30-06 165gr RL26 or StaBall6.5

[MThuntr]

Anyone tried RL26 or Staball6.5 in 30-06 running 165 accubonds? I have a friend that needs load development and was tempted to give them a shot especially since he's buying components

Also on hand I have H4350, Hybrid 100V, RL16, MagPro, CFE223.

EDIT: My guess is I couldn't get enough RL26 in the case to take advantage of the unicorn properties I've experienced in other cartridges but I am having good luck in 280AI so there's some promise

 

[JohnCushman]

I use Varget with 165 AB's with awesome results out of my 30-06

 

[MThuntr]

I use Varget with 165 AB's with awesome results out of my 30-06

I wish I had Varget but sadly it's MIA on the shelves locally.

 

[6mm Remington]

H4350 or IMR4350 are two really likely candidates to give you really good groups with good velocity. I use 57.4 grs. of IMR4350, Federal 210 Match primers, and Winchester brass in my Ruger 1B with either the 165 gr. Accubond or Partition. Same load for both and they both really like it, and this same exact load worked in a Remington 700 ADL prior to me getting the 1B. That load chronographs at 2940 fps in the 26" barrel on that rifle and shoots three shots touching at 100 yards if I do my part, and it seems to be pretty easy to do with that rifle, it just shoots.

Good luck and there are some newer powders that could kick the fps up into the low 3000 fps range, but I'm sure happy with how it works now. I doubt I'll change it up.

 

[Bigjay73]

I tried h4350, 26 and I think 19, but in my rifle, imr4350 is king. My 1885 uses 54.5 grs of imr4350 with a 165 gr accubond. Only pushes it at 2800 fps, but it groups extremely well, and I don't shoot animals more than 300 yds, so I'm fine with it

 

[DamascusSteel]

Getting into reloading myself and thinking about getting the 30-06, has anyone tried the superformance by hodgdon?

 

[EastTNHunter]

RL26 probably has too much bulk to get maximum efficiency on anything under 180gr in the 30-06. Sta-ball is supposed to be really cool and versatile, but I have no experience with it.

I4350 and RL17 (RL26 uses the same technology as RL17, only slower) have worked great for me in 30-06 with 165s. I’ll bet that RL16 would do great, as well.

 

[Millsworks]

I can highly recommend R-17.
I wouldn't personally go with R-26 unless you are pushing heavy for caliber bullets.
Seems the .338 and the 30-06 like the same powders very often.
IMR 4831 has been a great one to use in those calibers too.

 

[OhHeyThereBen]

I have great luck with H4350 but haven't tried anything else really. That's the exact bullet and caliber as my hunting rifle.

 

[Losing_Sanity]

I'm using 57 grains of IMR4350 with 165 Accubonds. That's about max for my reloading books. Works pretty good in my rifle (30-06).

 

[FLS]

57.5 of H4350 under a 165 Accubond, Partition or Game King is money out of my 700.
RL 16 would be my next choice of powders OP listed.

 

[brockel]

You won’t be able to put enough rl26 In with 165 grain to make it worth it. It’s pretty impressive with 200 grain though

 

[morgaj1]

IMO, RL26 is too slow for 165 grain. I have used both IMR4350 and H4350 with good success. In my rifle, IMR4350 gives greatest accuracy. But, H4350 gives greater velocity and temperature stability, and is only slightly less accurate. I would stick with something in the 4350 burn rate. If you want to use Alliant powder, I think RL16 would be a good option.

 

[std7mag]

I'll agree with Morgaj on this one.

RL26 is way too slow burning of a powder for the 06' with 165gr bullets.

IMR4350 is the standard for the 06'.
RL16, RL17 are in the same burn range.

 

[JLS]

Getting into reloading myself and thinking about getting the 30-06, has anyone tried the superformance by hodgdon?

I’ve used it in my .243 and 6.5.

 

[antelopedundee]

I'll agree with Morgaj on this one.

RL26 is way too slow burning of a powder for the 06' with 165gr bullets.

IMR4350 is the standard for the 06'.
RL16, RL17 are in the same burn range.

Besides Reloder26 seems to be on the dang hard to find list.

 

[mtmuley]

Besides Reloder26 seems to be on the dang hard to find list.

I think sometimes us handloaders are our own worst enemy. We find the good stuff, and share. Not saying not to share great components, but word travels fast. mtmuley

 

[antelopedundee]

I think sometimes us handloaders are our own worst enemy. We find the good stuff, and share. Not saying not to share great components, but word travels fast. mtmuley

Unless one already has it. If you luck into it snap it up whether you can use it or not.

 

[mtmuley]

Unless one already has it. If you luck into it snap it up whether you can use it or not.

Found RL-26. Grabbed both pounds. Used a contact to get some N570. I remember when Federal primers, especially 215's were hard to get. Now I have more than I might ever use for all my rifles. The coming months will have a lot to do with things. mtmuley

 

[antelopedundee]

I hear that. Long time ago I bought 1000 Fed 215s and doubt that I'll ever use em all.

I'd be testing loads with suitable powders that are a tad easier to come by. Be nice if a guy could make 1 or 2 powders work for everything and a good reason to have rifles with similar case capacity cartridges.