 220gr Hammerhead factory load for hunting so the 180gr handloads, which shoot to about the same POI, are for off hand practice. Emphasis on off hand shooting skills because for me most game is taken inside 150 meters with off hand shots.

 

[Lefty Dick]

Why not load up some Hornady or Sierra 220 round noses, and stuff some 4350 into the cases, and mimick your factory load?

Oh ya then just go hunting with the reloads and quite wasting money on factory fodder.

 

[Slamfire]

I rather like the 220gr Hammerhead factory load because it's a heavy for caliber bonded core bullet and shoots quite accurately in my rifle. Only $2.60 per round. For hunting only, not for off hand shooting practice. The 180gr same POI handloads are for off hand shooting practice.

I don't think there's a 220gr bonded core bullet available on the market (?). If there were the bullet alone would probably be about $2. More costly to handload than the Hammerhead factory loads.

 

[GMC403]

Delete

 

[Slamfire]

The 220gr NP would be a good alternative to a bonded core. Just looked it up, Woodleigh does a 220gr RN and is a bonded core bullet. About $1 per bullet. If starting with new cases then the cost to handload is comparable to the Hammerhead factory loads.

https://www.tradeexcanada.com/content/w65c-woodleigh-bullets-308-cal-220gr-rnsn--

I've got a supply of Woodleigh 240gr PP SN bullets which being heavier are even better. These will do 2300 fps MV from my rifle. But will see how the 220gr Hammerheads perform first.

 

[Lefty Dick]

I rather like the 220gr Hammerhead factory load because it's a heavy for caliber bonded core bullet and shoots quite accurately in my rifle. Only $2.60 per round. For hunting only, not for off hand shooting practice. The 180gr same POI handloads are for off hand shooting practice.

I don't think there's a 220gr bonded core bullet available on the market (?). If there were the bullet alone would probably be about $2. More costly to handload than the Hammerhead factory loads.

At 2400fps, the need for a bonded core bullet isn’t all that you feel it should be.

A heavy for weight conventional cup and core bullet will serve you way better than you think.

You are sort of over building where there is no need IMO.

 

[Eagleye]

Opinions are like ears...everyone seems to have a couple.
It appears to me that Slamfire has developed a load he wants to use for offhand
practice. Then that is just fine. As far as a "need" for a bonded bullet at 2400 fps,
that does not even register on my scale. If he likes to use it, he should do so.
I use premium bullets in many cases where a C&C bullet would probably work just
fine. A matter of personal choice. Dave.

 

[Slamfire]

A .30-06 is a departure for me for caliber selection as I prefer heavier calibers. I really like the Bavarian Carbine but they don't make it in heavy calibers. So to get maximum performance from my .30-06 the way to do it is with heavy for caliber bonded core bullets. Not to be undergunned. The proof will be in the pudding when I nail something with it using the 220gr Hammerheads.