Best powder for semi-auto rifle

cjsnh · 02-28-2007, 08:53 AM

I have a Browning semi-auto in 30/06 and just can not find a load that shoots well out of it. I have tried Hornady Interbond, Barnes X Triple Shock and Sciroccos with IMR 4350 and IMR 4064. I tried the IMR 4064 after reading an article that said it was one of the best powders for auto rifles. I have some Speer Mag Tips and some Sierra Game KIngs that I am going to try butI would like some input on powder choice before that.Assuming everything else is ok I think it may be a powder issue as I know the autos can be a bit fussy. Bullet weights I want to use are 165 and 180 grain.What do you think?

02-28-2007, 12:28 PM

Good powders for semis means it cycles ok. If your cycling ok, then rest is, is it shooting good". Are you saying its not accurate or not cycleing well?

What I have done to a few semis is find a powder that cycles well, and then work on accuracy. I was under the idea that 4064 was the best for semis as well. But it woudln't cycle thru my 7400. So I went to IMR4350 adn it cycled great and I found a 1.5MOA load which I am happy with from a semi.

Briman · 02-28-2007, 02:13 PM

4350 is a beter powder that 4064 for the 30-06. The only semi-auto that you really need to worry about which powder you use is the M1 Garand and that is where 4064 is one of the best powders.

steve4102 · 03-01-2007, 04:18 PM

I load for two Browning BARs. As you say it may be the powder, but it also could be the rifle.

I worked up a very accurate load in my 300WSM Browning BAR. One day I decided to give it a good cleaning and took it all apart. When I took it to the range my accurate load was now, not so accurate. With some online help, I found the problem. The screw that holds the forearm to the barrel was to tight.I adjusted the screw so it would hold the forearm securely, but not to tight. That's all it took to bring back my accuracy.

Check out the forearm screw, it could be to tight or to loose.

cjsnh · 03-02-2007, 09:58 AM

Thanks for the input. Consistent accuracey was my issue. The article I read was about Garands but the author seemed to say that it applied to all autos. I am going back to the 4350 and work on this.

I am also going to check that forearm issue. Thanks for that info.

redgreen · 03-10-2007, 09:53 AM

Try the IMR 4831. I shot it for years through a BAR 300 Win mag. The accuracy was smoa. Keep that piston clean, and oil away from everything.Another trick that you can try, is to remove the forearm, and take a chisel and remove all material that is causing binding in the forearm when you try to reassemble it. The loads should be fairly warm, too, to ensure proper functioning of the action. The only problems that I ever experienced with the BAR, was the timing latch developed a burr on it. I replaced it, and no problems after that. One winter, my forearm shattered, and Browning replaced it free, less shipping, which I payed.They are more than capable of smoa accuracy, with a little tweaking.