Reloading for the .30-06

[Mossy]

Fellas,

I need some direction here. I have Sierra's latest manual (Number 5) and previously used speer's 13th edition. But of course, I have to compare them.
It seems there is conflicting information.
Loading the Sierra 168 gr. SMK I've discovered the following information:
Sierra Manual Maximum load is stated as IMR 4350 56.0
Same bullet in the Speer manual is showing 58 gr. Max load.
Can you please tell me how they come up with loads that differ by this margin?

Thanks

Information

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[muffett.2008]

One of the reasons I gave up purchasing reloading manuals was for this very reason. Too much conflicting information.
These days I just access the load data from the powder manufacturers website, exit confusion and much simpler, this way I can download what I need, no bulky book to leave dirty finger marks on, easier to pass information on without worrying if I'll ever get the book back, multiple copies in my range gear/reloading gear and so on.
I'm much happier not wondering if this load could be a bit hot or to soft, and just get on with the job in hand.

[Mossy]

Sounds logical to me. Thanks

[Gun Surfer]

I find having a variety of manuals collected over the years helps. The Lyman current edition is very good. The reason is simple, test rifles & chambers, barrel lengths, bullet shapes, brass, primers and conditions all vary, so of course velocity and pressure data will vary. You try to find a load similar to components you are using, but in any case start low or in the middle of data and work up, never start at max. One rule of thumb says start at 10% below a max load and work up in 0.5 gr increments.

I worked up a load for my 1903 with 150 gr Sierra MK and IMR 4064 using components same as the Sierra manual back then. I started at 47 or 48 gr and went up to 51 gr. At 51 gr I had flat primers, heavy recoil and a "ringing" sound in the receiver when fired. So of course at that point I backed down. In my case 49 gr is optimal. The Sierra max was 52.8 gr for that load, and another manual had 53 gr with a similar 150 gr bullet. If you consult Hodgdon web based data today, it happens to have 51 gr max for a 150 gr Nosler BT. But in many instances I have found Hodgdon's web based or "corporate" data not the most conservative, and too high for my particular rifle/caliber. Experience counts, and more data not less is better for most. If you follow the safety rules you'll be fine and will optimize for your rifle.

[colt100]

Most of the time, they work up the data using different combinations of components. If you check the load that they used, I bet the brass is different along with the primers. Some manuals are more conservative then others. It's not really "conflicting" information but rather information that was obtained from different components and set of guidelines for acceptable pressures.

Manuals are not a stone tablet that is the end all for safe loads but rather a guide to show you where to start. This is why it is so important to work up a load for your rifle, not just pick a load from a book or an internet page.

[browningautorifle]

Reloading manuals are a guide that should be adhered to. Then there's some recourse if there's a problem. Internet advice and unsubstantiated information is a good way to have an incident. The variation in loads is simply a safety margin for the manufacturers and companies that publish. If you don't follow their information, it be on your head. They absolve themselves.

[1566mrjerry]

MOSSY, I always drop my loads 10% and go from there, and TRY TRY. I get a kick out of working up loads. Hope Ive helped ya JER

---------- Post added at 05:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:44 PM ----------

MOSSY, I have a load for 165gr its a stone cold killer for deer and elk. Its 49.6grs of IMR 4064 the bullet of course is Hornday jer

[toolmaster43]

Mossy,
I was wondering what type of rifle you are loading the 30-06 for? It is recommended that you not use IMR 4350 for the M1 Garand as it can cause damage / injury. If you are loading for a bolt-gun never mind.