30-06 re-loading
 

Howdy all! I just got a 30-06 this last weekend in trade for my 270 semi auto and I wanna re-load. I gave my wife the subtle hint to get me the lee anniversary re-loading kit for around 70 bucks from cabellas. Can I re-load as good as factory loads with this little set? It includes everything but the dies. I live in co and wanna reload for elk, mulie, pronghorn and whitetail. Will the old experienced guys (or just plain knowledgable) please ring in! EJ

RE: 30-06 re-loading
 

I would suggest also getting a good set of calipers and a tumbler. I am not sure of what comes with the Lee kit, as I have RCBS equipment. I would also look into getting a hand primer seating tool, though I am not sure exactly what comes with it. The tumbler is probably not absolutely neccessary, but makes for easier inspection of the brass. The hand priming tool gives you a better feel for seating the primer. The calipers will help you make absolute certain that you are not over length, which could cause some serious pressure problems in no time flat. Hope this helps.

RE: 30-06 re-loading
 

CHECK OUT E BAY THERE ARE A LOT OF GOOD DEALS ON RCBS RELOADING STUFF

RE: 30-06 re-loading
 

A tumbler? What is it and what does it do? I have re-loaded a few times with my pals RCBS partner press and have never tumbled them. Fill me in. Thanks, EJ

RE: 30-06 re-loading
 

The Lee Aniversary kit is decent for starting or if you aren't doing a million rounds at a time. The 30-06 is pretty easy to reload for, anymore factory loads are really pretty hard to beat, but you can pick and choose bullets, etc..

For deer (in my rifle), the Nosler Ballistic tip over 59.0gr of IMR4350 was super accurate and plenty fast (around 3000fps).

Deer hated that load.;)

For the bigger stuff bump up to a Partition or Interbond in 180gr. I've had good luck with both of those.

Just my $.02

Erik

RE: 30-06 re-loading
 

A tumbler is a big bowl looking thing with a motor in the base. You put tumbling media (found wherever reloading goods are sold) in it, switch it on, and it cleans the brass by the abrassive action of the media. It makes the brass look all purty and stuff, but really is not of major importance unless you end up with real dirty brass, making it hard to check for any neck splits, or problems in the shoulder, especially when getting into the higher counts of reloading that same piece.

RE: 30-06 re-loading
 

On a budget the Lee is the way to go. I would suggest getting a higher quality scale than that Lee safety scale that comes with it. For about $30-50 you can get a better scale and not break the bank. The Lee handpriming tool with the #2 shellholder is a nice thing to have. Bullets and powder... there are so many that'll work well. for what you said you'd be hunting I'd say a 180 gr bullet as your one load for all. My 06's like 4350, 4064, H380 and I've tinkered with 748. Even though you've done this before with your buddy, I still recommend reading the manual and knowing exactly what to do. Like has been said, check out Ebay, many great deals to be had.

RE: 30-06 re-loading
 

Here are a couple loads for my Mauser 98 30-06.

Both of these loads will touch holes at 100 yards in my rifle.

165gr Nosler BST
57.5gr IMR 4350
about 2900 fps

180gr Barnes XLC
52gr IMR 4064
about 2900 fps

My next box of bullets will be the 180gr Barnes Tripple Shock. I would try the tripple shocks before the XLCs.

Both loads use CCI 200 Large rifle primers.

RE: 30-06 re-loading
 

Great suggestions! I think it sounds like I can get pretty dang good accureacy out of re-loads. I cant wait till the little woman gets me the kit! Hey, one more question, there is a fella talking about a 270 WSM, cool gun, but wouldnt it be difficult to re-load them due the load being compressed? Can you even effectively re-load 270 WSM's? This is a gun I wouldnt mind having in the future. EJ

RE: 30-06 re-loading
 

Where the problem on any of the short mags comes in is that you have to seat the bullet deep to fit in the magazine. As far as compressed loads go it depends on the powder being used. I use 4350 for my 270 wsm and haven't had to compress the charge. Although with the 4831sc there should be no need to compress a load. Wish they would make 4350 in a short cut.