Which .30-06 load: Slightly more accurate, or slightly faster?

Which load should I choose?

  • Load 1: MV 2675, 1/2"-3/4" groups

    Votes: 11 40.7%

  • Load 2: MV 2825, 1"-11/2" groups

    Votes: 11 40.7%

  • .30-06 suck0rz!!!! Sh0rt m@g5 f0r t34 w111111n!!!!!

    Votes: 5 18.5%
  • Total voters
    27
Bishopus

Bishopus

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So I did some load testing in my M70 .30-06 over the long weekend. The good news is, I have two contenders for a hunting load. The bad news is, I don't know how to decide between the two.

I'm shooting the 180-grain Accubond. Likely targets are deer and black bear (80%), possible targets are elk and moose (15%), and there's always a slight chance of samsquatch (5%). I don't shoot at game more than 250 yards away, and prefer to get closer--100-150 yards is much more likely.

Load 1: Mean MV is 2675, but it groups into 3/4" (best group 1/2"). Velocity B, Accuracy A.

Load 2: Mean MV is 2825, but it groups into 1" (worst group 1 1/2"). Velocity A, Accuracy B.

Both show acceptable accuracy and velocity for a hunting load. Both use relatively temperature-sensitive powders (RL 22 and RL 19, respectively) but nothing to worry about. Which one should I choose?
 
Alternate them in the mag... :)

Seriously, when you're getting down to the difference between 3/4" and 1" groups, it's all academic.

Personally, I'd rather have accuracy than speed, but either load will still kill with one shot if it's placed correctly.
 
Load 1. Accuracy. 2850+ ft-lbs muzzle energy (Good for Almost everything)
@ 250yds, 3/4 MOA = under 2" group
Load 2. Speed. 3150+ ft-lbs muzzle energy (Also Good for almost everything)
@ 250yds, 1.5 MOA = over 3.5" group

Either is accurate enough for accurate shot placement. The more accurate the load though, the increase in accurate shot placement during actual hunting conditions (Off-hand, adrenaline, sweating, etc...).

Choice 3. Get a freaking life and stop writing in loser-speak.
 
Try H4350,
I get 2800fps with .75" groups using 180gr AB in my 06 {24" barrel}.
Bishopus both your loads will work,but 4350 usually gives both in alot of 06 rifles.
Given your dilemma I would chose load #2.RB
 
I'd go with load 2 for hunting. It's accurate enough for deer sized game to 350 yards and the 150-175 fps advantage will be usefull out there both for a bit flatter shot and a bit more retained engery, but either will do the job if you do your part.

No idea what option 3 is, are you smoking somthing?:onCrack:
 
Fall Guy said:
Curious, how close are these to max for RL 19 and 22?
Click to expand...

At or near max for both, depending on the manual.

RL 22 accuracy was bad until I hit the listed max, and then it was fantastic--too bad the velocity was nowhere near what the manual listed...

I've come to expect fine accuracy and velocity from RL 19 in .338 and 7mm STW loads, am not surprised to see it here.



Ruttinbuck: thanks for the tip, I know that's the go-to load for the '06, just wanted to see what I could get from powders on hand. I might need to try a 4350 load for comparison now...
 
Bishopus said:
Ruttinbuck: thanks for the tip, I know that's the go-to load for the '06, just wanted to see what I could get from powders on hand. I might need to try a 4350 load for comparison now...
Click to expand...
Using 180 Accubonds with 55.0 grains of 4350 I was averaging 2,569 - that's why I was curious.

Very accurate though. :cool:
 
I to started out with RL22 in my M70 30-06 and got ok groups. When I read about the high temperature sensitivity of RL22 I decided to go to Hogdon's extreme line and settled on H4350.

Even better accuracy than the RL 22 using 165gr accubonds.

SS
 
If you are racing bullets use load #1.

If you want the best accuracy for hunting, use load #2.

Test the laods for accuracy at 200 yards also to insure the bullets are fully stablized and the group sized don't change. You might find your speed load is more accurate at longer distances.
 
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