Powders to suit 30-06 with lighter bullet

[User00057]

Im just looking at reloading some 30-06 for a mate and he likes to shoot lighter bullets and has given me 125gr Noslers. My question is out of the 4 powders i have has anyone used them with any success. Ive found load data for all 4 but im just looking for first hand experience really.
The powders I have to try if needed are

RS60
RS62
N550
Winchester Staball 6.5

 

[RH Somerset]

I have used RS60 with great success in 30-06, but for much heavier bullets. I would have thought that you want a faster powder for such light bullets.

But I also don’t I understand why you would want to shoot such light bullets out of a 30-06.

 

[User00057]

Im only looking for advice on lighter bullets please as that what he wants to use and who am i to tell him otherwise. Im not really interested in why he wants to shoot lighter bullets as that's not my thing. Im purely helping him out as he's a friend.

 

[Smellydog]

I used a light bullet in 308 for years and it was awesome. More is not always better.
Just visit the powder manufacturers. They should have data if it can be used etc.

 

[ofbiro]

A load not to be used on red deer:
-Nosler 125 grs propelled by 54,5 grs of Vihtavuori N140.
The accuracy was good, however the terminal effect, even at 100-150m on red deer were limited. One stag got 4 or 5 bullets before collapsing.
The load, in theory, is suitable for roe and, maybe , for dam, but I respectfully suggest to use a heavier bullet.
The simple, cheap and efficient Sierra Gameking SPBT 150 grs never let me down.

 

[User00057]

I’m using the 150 gameking in my 30-06 and agree.
But unfortunately this chap has always used light loads in his and has asked for help.
It’s the 4 powders above I have access to really if possible but I understand they might might be idea so would need to source a alternative

 

[old 30-06]

I know why your friend likes the lighter bullets, and so do I. I am currently running 125gr Nosler ballistic tip bullets (43980) with great effect. I am using H 4895 though, so unable to advise on your available powders.

 

[User00057]

Ideal thanks for the heads up. I will look at the powder comparison page now.

 

[User00057]

Just looked and it’s giving RS40 as the comparable burn rate to your H4895. I have a nearly full tub of that from my 223 but can’t seem to find any load date for 30-06 in it. Might run it through Gordon reload to see what it comes out at

 

[old 30-06]

With the 125 grain Nosler bullets I am using 48 grains of H4895 to give me 3000 fps. It is a very versatile load that is a pleasure to shoot. I could push them much faster if I wanted to. They have lots of penetration, I shot a fox facing me at 250 yards with them, and the bullet went completely through it, and out the other side.

 

[Tim1989]

I've recently done 110g vmax with n540 up to 3600fps

 

[Smellydog]

I've recently done 110g vmax with n540 up to 3600fps

That'll be very flat over 300 yards.
I use to use the 110 vmax @3160 out of a 20" 308 and it was excellent.

 

[Tim1989]

That'll be very flat over 300 yards.
I use to use the 110 vmax @3160 out of a 20" 308 and it was excellent.

I also just loaded 308 to 3150fps with n540 with good results

 

[1894]

N540 is about as good as it gets

 

[Feugh]

I used RS60 for 119gn yew tree copper bullets. It worked well but it was hard to get so I switched over to vhit.

 

[User00057]

Ok this is what I’m looking for. So I should find a load with RS60 it looks like.

 

[JTO]

It's been said that RS60 burns barrels if loaded to the full potential.
I use n135 for 125TMKs in a .308.

 

[Dave_45]

I used a light bullet in 308 for years and it was awesome. More is not always better.
Just visit the powder manufacturers. They should have data if it can be used etc.

A friend uses 110 grain out of his 308

It works extremely well

 

[griff]

Ramshot Big Game with 120gn Barnes around 3400fps