Thread: How to work up two loads with similar ballistics

Thanks for the advice guys. I understand that this task will not be easy and may require some luck. Even getting as far as waffentomas would be good. (Having a known adjustment to the scope to get on target with the other load.) Getting a load with a lighter bullet that consistently groups within 5 inches of my hunting load would be great. Also, I didn't say this originally but the purpose of the lighter load would most likely be varmint...

Here are some of the loads I have used in the past 30-06 Youth Hodgdon - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gr - - - - VEL- - - - CUP - - - - COL: 125 GR. NOS BT____H4895__40.5____2615 f/s____31,200____3.27 130 GR. HDY SSP___H4895__39.0____2544 f/s____31,500____3.22 135 GR. SIE SP ____H4895__39.0____2495 f/s____30,800____3.16 From my notes 110 gr 26 gr of IMR4227 130gr HrnSP_SR4759 32gr.__ 2489fps__ 3.235 OAL__ 1.0" @ 100yds 150...

I would work up a load in the bullet weight of your choice then be prepared to adjust your scope

"...am using my father-in-laws hunting load..." Work up the load for your rifle. Any change of ammo requires sighting in again. You will not get a 110 and a 150 to shoot the same way. Physics won't allow it.

My 30-06 is a caliber that seems to shoot most loads into the same area, be it 110gr or 180 gr bullets. Why i have no idea. Try to load to the same velocity. But a very old Rem. 760 & shooter can make the difference. Guns only good for about 2" groups @ 100yds on a good day.

It would almost certainly be luck if you arrived at the point your going for. I wouldn't tie up too much time in it if I were you.

www.huntamerica.com/recoil_calculator I have messed around with this a bit, and rc is right, the barrel harmonics are what makes it tricky. A very basic explanation is that the barrel vibrates differently as different bullets, weights, and charges are detonated, and cause the bullets to impact in different places. I use 180gr Winchester (lubulox) Fail Safes for my primary elk load, but have developed a 150gr CT Fail Safe, (moly) load for deer...

If you want a legitimate .30-06 small game load, meaning you want to eat what’s left, you need to get really, REALLY, slow. Like 1,500 fps, or less. Youth deer loads won’t cut it. Not even close. They’re still way, WAY, too fast, and will make mince meat of a rabbit or squirrel. Any lead or jacketed bullet between 110 gr and 170 gr will work. I would not get hung up on using just light weight bullets....

I think you will find it very difficult to find loads using 110 & 150 grain bullets that shoot to the same POI. It's not the velocity difference that will get you. It's the difference in barrel harmonics & recoil between the two bullet weights. Very unlikely they will both print the same either up & down, or sideways. But it won't hurt to try. Every rifle is different, and you might get lucky with yours. rc