Reduced load for 30-06

[Quack Addict]

I' m looking for a reduced load for my 30-06. My Speer loading manual lists for a 165gr bullet (this is going from memory)

20.1gr IMR SR4759 = ~1600 fps

Anyone ever try something like this or similar? SR4759 seems to be a little difficult to come by in my neck of the woods...

I am looking to get somewhere in the range of 1500-1800 fps with a 165gr bullet so that my girlfriend will try sitting behind the 06. She refuses to try any of my standard velocity loads in this rifle.

Thanks!

[NE Hunter]

Quack Addict, you could also use a lighter bullet 150gr that would help reduce the felft recoil ( assuming this is for deer) As far as the reduced loads go SR-4759 is your only choice. I checked all my manualls and Speers is the only one that even has a reduced load. good luck

[thndrchiken]

Check Hogdon' s data, I know that they publish reduced load data for a number of cartridges.

[Quack Addict]

The Hodgdon data specs loads for light bullets pushed at relatively standard velocities.

http://www.hodgdon.com/data/youth/30-06_y.php

I am looking to experiment with a heavier bullet (165gr) pushed at lower velocity in an attempt to remedy my girlfriend' s complaints about the 06' s muzzleblast. Once I raise her confidence with this rifle a little, I won' t be afraid to step her up incrementally until I develop a load more suitable for hunting purposes. Once we get to that level, a 243 or equivalent may be on the shopping list.

Since we started dating a couple years ago, I have converted her views on eating wild game while simultaneously correcting her misconceptions on firearms and even have her shooting... now I' m working on the getting-her-into-hunting aspect.

[pinesap]

Why don' t you try some 125gr bullets and get her earmuffs. I would think the recoil would be more a problem than muzzleblast or maybe not. There fun to shoot too.

[handloader1]

Quack Addict:

The load you are talking about is: IMR SR4759 Min: 21.0 grs. @ 1616 f/s; Max: 25.0 grs. @ 1941 f/s. For 30-06 Sprg. 165 gr. bullet. Good luck.

[Quack Addict]

I' m not against going to a lighter bullet, however the 165' s have historically been the most accurate in the rifle.

The reason muzzle blast comes into play is due to the design of our local shooting range. The benches are boxed in with plywood on the sides and a roof up above. Forward of the bench, they have a crude attempt at baffles to help dissipate the blast, but it only seems to help reflect it back in reality. Typically when I' m shooting my standard 06 loads, I feel the pressure (shock) wave in my face and upper body (I' m not talking recoil).... and anticipating this phenomena has made me flinch a time or two prior to the shot. The first time I shot the 06 at that range with my girlfriend in attendance, the side blast caused her to think I blew the gun apart []