Powder suggestion help, please.

[skeeter 20i]

I recently got a box of 150gr fmj bt's from a friend anway I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a powder to try working up a load in my Rem 700 30-06 w/ 1-9 twist.  I currently have IMR4350, and H4831SC will either of those work with decent results or should I pick up another powder?  I have lots of manuals that for the most part list one if not both of those powders so I have no problem loading to the manuals I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions on a decent suggested powder to try.

Also since I am relatively new to reloading how do you guys figure out if a faster or slower burning powder is generally better?  Is it a by-product of bullet weight w/ twist rate or is there more of a caliber specific component I am missing?  Thanks guys I appreciate your help.

Jason

P.S.  these are just intended to be a paper punching round for my son I understand they aren't a hunting load.

[Bill W]

If it's a paper punching round then you might try IMR 4895.   That's an old accurate target load.

[bobcat]

Your IMR 4350 is perfect for the 30/06. I'd use it for 150 to 180 grain bullets. The 4831 is slower burning and works well in a lot of cartridges but it's not ideal in the 30/06. I've always used H4350 for my 30/06 loads but it has not been available in stores for quite a while now, so I just bought some Ramshot Big Game to try. Another good powder to try especially if it's just for target shooting would be 4895. You could also try the new IMR 4451, which is supposed to be really similar to H4350, except that it has some additive that reduces copper fouling in your barrel.

[Buzz2401]

Either of those powders will work fine.  I have had good luck with both.

[Mossy]

The 4350 is what I use in my -06

[JJB11B]

Your IMR 4350 is perfect for the 30/06. I'd use it for 150 to 180 grain bullets. The 4831 is slower burning and works well in a lot of cartridges but it's not ideal in the 30/06. I've always used H4350 for my 30/06 loads but it has not been available in stores for quite a while now, so I just bought some Ramshot Big Game to try. Another good powder to try especially if it's just for target shooting would be 4895. You could also try the new IMR 4451, which is supposed to be really similar to H4350, except that it has some additive that reduces copper fouling in your barrel.

I always used Hogdon's 4895 for loading 165Gr bullets in 30-06 seemed to work well for us

[Bill W]

4350 and 4831 are powders used for the heavier bullets at higher velocities.  4895 can be a mid load or a tad more velocity and was used for rifle matches. 

[Karl Blanchard]

Pretty hard to beat imr4350 in the ol 06 

[Jonathan_S]

Another vote for IMR 4350. Shoots well in .30 and .25 -06s

[skeeter 20i]

Thanks guys I knew you would have the answers.  I know IMR4350 slings the 165's great just didn't know if dropping to 150's I should change powders or not.

[Apples]

I used the IMR 4350 with 150 grain sierra gameking in both my 06 and my 300 WSM and they both shot very good!