Barnes loads for 30-06

[Moonlighter1]

Guys,

Looking for some suggestions for Barnes TTSX 168 and 180 gr. in a 30.06. California restrictions drive me to load what I am going to use in the field. I want to work up a few load sets while I wait for stock delivery. Rig is a PacNor 26" Heavy barrel, 1x11 twist, McMillan A-TH stock, on a Win Mod 70 action (post-64). I know some will sneer at the Win action, but I shot my wad on a Defiance Rebel for a 300 Win Mag project last year, so harvested the action from an older rifle in the safe. Topped with a Weaver Tactical, and a Timney trigger.

Will be using Lapua brass, Federal 215 primers, and have a bunch of TTSX bullets to feed the 06 and 300. I am open to all suggestions. I have read Montana Marine's threads, but the all copper restrictions keep me limited. I am looking for a good load out to 500 yards; will stretch it after I get comfortable with the new rig.

Thanks in advance. Glad to be aboard.

Moonlighter 1

 

[greentimber]

Work up to 58-59gr (or 2800fps +) with H4350. I use 210m so you may see pressure a bit before I did, but this range should still be doable.

 

[Wildboarem]

What powders do you have to work with. I've had good luck with IMR4350, rl 15, rl 19.

 

[Moonlighter1]

IMR 4064, Varget and H1000. For the bigger bullets, the 4064 is the only one that is within case capacity. The bullets themselves are fairly long.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Moonlighter1]

I have finally answered my own questions.
- 180 gr Barnes TTSX
- 47.1 gr of IMR 4064/2650 fps at the muzzle
- Lapua brass
- Federal 210 primers
- COAL 3.234 / load variance within .003

This round produces consistent under .55 MOA to 300 yards.
I have stretched it to 650 yards on steel, shooting a 5 inch group. The variation vertically is about 4 inches.

I can probably get more accuracy using the big VLDs or AMAX, but my goal is to practice with the bullet I will hunt with.
Killing lots of ground squirrels to 300 yards with this setup, so it is my "go to", for now.
By the way, the Barnes wound channel is just ferocious. I have shot antelope with them, and it is massive. The squirrels are mostly torn in half. My son's .308, using Sierra Match Kings, just punches tight holes in them.

Hope this load info is of some use.

 

[trailrider121]

Moonlighter,

I just finished working up a load using the OCW method. 56.7 to 57.3 all a shot same POI. Using 168 TSX bullets, with Lapua brass, CCI-BR2 primers and 57.0grs H4350. I seat them .050" off the lands and test from there. I worked up to 57.8grs but ran into pressure signs. 57grs gives me 1/2" 3-shot groups at 100 yards which is good enough for me. However, I have not chrony these yet, but I'm sure they will be around 2800 fps.

 

[JMGlasgow]

49 grains 4064 in Winchester case and primer. 175gr. Barnes LRX.