My Favorite Powders for 30-06

A review of my favorite powders for 30-06

[@danielmaine45]

30-06....one cartridge to rule them all

[@bobbygreen2291]

I’ve been loading for fifty years and this man is spot on ,,right on the money ,,whatever he tells you ,,you can take it to the bank ,, however these days and times we must use whatever we can get and be glad we have it.

[@russellkeeling4387]

In the last handful of years there are a lot of new powders that have come to my attention. Since I can't get some of the powders I've used in the past I've had to renew my library of reloading books which list the newer powders.

[@miguelperaza6615]

Hey buddy 👋 , I'm in BEAUTIFUL Henderson NV. and most folks here go go Arizona to buy ammo and powder, since it's scarce here and way 2 expensive, I have my stash of imr4831, green dot, 700x, Re7, Re15, Re2400, Universal, 5744, imr4198, a ton of titegroup, & a ton of red dot, started using 3031, and now that we got some rain 🌧 I play around loading trail boss 😌 for my 30-30 & 30-06

[@abelincoln8446]

I've been handloading for 30-06 for over 20 years and your video taught me several things about loading for this round that I didn't know before. Awesome video, thanks!

[@kdean8129]

When i started my shooting and handloading in 1987 Saskatchewan i met a WW 2 Canadian veteran who loved BRNO rifles one of which was 30-06. He shot open sites at 100 yds better than alot of club members shot scoped rifles. I close my eyes now and still see "Rigor Mortis Yates " with a burning cig in the corner of his mouth and the 06 aimed perfectly still at a bullseye. Puff of smoke ..puff of smoke .. and bang a bullseye. He took alot of game too

[@rpk5250]

Your videos are very original. Do not change a thing

[@jerryking3208]

I stopped reloading 25 years ago after my best friend passed away too soon. He taught me everything I know and we shot a lot together. A lot of new powders since then. Thanks for the great info and thinking about starting up again.👍

[@NCWoodlandRoamer]

You should start up again in his memory. Take care.

[@bigracer3867]

The king. Of cartridges that is. Not the first. But the best.

[@gmill2316]

The -06 is the cartridge all my uncles and grandpa shot so naturally it was my first rifle. I just got a reloader and dye for my birthday a few weeks ago and I’m so glad I found this channel! I’m starting to feel like I’ve bit off more than I can chew and don’t know where to start.

[@thebleeb1681]

Fantastic detailing of powders for the 30-06. I've been reloading 165s and 168s for my 03a3 sporter for some 45 or so years, and for my loads, H4350 has no equal.

[@thebleeb1681]

Same here, even the years.....

[@SilverBullet22250]

I've got a Rem 700 and with a 165 grain Partition. 59.0 of H4350, I could cover up three shots with a dime @ 100 yards. 4th shot was exactly 1 inch low from other three.

[@stewiebee2629]

Thanks man, you just answered a whole heap of questions for me. I'll take your experience over others theories any day! Good work.

[@buddy22801012]

Just one more reason to own the 30-06. Still the greatest North American game cartridge of all time. Baseball Apple pie and the 30-06. I couldn’t agree more the only powders I use on a consistent basis is Varget, IMR 4350 and 4895 all with great results.

[@craigschaefer8764]

Excellent video for one of my favorite calibers. I’m sure I’ll view this video a few more times.

[@raymondminks1772]

Great information. I'm just getting in to reloading, and love my 30-06. This is why I want to reload. This will allow me to shoot a lot more, and will understand my 30-06 much better. Your wisdom is much appreciated.

[@djhappybird1314]

Hey desert dog 🐕! You put out alot of great videos 📹 this one is the best! Cheers and thank you

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

You are welcome sir. I really try to put out different and unique content.

[@pauldeahl3980]

I look forward to your videos as they are always informative, relevant, and spot on. Thanks for doing these videos and keep em coming. They are very much appreciated.

[@johnknouse8846]

I love the Superformance powder. Works great in several cartridges I load. I have had issues with one particular 30.06 load shooting sub MOA one day, with no pressure signs, then the next time out, it will blow a primer! For some reason it only does that with one particular weight/seating depth combo. H4350 is almost impossible to get, but I have found IMR4350 several times, and have come to really like it.

