30-06 Reloading Questions

[oneshotkill]

I have a few quick reloading questions;

1. I have just about everything I need but I still have not decided on a powder.  I am looking at using Hodgden Varget with 165 grain Hornady SST's.  I can not find a maximum load for this combination.  Can anyone give me a maximum load?

2. Do you have to tumble your brass before you reload because I do not have the money for a tumbler but I do have just about everything else that I need. 

[bobcat]

My Hodgdon book must be too old as it does not show Varget, but I looked it up on their website and it shows a starting load of 47.0 grains and max of 50.5. If you haven't already bought the Varget another powder to try would be H414 or H4350. But Varget should work if that's what you've got.

You don't need to tumble your brass. I've been reloading for about 20 years and have never tumbled my brass. I do clean them with just a rag and some alcohol or use some brass cleaner if you've got it. Even Windex would probably work plenty good. You want them clean before you run them through your dies.

[Ray]

I have never used Varget. Maybe it will be good for your setup. Here are a bunch of loads to look at for you http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

This page also has many loads http://www.reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=58

My guess would be between 47 and 50.5 grains. Start lower and work your way up .5 grains at a time.

If it's new brass you should not have to run it through a tumbler. I would also recommend IMR 4320 as it works like a charm on a couple of my rifles.

[Rhinoron247]

Here ya go.  I use Varget a great deal for my predator loads .243 and .223.  It is a great burning powder.  I have yet to use it in my larger caliber ammo.  Should work great many people do swear by it.  Go to the manufacture site for specifics. 

Be very careful about taking maximum load information from strangers.  Could be dangerous.  Always refer to the manufacture for your min and max.  You can then work from there.

Here is a link to what you are looking for:

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

If you are using brass that has been kept dry and is free of corrosion you should be fine for awhile. 


Good luck

[Guy]

Varget is a fine powder for the .308 Win, and I use a lot of it.

There are better powders for the .30-06 though. The '06 has much greater case capacity, and in my experience it produces better results with a slower burning powder such as H4350. I've also seen good results with Reloader 22.

Regards, Guy

[WDFW-SUX]

Always start with the min load and double check any info you get online.    It only take acouple. Of extra grains of powder to cause a disaster

[boneaddict]

damn good advice!

[gramps]

I have used H380 and IMR 4350 with good results.   You can find a chart that lists the burning rates for most all reloading powders at some of the online sites for the powder manufactures or reloading manuals.  This will help you find another powder with a similar burning rate to try.   Sometimes a different powder makes a huge difference...only problem is the increase in price recently.   Use caution is the best advice as mentioned above.
Good luck.

[KillBilly]

Word of caution, you might already know this.. but if you buy powder at Sportmans Warehouse, the powder cans/bottles on the shelf are usually not full or completely empty. Always make sure you take it to the counter and ask for a full one.

[boneaddict]

seriously......my gosh

[mossback91]

I've also seen good results with Reloader 22.

same here seems to burn nicely