Powders affect on accuracy 30'06 168 SMK

[Curt]

Just getting ready to start on a match load 1917 eddystone w/new NOS HS barrel 30'06/ 168 SMK. I have data for about 40 powders. I currently have WW760,IMR 4895,4064,RE-15 and Varget in stock. does one of these have a Reputation for being more accurate with the the bullet/caliber combo or do I just need to try every single one.

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[kcw]

Just getting ready to start on a match load 1917 eddystone w/new NOS HS barrel 30'06/ 168 SMK. I have data for about 40 powders. I currently have WW760,IMR 4895,4064,RE-15 and Varget in stock. does one of these have a Reputation for being more accurate with the the bullet/caliber combo or do I just need to try every single one.

Within the wide catagory of powders suitable for a certain caliber I tend to find that the those on the slower end tend to better. I can't say that I've observed a distinction between ball or stick types.
I can say that my experience with the M1917 is that any heavier bullet will outshoot the 150gr.

[concretus]

In my 1903A3 Springfield sporterized w/ stock barrel, I use 57gr of IMR-4350 and a Sierra 168 MK and they'll touch each other @100yds. I swap out for 165 GK and they're an excellent hunting round.

[Rick S]

Have used 4895 and 4064 powders with the 168 smk bullets. The 4064 shrank groups about 25% in my rifles. Both M-1 and 1917. The 1917 using a 10 power Leupold scope shoots 3/4 inch groups at 200 yards. The M-1 grouped from a little over 1 moa with 4895 to less than a moa using the
4064.

No experience with the other powders but am going to try the reloader 15 with 69 smk bullets in my 223 Savage.

[AKA Hugh Uno]

I said NO TEXT (NT)

[Curt]

I may have a can of 4350 hiding in the closet. That will give a good place to start. Thanks All!

[Bill H]

I concur on the 4350. I have two 03s which will shoot 1 moa with 55 or 56 grains and sierra 168 grain match bullets. These are both iron sighted rifles.

[gunner]

I use a N140 46.2 grs and a 150 grs Hornady FMJBT in my M1917 hold 1" - 1.5 " at 100m. And had good expieriences with 48 grs N140 and 167 Lapua Scenar bullets

Regards

Gunner

[jjroth]

with 4895, with the 168's you be similar to the original M1 load, using the 174's.

THe SMK are similiar in profile to the M1 & M2 projectiles, have used the Hornady 150 for loading in my 17, but ended up with 3/16 gap between case mouth & cannalure on bullet.

[slamfire1]

When I was shooting a match 30-06 bolt gun across the course, I shot 168 SMK, 47.0 IMR 4895 any case, any primer. I also shot 168 SMK 55.0 H4350, any case any primer.

I could not tell any "difference" in accuracy between the loads. The IMR 4895 load kicked a little less.

I have also tested 168 SMK 48.0 grains IMR 4064 any case, any primer.

That load is just at the same velocity of the IMR 4895 load.

You are going to be shooting a service rifle barrel (made in 1943?), and I will bet you have not bedded your action either. I really doubt that you will see any real difference on target between any of these powders.

Of course if you just shoot three shot groups, and pick the best out of five, then you can create any trend you want. But if you were to try to shoot some 20 shot groups, a service rifle barrel is going to shoot close to 3 MOA. A really good service rifle barrel will be closer to 2 MOA.