Hi SOUTHERN. As you know H414 can't be any longer imported here. So I've laid in a stock of five 1lb canisters. I going to get around to reloading Sierra Game King 200 grain and European 150 grain and 180 grain FMJ. I've always liked that weight, 200 grains, after owning a 8x60S Mauser and using it with 196 grain bullets and factory ammunition. I'm aiming for a all UK legal 2,450 fps in a 24" barrel. I think I'll be OK. What think you? I'll be using CCI Magnum Primers.
Did you use H414 with the 200-gr in your 8x60S?
200-gr is the weight my 8x57s and both 8x60s liked, and a full load was most accurate. I use IMR-4350 and 4064.
But the 180-gr in the .30-06 is a more optimum bullet for hunting. It can be loaded to such a higher velocity than the 200 that it shows with less drop and more retained energy out to over 400 yards, and there are so many choices in 180-gr, from RN to sleek ones. I have some of the old multi-powder Federal High Energy factor ammo which are like .300 H&H with the 180-gr Trophy Bonded Bear Claw. I would not be afraid to shoot most any critter with these, so I am hoarding them.
You should easily get 2,450 FPS from a 24-inch .30-06 with H414 and 200-gr bullets, but this small spherical powder does best accuracy with a full case, which will get you closer to 2,550 FPS.
H414 is a great powder for the 165 and 168-gr bullets, pushing them over 2,900 FPS with standard pressures.
For your 200-gr, if you want a little higher velocity and accuracy, a slower powder like RL19, RL22 or N160 will give accurate loads at the 2,450 FPS you seek, and the upper loads will give you closer to 2,600+.