[@mikedawley1461]

Thank you for a very informative video about real hunting ammo powder choices, I now have a great place to start reloading for my 30 06.... keep up the great work

[@knightdive1]

Powder is fine, now find me some primers! Good info, keep it coming

[@darrellgoodman9585]

AMEN TO THAT.

[@ulysses8859]

I appreciate this video so much DD, thank you.

[@johnmiller8592]

Excellent information and answered a few precise questions I was considering. What a time and money saving presentation. THANK YOU!

[@apriliaguy4life198]

I’ve been shooting 30-06 for 30 years, but my dad has always loaded for me. Now that I’m loading for myself, I may try Varget with my 150g loads. I’ve been using it for my 30-30. Thanks for making such an informative video.

[@sahmadi1000]

Thank you for the very valuable information. As the number of powders continue to grow more and more, we need more caliber specific videos like this that point us in the right direction. Thank you for taking time and making these useful, great videos. The usefulness of this video convinced me to subscribe.

[@josephr2766]

Great concept for a video. I would enjoy a series of these with other popular cartridges.

[@djhappybird1314]

7mm rem mag, .338 win mag @ 375h&h 🥳🙏

[@Bigriver1234]

270 win and 25 06 Rem powder choices would be awesome

[@boomerrangerron]

Great video and analysis! I've been reloading for the 30-06 now since the mid 1970's and I love myt Winchester Model 70 with Manlicher barrel. The barrel is short, so sometimes a slow burning powder makes this gun a flame thrower! I've used some of Jack O'Connor's favorite loads over the year, and yes IMR 4064 is my go to powder for 165 to 180 bullets!

[@goodnewseverybody739]

I didn’t know squat about powders, great info thanks🫡

[@russellkeeling9712]

Thank you for this video. I also have been loading for the 30-06 for a very long time. I was able to learn something more about powders. I find I do not keep up enough with the newer powders and there were a couple here I knew nothing of.

[@gohunting13]

Great video, Thanks for posting. Lots of great info. I like the Hodgdon in 3006 reloads ( great accuracy) in 165gr and the Extreme Powders in other calibers due to very little temperature change.

[@luvtahandload7692]

Great video, DD. I love all those powders except Superformance. Never used it. I find IMR 4064 particularly useful in a wide range of applications. A semi-custom .22-250 came from the 'smith with a test target and load recipe featuring IMR 4064. Some loading manuals, such as Nosler, list the most accurate powder used in their trials. IMR 4064 is mentioned quite frequently. Love it!

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Try Varget for the same loads if you get the chance. Usually bullets and barrels that love 4064, REALLY love Varget.

[@b01tact10n]

Very great vid! Thanks your knowledge regarding the 30'06 is spot on! Knowledge of your rifle, also practice strengthens your confidence to make clean accurate shots to fill your freezer!😁

[@sandych33ks1]

Great video. I have always used IMR powders and have great luck with all of them. I personally load for the 22-250, 308 win, 300 win mag the most..

[@jodyspencer433]

Great video bruh 👍 Helps me a lot for loading for a Garand and 03A3 Springfield

[@falba1492]

H4350 & H4831SC are my go to’s for 243, 6.5 CR, 270 & 300 H&H. Never tried Varget, but the 6mm world seems to love it.

[@ruanschmidt2198]

Thanks for the awesome review, Desert Dog. Being new on the scene and wanting to handload, this really helps with making good choices for alternative powders during this time. Keep up the good work. 👍🏻 Greetings from SA 🇿🇦

[@22vampyre]

As always, a great video! 30-06 is my favorite. 4350 and a 165gr projectile is my fave. Thanks for the info!

[@denisdegamon8224]

And also 4064 powder for the 150 grain bullets. The ballistics/ trajectory for both powders are almost identical and shoot very accurately.

[@aureliocortez646]

Great video bud. I hunt Southern California and it's good to hear information that can help us out. Keep the videos coming buddy

[@roughout]

Thanks for your opinions.

[@omgthatsimmaculate6134]

You are right about h4350. It is the absolute best for 165-180 grain in the ol aught six. Every bullet I have tried works well with it. Berger VLDh, Hornady Sst, Nosler Partition, sierra gameking and matchking. Did I leave one out? Oh Barnes ttsx and the discontinued Fail Safe by CT (Nosler/Winchester).

