30-06, Trail Boss and 125g bullets

[DC Plumber]

Hi,

I assume from the characteristics of trail boss, it lends itself more toward light for caliber bullets.

I have 100 Speer 125g TNT hollowpoint bullets and want to make some light loads for my son.

Has anyone used trail boss in a 30-06 with light bullets and had decent accuracy, i.e. at least 4" at 100 yards?

I have a belief that light loads are generally not as accurate as near max loads, especially in a rifle round like a 30-06.

Anyone???

Thanks in advance.

 

[Craigman]

Not trail Boss but may be helpful for you anyways.

http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/Youth Loads.pdf

 

[kingmt]

I have never used a decent bullet for a reduced load in 30-06. I have some very good groups in 243 using 10B101. You can still use a heaver bullet with a reduced load.

The load I played with in 30-06 was 106gr over 8gr Bullseye. One of these days I'm going to work up a load with the 10B101.

 

[Doug b]

Not Trail Boss but I get outstanding accuracy with Speers 130 Gr.HP and IMR 4064 in every 06 I've loaded it for.May have to try it with TB great idea.

 

[DC Plumber]

Hi Craigman,

Ya, I've read about using H4895 for reduced loads. I use it for full loads in my 458winmag. Awesome powder. I remember calling Hodgdon once regarding this. They thought it was a better idea too than using IMR SR4759 for reduced loads, which I've used in the 458winmag. Heck, I even tried 15g of Universal under a 325g cast bullet in the 458. Seemed to work, but I didn't go for accuracy, I was kind of scared of the ideas of so much air space.

Well, I have the bullets, I have H4895, I may as well buy some trailboss and compare the two. Who can't use a little extra powder now and then. I could always used it in my revolvers.

thanks,

 

[gunnutitis]

I also am using trail boss in 30.06 to use up assorted bullets. I shoot at 100 yards and am very happy with accuracy. I have 125 g. and plan on using those but am now using up some 145 g. m-80 bullets. Use the powder mfg. loading information regarding volume. I do not load light because I worry more about a stuck bullet than over-pressure. Overall, trail boss in 30.06 especially in lighter bullets seems very safe and enjoyable.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Earlier in the week I was shooting the 125 g Speer TNT (of which I have 500) propelled by x.x grains of trail boss

From my ruger 77 all weather I shot two 3/4" three shot groups. Five shot groups for some strange reason had a propensity to throw the occasional wild flier (appx 2" off center)

IME if I can work out the flier issue trail boss will be just as accurate as any other full powered load


Tapatalk post via IPhone.

 

[DC Plumber]

Thanks guys,

I have the IMR instructions regarding establishing a load with trailboss, and yes, I'd go max on it too. Obviously too much pressure won't occur using their method. Good to hear that it is fairly accurate. I'm definitely trying it now.

 

[TonyT]

I have used 19.5 gr. SR-4759 for reduced loads with 150 gr. jacketed bullets in my 30-06. This load was developed long before I had my chrono but provides ca. 2 inch groups at 100 yards in a 03-A3 Springfield with the elevation cranked up to 700 yards.

I have seen the data for Trail Boss on Hodgdon's website and plan to eplore the use in my 30-06 in the near future.

 

[Greg Mercurio]

DC Plumber: I use Trailboss in everything from .30-.338 to .450 Nitro Express. It doesn't care whether the bullet is light or heavy as long as you do your part in getting the correct powder charge in the case. Accuracy is outstanding and regularly in the 3 shot .5 MOA range. My .375 H&H and .416 Rigby will shoot cloverleafs all day long with big cast or jacketed bullets. It makes shooting light rifles with large calibers delightful not frightful. I've shot 110g-220g bullets in the .30-.338. If you are going the TB route, work up loads for all the bullets you have. I suspect you will be pleasantly surprised with the results.

All of my rifles are Ruger No. 1. Some are scoped, all are very light and recoil in the larger calibers is "interesting" with full charges.