And yet another new loader with a question

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Ranman

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Hi all......I'm new to reloading, got my new Dillon 650 and all the other goodies but haven't started yet because I'm doing my due diligence reading first so that I understand everything first; hence my question.
I'm reloading for a Tikka T3 30-06.
I have 2 reloading books Lyman 48th edition, and Hornady 7th edition. I'm comparing loads for 150 grain bullets for different powders. I have Hornady SST 150 grain and a pound of IMR 4350 which I was going to start with. The Hornady manual lists the max load for 150gr bullet with that powder as 59.9gr whereas the Lyman lists max load for a 150gr Jacketed SP bullet with that powder as 57.0gr and indicates that this is a compressed load. Why the 3 grain difference???
Also, is this powder reasonable for that bullet weight or are there better choices??? Some of what I've been reading suggests this powder is better for heavier (180gr+) bullets.
Thanks for the replies

Cheers
Randy
 
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As far as the difference in the amount of powder, different reloading manuals will indeed give different numbers.
This can be caused by different powder lots which will give slightly different results, different cases used , different bullet makes, different primers, different rifle ( Barrel ) and the list goes on. Also, some companies may be more cautious than others.

Are you looking at the " maximum " load just to compare or to actually load ?? It is never a good idea to start at or near the maximum. Take the maximum less 10% and see how that works. Learn the pressure signs.

Are you looking to hunt with the loads or shoot targets ? Most times the most accurate loads are not the maximum charge of powder.

I don't reload for the 30-06 & have never used IMR 4350 but I checked a couple of sources and it is supposed to be accurate.

I reload but do not consider myself an expert. Let's see what others have to offer for you.

Good luck.
 
Well, for hunting I would have recommended a 165 grain bullet as a good all around bullet and 4350 is a standard powder for the 165. 4350 should work fine in the 150 although rifles often have a preference for one particular bullet/powder/load over others. Finding the best load is a bit of a trial and error process. 59.9 grains is up near the top end, I would definitely start lower and work up looking for signs of excess pressure such as "craters" with raised edges around the firing pin indents on the primers. Also, be sure to weigh your powder charges every 10 rounds or so because 4350 doesn't flow all that well through a powder measure.
 
Thanks for the replies guys....
I realize that one should be very careful in working up a load. I'm not particularly interested in working at max loads, my goal would be to find the right powder bullet combination for accuracy and be well within safe parameters. Ideally in my mind, the hunting and target loads should be the same. Why do they need to be different??
I find it interesting though that max loads would be so variable. The Lyman manual in particular seems to stress the safety aspects and to NEVER go over the max load. Lo and behold another manual (Hornady in this case) and it lists the max load for my particular powder a full 3 gr heavier, which from what I understand is a huge increase over what Lyman says is safe??? A bit confusing.
I bought a chrony and plan on keeping velocities in the 2800 or less fps to keep things safe.
Thanks again for your insights
Randy
 
4350 is good 30-06 powder, moreso for the heavier bullets. I suggest try it with 150gr bullets. if there is unburnt powder left in the barrel you should switch to faster burning powder,also a shorter barrel may not burn the slower powder as completey as a longer one.
 
45gr IMR 4350 and a 180gr SP is a marriage made in heaven. You can work it up or down a bit and bullet in or out a bit from SAAMI to suit your gun.
 
Its always a good idea to start at the min load and work your way up to the most accurate combo for your rifle. Every rifle is different with what it likes to eat. You must take everything into consideration from the brand of case, primer, powder & bullet. Changing one variable usually constitutes starting over from the bottom. My rule of thumb is when you find a load you are happy with --- stick with it. For my Rem 700BDL in 308 win I've been using 43.2gr Win 748 over a Hornady 165gr BTSP in a brass Federal case for years. I get my deer every year.
 
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