My .30 Gibbs Wildcat

[FEENIX]

Factory Kimber 84L Hunter in .30-06 ($575) re-chambered to .30 Gibbs ($250, including muzzle threading bead blasting and installation of MB), 4-port Ross Schuler MB ($37), Warne high scope rings ($50), 20 MOA EGW rail ($70), and topped with USO TS-12 3-12 FFP ($325).






(From L-R: .35 Whelen virgin brass, after re-sizing, fire-formed with 11g WSF (COW method), and after re-sizing).

(Loaded with Berger 190 VLD).

Below is far my load development thus far.

190 Berger VLD, OAL = 3.340", CBTO = 2.667", WLR, just trying some powder already open and not after any accuracy, and no seating depth goal at the moment, maybe on the next round. Chrono used is LabRadar.

5-shot series
60.0 H4831SC: AVG = 2558, ES = 20, SD = 10
60.5 H4831SC: AVG = 2577, ES = 45, SD = 24
61.0 H4831SC: AVG = 2599, ES = 29, SD = 13

4-shot series
56 RL17: AVG = 2779, ES = 28, SD = 13
57 RL17: AVG = 2806, ES = 15, SD = 6

All groups well within 1 MOA.
Both still have room for powder, no pressure signs
RL17 shows promise but still have quite a few powders to try and not sure if I'd stick with 190 Bergers.

Cheers!

Ed

 

[TrumpkinTheDwarf]

Is the 30 Gibs basically just a shorter necked 30-06AI?

 

[FEENIX]

Is the 30 Gibs basically just a shorter necked 30-06AI?

Yes, unlike .30-06 AI, where you can shoot factory ammo. You cannot shoot a factory .30-06 ammo or .30-06 AI in a .30 Gibbs chamber safely.




Far right is .30-06 next to fire-formed COW .30 Gibbs.

 

[MThuntr]

Nice I wonder how it'll settle in. Bet it gets close to 300Win with the right combo but I know nothing of the Gibbs...Maybe something a touch slower like H1000, RL23 or RL26 with those heavy bullets?

 

[Ben Lamb]

I bet you can hit 2900 fps w/those 190's and the Gibbs. RL17 seems to shine in the 57mm & 63mm cases, especially with that lovely shoulder. Neck tension an issue at all with such a short neck?

Love seeing a Gibbs in a modern bolt action. Well done!

 

[Ben Lamb]

Nice I wonder how it'll settle in. Bet it gets close to 300Win with the right combo but I know nothing of the Gibbs...Maybe something a touch slower like H1000, RL23 or RL26 with those heavy bullets?

I bet RL22 would do well, as well.

 

[noharleyyet]

Cool thread...like pinching the water hose. Gotta admire efficiency.

 

[Addicting]

Nice I wonder how it'll settle in. Bet it gets close to 300Win with the right combo but I know nothing of the Gibbs...Maybe something a touch slower like H1000, RL23 or RL26 with those heavy bullets?

He actually needs to go faster in the powder scale. He has about 1g more case capacity than my Sherman. I run a 180 over 3100 with N555 or H4350. My guess is that N550 or IMR 4831 would be the magic spot on the burn table for a 190. If he backs it back to 180g pills he will easily get to 3100 with my load data.

 

[Addicting]

I bet RL22 would do well, as well.

It does OK but there are better powders as far as temp stability and FPS output. These 30-06 wildcat cartridges like faster powders and Mag primers.

 

[FEENIX]

Nice I wonder how it'll settle in. Bet it gets close to 300Win with the right combo but I know nothing of the Gibbs...Maybe something a touch slower like H1000, RL23 or RL26 with those heavy bullets?

Thanks, I too am looking forward to it. H4831SC, RL17, H1000, IMR 7828 SSC, and H4350 are powders I have already opened to try. I have RL23 and RL26 too for later.

 

[FEENIX]

Love seeing a Gibbs in a modern bolt action. Well done!

Me too! I originally was going for .30-06 AI. But I figured I had honored Ackley and JOC with my .270 AI, So, this time, it's for Gibbs.

Thanks.

 

[MThuntr]

He actually needs to go faster in the powder scale. He has about 1g more case capacity than my Sherman. I run a 180 over 3100 with N555 or H4350. My guess is that N550 or IMR 4831 would be the magic spot on the burn table for a 190. If he backs it back to 180g pills he will easily get to 3100 with my load data.

My thought was kind of based on how RL26 seems to like sneaking its way in as a good powder for improved '06 and similar sized cartridges but you're probably right those may be a touch slow for that sized bullet but I always seem to be chasing the imaginary with that powder.

FYI Powder Valley has a shipment of VV. They said it'll hit their website 2pm Central today 12/16

 

[Addicting]

I messed with RL 26 and it started shining around 200g bullets. The 208 Amax went the same speed as a 200g accubond. If I remember correctly it was 2920ish. The 180g bullets wee just a fireball out the end of the brake.

Even with the brake your shoulder started to feel it when you get into those heavies. I’m saving mine for a AK trip where there are moose and Grizzlies.

 

[FEENIX]

He actually needs to go faster in the powder scale. He has about 1g more case capacity than my Sherman. I run a 180 over 3100 with N555 or H4350. My guess is that N550 or IMR 4831 would be the magic spot on the burn table for a 190. If he backs it back to 180g pills he will easily get to 3100 with my load data.

When I called Cory at Berger tech support for Berger 205s, he basically recommended powder burn rate from N150 down to Ramshot Hunter.