30-06 won’t group with heavy bullets

[readyeddy]

180 gr Gamekings over 55 gr IMR 4350 is generally considered a consistently accurate load in 30 06.

I would only add that one fouling shot from a copper free barrel may not be enough. My 06 needs at least five fouling shots after the bore is cleaned with Boretech Eliminator.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

archAngel- Thanks. I’ll give it a shot I haven’t worked with the 165s much but so far they shoot well. Have you ever shot heavier bullets than the 165s?

I'm so happy with the 165/168gr bullets I just never bothered working up loads with heavier bullets. I did shoot 175gr bullets to 190gr bullets but still prefer the 165/168gr bullets.

 

[Captcurt]

I have always had better luck with slower powders in a 06. IMR-4350, H4350, IMR-4381 and RL22. I always said that If a 30-06 didn't shoot good with 165gr SMK or 165gr Ballistictip over IMR-4350 you need to check the bedding.

 

[splattergun]

I have a Howa 1500 30-06 that shoots sub-moa all day with just about any 165 gn bullets with about 57 gn IMR4350. This load has killed big muley bucks and an elk 1 shot. It also shoots 165s well with IMR4064.
I would use 165gn bullets on any game in N. America, though I might consider moving up to 180 for big grizzlies. I don't anticipate getting a griz tag in the near future, however.

 

[Whizzbang]

Thanks for all the help. I’m gonna load up and test what I have left with IMR 4350 when I get some results I’ll post em up.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

165-168 is the perfect length bullet for a 30-06 with a 1-10 rifling, it just doesn't get any better for pin point accuracy with that combo. It's like that with most rifle calibers, there is always one length bullet that is optimized for accuracy with a given caliber because of it's rifling twist and diameter.

I also agree that the heavy recoil of shooting longer (heavier) bullets may be affecting your accuracy, especially if your sitting down at a bench. You have to spin those longer (heavier) bullets faster to get the same accuracy in the same rifling that shoots 165-168gr bullets well. ie- 1-10 rifling that most 30-06s have.

That means heavier recoil that your shoulder has to eat while your sitting at a bench, half laying down to shoot.

When your standing upright, or for that matter, sitting upright, it's a whole different set of ergonomics on your shoulder because your shoulder can move with the recoil instead of getting mashed.

 

[Edcnh]

I have always used IMR 4350 in my 30-06 with 180 grain bullets. 55 grains is the standard load but in my particular rifle I get much better groups by dropping 0.5 grains down to 54.5 grains. Three shot groups around 1” at 100 yds. All you need for hunting.

 

[FROGO207]

I'll have to agree with GooseGestapo and the others that IMR 4350 is the best to use with 180 grain bullets if you want an accurate load. I like Cor Lokt if you can find any these days.

 

[brewer12345]

I'd try a 165 partition over the powder of your choice. Kill a moose no problem, plenty accurate.

 

[Whizzbang]

Thanks again guys. I’m a little overwhelmed by the amount of helpful responses I’ve been given. I’ll be sure and report back what I wind up going with. May take some time, range time is a little hard to come by at the moment. Again I really appreciate it.