Loading for an auto-loader ?

[.358]

I want to load some for my BAR 30-06 but am hesitant as many say you need the right buring rate powder. What are some powders one could use in my autoloader to get top vel. ie match factory loads also does one have to crimp the bullets for the autoloader ? Any loads you might suggest would be appreciated.

Yea, there is a window of operation. But for a 30-06, it shouldn't be too hard. For my 270, it was difficult. 4350 or faster will give you what you need. I would stay away from H1000 loads.

I had trouble loading 4064 and varget loads in my 270. 4350 was the only powder that gave me good accuacy and cycleing. I am sure many more are out there, but its what I had good luck with.

[NE Hunter]

I don't know about your BAR; but I had a Remington that would cycle with 48.0 gr of IMR 4064 and using 165 gr BTSP

hope it helps

* You should check in your manual just to be certain my load isn't hot *

[franke]

358,
You want a powder that will reach peak pressure while the bullet is still in the barrel. IMR 4064 should be fine,it works in my Garand.
You can go to a faster powder,like IMR 4895,or even IMR 3031,which I've also had good luck with.
Frank

[oldrgr]

I've handloaded for both a BAR .30-06 and Remington Woodmaster 742 also in 06.
I used IMR 4064, 180 grain Rem Corelokt or Nosler Partitions with 46 grains (minimum load) and 50 grains max load.
Reference: Speer Manual 12 Edition.
Recommend starting with the minimum and working up to see which load prints smallest groups.

Guys, are you getting great performance out of the 4064? Have you guys ever tried 4350? I just couldn't get 4064 to work well. Seemed not to smacking the bolt back consistently.

[NE Hunter]

Bigcountry,
That load I posted has worked in many 06's. I don't have semi now ....I prefer bolt actions. It worked and shot fine out of the Remington. BTW I get 1 1/2" at 100 with that load. It wont win any bench rest comps but it shoots tight enough for me.

What bullet are you using? I use sierra game kings.

Same here Gamekings. I just get a big velocity jump using 4350.

[Big Guy01]

Here is my load for my BAR.
150 gr Nosler ballistic tip,
58 gr. IMR 4350
This load shoots 0.43" 3 shot groups at 100 yds from the bench from my BAR. My measured velocity was 2950 fps at 10 ft.
OAL 3.296"
Work up to this load as it is near MAX.
bullets are not crimped.

[BigBob .30-06]

.358,

I would not suggest any of the 4350s for a gas operated action. The federal arsenals, Lake City in particular, used H-4895 for the M-1 Garand rifles. Using it in both standard ammo and their match ammo. If I'm not mistaken, this is the powder Bruce Hodgdon started selling as a surplus powder after WWII. I used it for military matches when I was still shooting matches as a civilian.

Several of my friends who still shoot military matches with the M1A swear by Varget. I hope that this is of some help. Good luck and God Bless.