What powder for accurate 30-06 hunting load using 150 gr Ballistic Tips

[matt33]

I’m looking for an accurate hunting load for my 30-06 using 150gr Nosler Ballistic Tips. My rifle is a Remington 700 LSS Mountain Rifle w/ a 22” barrel. Accuracy followed by velocity are my two primary concerns. I have the latest Speer manual, but it doesn’t list Ballistic Tips nor an accuracy load for any weight/powder combo.

I’m new to reloading and I know that finding the most accurate load involves some trial and error. I’ve had good luck w/ Ballistic Tips using factory ammo, but I have no idea what powder or primers to use. I’d like to pick up a pound of powder and some primers at Cabela’s tomorrow. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[loadedround]

Hodgdon's H380 or Varget are both excellent powders to load the Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets. Check the Hodgdon web site for starting loads.

 

[USSR]

matt33,

A 4350 burn rate powder (H4350, IMR4350, RL19) will work fine with 150gr bullets.

Don

 

[tbtrout]

IMR 4064

 

[LeonCarr]

IMR 4064 or IMR 4350

 

[stovepipe699]

Hodgdon lists their 4350 as the fastest in a 150 gr bullet.(and most of the other weights as well). Hodgdon uses WW brass and WW large rifle primers, so if you use them you can use their load data and not woory. If you use different brass and primers, you risk high pressure below the published max load. (Yes, I found out the hard way). Not the end of the world, but you have to watch for the signs. Read your primers etc. My results with IMR 4350 was great accuracy, but a lot slower. Good Luck!

 

[PotatoJudge]

I use 4064 with the 150 grn BTs to hunt whitetails in TX, with good results so far. For 180 grn bullets I go to 4350. I use Winchester large rifle primers or CCI 250.

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

You're gonna load for Ballistic Tips?

While you're at Cabela's I suggest that you also purchase the Nosler reloading manual. I can't stress more that it is important for reloaders to use the manuals published for the specific bullets. They've already done a good portion of the load testing for us.

There's a reason your Speer manual doesn't list Ballistic Tips. They don't manufacture any.

That said, My older Nosler #3 manual lists Reloader 19 as the most accurate powder for the 03-06 150gn Ballistic Tip, and also lists that same load as one with the most velocity. -although it lists that as a compressed charge.

Personally, IMR 4350 has always performed best with any bullet I've reloaded 30-06 for. IMR 4064 is next, and I'll use 4831 or 4895 in a pinch.

-Steve

 

[Khornet]

For my 30-'06

I spent two years painstakingly working up a 150 gr load. I tried 4831, 4350, 4895,Accurate 3100, 748 and several others before settling on 50 or 51 grains of 4064 with a CCI larger rifle primer, any brass. Sub-MOA from my sporterized 03A3.

Ichanged only two variables the whole time: powder and charge, using the same bullet and primer. Had a great time doing it, but you can save yourself the trouble. Bullet is Hornady's 150 gr spitzer, code number 3031 if I recall.

I've never loaded ballistic tips but I'd be surprised if that load didn't drive tacks with 'em.

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

Varget is a great powder for the 30-06 but my first choice for 150 gr bullets is 3031. My best load I have found for my 700 SS BDL is 48.5 grs of IMR-3031 under a Hornady 150 SST. I get .600" groups from this load.

 

[critter]

IMR 4350.

 

[vmfrantz]

If you dont want to buy the manual goto nosler web site. www.nosler.com
click on ballistic tips for deer. The have the reloading info there for free. I'm sure not as much as the manual though. They recommend 51 grains of IMR 4895, 2922fps. Most of the powder manufactures also have load data on their site.

 

[BsChoy]

already been said Varget or IMR 4064 very nice in mine

 

[SUBMOAS]

IMR 4350

If you can't get it to shoot with IMR4350, sell it......

 

[countryrebel]

IMR 4350

Thats what I use in my 30-06's.Covers the widest reloading range of anything.My new 5th edition nosler manual for 150bt is
barrel=24" max col 3.340" primer=win.wlr
IMR 4350
55.0=2760fps
57.0=2880fps
MAX59.0=3000fps
also nosler listed their most accurate powder tested was RL19 for their paticular gun

 

[Lennyjoe]

Haven't messed with 150's but so far IMR 4350 works best out of my Savage 110 and 165gr Sierra Gamekings.

Any reason why you've settled on the 150gr ballistic tip? Try different bullets and powder combo's and see which one works best. That's the fun part about reloading.

 

[bluwosun2]

I've had good luck with Reloader 15. 52.5 grains with a 150 grain Nosler Balistic Tip or a Speer Spitzer in my 3006.

 

[cheygriz]

I use H414. It's pretty much a ball powder version of 4350. Flows through the measure perfectly, so no weighing of charges. Shoots 3/4 inch groups in my rifle.