New to reloading. Powder burn rate question

ENTERKO

ENTERKO

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I am brand new to reloading, and attempting to wade into the waters as smoothly as possible. In my research I am finding an information overload of sorts.

My primary purpose for reloading is to increase the accuracy potential a few bolt action 30-06 rifles that I shoot. I use them for hunting, but have a new interest in getting the most performance out of this cartridge as possible, hence my interest in reloading (I also just picked up a Tikka T3X Stainless Lite). I have learned quite a bit about the type of press systems available, bullet ballistics, and the theory of reloading. What I am not familiar with is how to determine the appropriate propellant to use. I can easily find relative burn rate charts, and I understand the differences in Nitrocellulose single base powders and double base Nitrocellulose + Nitroglycerine powders.

Aside from starting out with H4831 and referring to load data available, what would be the theory behind selecting different powders?

Thanks in advance for the help.
 
Easy explanation- differing burn rates affect the acceleration impulse on the mass of the bullet which affects the vibration rate of the barrel. Yes, barrels vibrate when shot. Best accuracy is at a "node" where the barrel is at the intersection of Y axis. That point and rate is different for about every gun, cartridge, powder and bullet combo. You just have to experiment.

The other use of the burn rate chart- let's say you're out of your favorite XYZwhammo powder and there won't be any in the LGS for a month, but ABCgoodnuff is right next to it and you have it on the shelf. Theoretically, you can sub in ABC for XYZ at or near the same quantities. As always, start low and work up.
 
ENTERKO said:
I am brand new to reloading …. referring to load data available,.
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Refer to available loading data from reliable sources. Refer to several sets of loading data from reliable sources. Refer to several more sets of loading data from reliable sources. You should begin to develop a feel for what powders are useful for 30/06.

What is your definition of performance? Is it velocity or repeatability? Sometimes they go together while sometimes they do not. I will seek repeatability over maximum velocity every time. Do not try to make a 30/06 behave like a 300 Weatherby.
 
Try to match burn rate with barrel length is what I have found (52 years of reloading) to provide best ballistics. Find the most accurate load, bump up the velocity until accuracy goes away, back off and regain accuracy and you'll be at the best place.
 
Thanks for all of the responses, this helps tremendously. Now I feel more confident to pull the trigger on a single stage press to get started.
 
Charlie said:
Refer to available loading data from reliable sources. Refer to several sets of loading data from reliable sources. Refer to several more sets of loading data from reliable sources. You should begin to develop a feel for what powders are useful for 30/06.

What is your definition of performance? Is it velocity or repeatability? Sometimes they go together while sometimes they do not. I will seek repeatability over maximum velocity every time. Do not try to make a 30/06 behave like a 300 Weatherby.
Click to expand...

I would say repeatability is my goal. Other than accuracy, I would want to ensure that the load has enough energy or velocity (to expand on impact) to be effective on deer out to 350 yards. It seems that bullet choice plays a role as well as powder.
 
develop three loads with three different powders and bullets that will shoot 1 moa or less. Then tweak each for additional accuracy. Reason being for what ever reason if there is a shortage of this or that powder or bullet, you won't be stuck scrambling to develop a load when you need it.
 
ENTERKO said:
Thanks for all of the responses, this helps tremendously. Now I feel more confident to pull the trigger on a single stage press to get started.
Click to expand...

A single stage press is absolutely necessary for the most accurate ammo. Before anybody says it, I do have a Blue progressive and it makes decent ammo, but nothing like my tuned RCBS single stage for accuracy. Long range and bench rest guys use single stage and also let's not forget a coax press. Quality dies are also a part of the equation. When you're experimenting with seating depth (very important) being able to change by .001 is a big plus. Another thing is to start with the best quality brass you can get. Lapua is probably the best, followed closely by Hornady match. For an eyeopener, hang out on some BR forums like 6mmbr.
 
Dave951 said:
A single stage press is absolutely necessary for the most accurate ammo. Before anybody says it, I do have a Blue progressive and it makes decent ammo, but nothing like my tuned RCBS single stage for accuracy. Long range and bench rest guys use single stage and also let's not forget a coax press. Quality dies are also a part of the equation. When you're experimenting with seating depth (very important) being able to change by .001 is a big plus. Another thing is to start with the best quality brass you can get. Lapua is probably the best, followed closely by Hornady match. For an eyeopener, hang out on some BR forums like 6mmbr.
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yeah, I’m seriously considering a RCBS rock chucker or explorer plus.
 
For what it's worth, most LEE equipment is not up to the serious accuracy drill. It can produce serviceable ammo, but it is built to a price point. RCBS makes a good single stage.
 
REELDOC said:
There's not a question that has ever been asked that you can't find the answer to on this site. They will normally bend over backwards to help.
http://forum.accurateshooter.com/
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Thanks for the tip, I will look into that. I’m overwhelmed at the help I’ve gotten so far on this site too. I posted the exact same question on another forum over a week ago without a single response. Wish I would have joined here sooner.
 
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