Pushing the limits of the 30-06 and 1-10" rifling

[EMorr]

I am interested in pushing the limits of my Remington 700SPS chambered in 30-06 with a 1-10” twist rate. I recently started hand loading for this caliber and am currently working up a load using the Hornady 208 HPBT bullet but I really want to push the limits of what this rifle can do and knowing that there are even heavier bullets are available makes me want to experiment. I know that the recommended max bullet weight with a 1-10 twist is 220 grains. I am curious if anybody here is pushing the heavier 225 or 240 grain bullets through the 1-10 Twist and if so are you having any issues with bullet stability at any distance?

I realize that the only reliable way to test for ultimate accuracy in my rifle is to tweak the individual components and test them on the range. However if at all possible I would like to avoid buying components that will have a negative effect on the accuracy potential of the rifle. Thank You in advance for you help.

 

[MontanaMarine]

Re: Pushing the limits of the 30-06 and 1-10" rifling

I shot a few 240gr SMKs out of mine. On paper it was easily .5 moa at 100 yards. I shot some basketball sized rocks out to 1200 yards or so and consistency was very good.

With a 26" bbl, I had 2610 fps via 55.5gr RL22,

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Pushing the limits of the 30-06 and 1-10" rifling

EMorr,

MM gave you your answer, but I just wanted to include my perspective. Every 1-10' twist 30 cal I ever loaded for shot 220 grain bullets into sub 1" groups, and that includes some light sporter barrels.

Something about a 308 barrel 1-10" twist and 220 grains bullets is just right. Calibers I've tried 220's in: 30-06, 30-338, 308 Norma Mag, 300 Win Mag, and 300 Wby Mag.

I've never tried 240's though, and looking a MM's groups, I think I overlooked a interesting combination.

Bob