Reduced 30-06 hunting load

[ars]

I am a new reloaded. I have been looking for a reduced 30-06 hand load deer round using 4064 and a 130-150 gr bullet. I have read all manner of advice, as such, I am completely confused. I read a few post that low recoil loads do not expand the case correctly and this leads to a weakened chamber. Is this a fact? Can you offer any wisdom?

 

[Hawkeye7br]

I am a new reloaded. I have been looking for a reduced 30-06 hand load deer round using 4064 and a 130-150 gr bullet. I have read all manner of advice, as such, I am completely confused. I read a few post that low recoil loads do not expand the case correctly and this leads to a weakened chamber. Is this a fact? Can you offer any wisdom?

Good that you should ask. There is more to it than just reducing the powder, and is the reason reloading manuals show minimum powder charges as well as maximum. Some manuals even list acceptable reduced loads.

 

[BackFromDC]

I've only successfully reduced charges for .223/5.56 and .300blk, and that's going off existing load data from others who learned lessons the hard way

There's gotta be a INGOer here that's done reduced .30-06? I would think a grain or two would not be too bad, but may not be noticeable.

 

[Michigan Slim]

Reduced-Recoil .30-06 Load Data - Shooting Times

Light, reduced-recoil .30-06 handloads can make shooting a rifle a pleasure for you and others.

www.shootingtimes.com

Age Verification - NRA

 

[OutdoorDad]

Why?
New to reloading, it isn't the round I'd try to perfect. Or even approximate.
I bought some factory "light" loads for 30-06 last year for use by younger shooters.

Thats the route I'd suggest.
Unless you're just after the challenge?

 

[Creedmoor]

Reduced loads, look into loading cast bullets. All of those will be reduced loads.

 

[Hawkeye7br]

I did much the same in the late '70's. Accurate 5744 and Trail Boss are likely powder candidates for discontinued SR4759 that was a popular powder for this purpose. I used 46 grains of 3031 with a Sierra 110 HP on ground hogs one season. The light bullet didn't recoil much, you could probably go a grain less powder with a 130 bullet.

A 2018 Hodgdon booklet shows 19 grains of Trail Boss and 150 bullet at 1477 fps and 26,400 PSI. IMHO, not likely to expand, not something I'd hunt with at 200y.

 

[Michigan Slim]

I did much the same in the late '70's. Accurate 5744 and Trail Boss are likely powder candidates for discontinued SR4759 that was a popular powder for this purpose. I used 46 grains of 3031 with a Sierra 110 HP on ground hogs one season. The light bullet didn't recoil much, you could probably go a grain less powder with a 130 bullet.

A 2018 Hodgdon booklet shows 19 grains of Trail Boss and 150 bullet at 1477 fps and 26,400 PSI. IMHO, not likely to expand, not something I'd hunt with at 200y.

Trail Boss was a great powder for CAS and reduced loads. I really liked it in .45-70. But, alas, it's no more. Hopefully production starts again someday.

 

[ars]

Thank you for all of the comments. For my purposes, I will either buy a suitable reduced load or try loading a light bullet at the minimum charge to determine if this will shoot accurate. I appreciate the feedback and suggestions.

 

[Creedmoor]

I was thing last night and years ago I loaded some of these for some varmint fun in 308 and 30-06

.30 Cal 110 Gr. HP Varminter - Sierra Bullets

There is only one 30 caliber Varminter rifle bullet in Sierra's line. This 110 grain #2110 Hollow Point also is the largest caliber Varminter bullet in Sierra's line. It will withstand exceptionally high velocities and can be loaded in all 30 caliber cartridges, including magnums. It is...

www.sierrabullets.com