[@iamnobody9542]

YT just landed me here... I have been a 30-06 guy all my life, and I agree with pretty much everything you said here. I yoosta shoot 110 - 220, for just fun and serious hunting. However, I have settled on 180 gr Nosler partitions for all my hunting with the 30-06, as they are NO compromise! However, my powder of choice is N205. "use like 4831"... I have an Oehler 33 Chrono, also a Lab Radar, now too. 60 Gr of N205 gives me an honest 2730 f/s with great consistency and no pressure indications in 22" bbls, but sadly is no mo. But when I saw how good it was I bot all 5 cans they had, still have some, still good. You may find this odd as hell, but for 180 grainers both my 30-06's work better with N205 and 4831, while my 300 win mag is best with 4350, giving both higher velocities and less pressure sign for both 180 and 200 grain partitions. Much research has brought this down to case geometry and shoulder angle. While this is counter to "conventional wisdom", it is true. Keep youse powdah Dry!! Jerry

[@55beeman]

I love my 30-06 thanks for another great video

[@andrewcleveland]

Another great video man! I agree with you on alot of the Reloader series of powders and their awful temp stability. But I have to say reloader 16 has been phenomenal for me, hopefully you can try it soon. In my test on my 6.5 CM target rifle reloader 16 has outperformed H4350 on temp stability. But that is the only cartridge I've tried it in, so that may not be the case with other cartridges. As always great video man 👍

[@williamfeldner9356]

Really enjoy your videos, Thank You

[@ron4hunting]

i have found out over 37 yrs reloading that you are so right . but my old remington 700 bdl from the mid 80's loves a lot of ball powders . the one it loves the best , 1/2 in at 100 yds is norms mrp powder . not giving the load out . but this just tells that each gun is different . my custom dumoulin [ mauser ] action with kreager barrel hates ball powders ! great video ! nice to see something on youtube that dosn't start with , reloading for 6.5 creedmoor . or reloading for 300 blackout !

[@rodartrobot]

Your timing for this video is perfect! I’m actually about to start loading 30.06 with the 168g TTSX Barnes bullets using IMR 4451. I had this powder for 6.5 Creedmoor loads and can’t find any of the better choices. You were the one who convinced me to try these. Haven’t absolutely decided what my starting load charge will be, but I’m leaning towards about 54 grains. Thanks for sharing your lifetime of knowledge with us!! Cheers from Texas!!!

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

You're welcome. I find the 168gr TTSX to be the most well-rounded bullet for the 30-06. I have taken countless deer and pigs with it, coyotes, bears, and over 20 African animals with it. Just a great versatile bullet that always performs on the shoulder shot.

[@alexanderrodriguezmba2370]

Great video..i have watched 3 times! Next, consider doing a video with your favorite bullet powder combinations for the 30-06!

[@carterthiessen2664]

Superformance in my mind is a specific 30-06 powder. Every 06 I've used loves it. 165s at over 2900 and 180s over 2800. I live where it's very cold most of the year, and don't shoot hunting loads in summer at all so the high temp pressure spikes don't affect me. I've tried it in 6.5 creed but it doesn't give any higher velocity than other powders. But it's like magic fairy dust for safely turning 30-06s into near 300 magnums.

[@dt3852]

Great video. Good to learn from you. Thanks for information

[@thecheapshot1065]

I’m so glad you made this video and the timing was perfect. I’m just watching it now but a month ago I put my browning bar in 30-06 on layaway. I didn’t realize I need to have a faster powder to cycle the action.

[@scbane]

You are going to find out that the BAR is veeeery picky about ammo.

[@kennethromero8078]

Thank you Sir, for sharing your knowledge with us

[@dolphincliffs8864]

I use a variety of powders,I also cast bullets for .30-'06. Good times!

[@thecheapshot1065]

I reload for rest relaxation and mental health. The fact that it makes me able to shoot a lot more for the same amount of money I was shooting less before reloading is a benefit. I am saddened that there are certain calibers in my collection I am not able to load for anymore and what I can load for is dwindling. Loading rifle bullets is my favoriteThing to do. From brass prep to carefully trimming and cleaning primer pockets it makes me feel like each one of those rounds was 1000 yard round because of the time and precision that went into making those bullets. I haven’t found what works perfect in my rifle yet which is upsetting

[@paulspeers272]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@robertwatson9021]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. It’s pretty hard not to learn something from your videos.

[@butchhaight]

I’ve been reloading for over 30 yrs. Personal preference and accuracy, the best powder for me is the old 4320 (hard to find anymore) (4350 is good, but not quite as accurate) with a 150 gr bullet. This load has all the knock down power I’ve ever needed, all the way up to and including elk.

[@backinblack1982]

I just bought my first true "high powered" rifle in the form of a Springfield 1903 (Remington 03-A3 to be exact) that was sporterized at some point in its life. For 350.00 bucks, I thought it was a good deal. I really enjoy shooting it, though it just has iron sights. I've read that scopes can be added, but it hurts to think about having the rifle drilled into. Anyway, I never reloaded, but I'm starting to think it would be a good idea. The problem is trying to figure out how to get started from scratch. Buying the equipment, etc.. I have saved my brass from the rounds I've used at the range and now have about 150 empty cases, so now I just need to figure how and where to get started. I'm sure it would be worth it, considering I'm paying at least 2 dollars per shot currently. Thanks for your great content

[@goodboyringo9716]

I think you did a great job explaining the powders . I think I'll start with the H4350 like you said.

[@be2223]

I've had great results with 51grs of W760 with 165gr Partitions in my Remington 700. But I'm looking forward to trying some of the other choices you shown in this video. Thanks!

[@daneblackburn613]

53.5 w760 150sst works for me

[@seboudog]

Hi DD, I enjoyed this video. Thanks!

[@tucobenedicto1780]

I've watched your video more than once. Love it! I subscribed in case you ever make a similar vid for bullets or other caliber powders.

[@chipsterb4946]

You commented about finding powder for the new Gucci cartridges, but not the primers. I was nearly sold on the 7mm PRC until I realized it needs *magnum* large rifle primers. I have enough trouble trying to find regular large rifle primers thank you very much.

[@steveharvey6421]

About 25 years ago, using a 270 Winchester 130 grain bullet that was hot but safe, I left it in the car in July and shot it that afternoon. I blew primer pockets and primers fell out so I quit. I think it was AA 2700 but not sure. Yes it is true. Ball powders are heat sensitive.

[@ParadiseInHawaii0com]

🙏 Enjoyed this video bc I also found 4350 to work well is many cartridges. I started first the ez available IMR version but shifted to the temperature stable Hodgdon label. Please do one for the Necked down Connoisseur Hunting Cartridge, the 270 Winchester. Aloha!

[@vincef5832]

Own three and still considering a fourth. Great cartridge!

[@santanateco]

thank you for you recipes I love my 3006

[@MrHf4l]

Great video! I have to say, I just love that Mcwoody stock you have.

[@neillmurchison5329]

Desert Dog, I've been always good with RL19 and IMR 4064 with my reloads with a 26" barrel. Hope this is useful to your audience. Take care brother and good hunting in 2021.

[@nelloagostini4389]

I found this video very interesting and educational. As a novice loader (thanks to covid) your video Tought me more about powders than the last 500 videos I've watched. Thanks for that

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tennesseehillbilly6759]

absolutely....my fav...raised on it...my best load is a 208gr eld and reloder19.....

[@alfredpaquin3563]

Medium burn rate powders such as Varget, H4895, Viht n140, or n150 are great for Garand. The action is designed for it. 😊 I have been using Viht n135,and Accurate 2520 for 155 gr projectiles with great results. Keeping within 2500 to 2600fps. Hotter loads will bend an expensive op rod on your Garand.

[@GeorgeSemel]

Well, I don't load for a .30-06 but I sure do for a 7 x 57, and IMR-4350 been my powder of choice and I sent a lot of 140 gr Nosler Partitions into the big game over the last 54 years. 4831 my go-to in the 270. I do like RL-22 and shot a lot of it in 6.5 x 55. I had no issues with it and I hunted winter caribou in Alaska with it when I lived there. Lots of panic buying due to COVID and Our new President Uncle Joe!

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Cold doesn't really effect the reliant powders; they start getting sketchy when the weather climbs above 90. At 110 degrees, they are really bad.

[@hondoh5720]

100% agree on H4350 versatility.

[@YellowHammer26]

Some good information, thanks.

[@MegaRiffraff]

Great video 👍🏻 , now if we can just get some primers in stock , I'm down to my last 5000 LR primers ! Thats not many , sometimes we go out to the farm and shoot the m-1 250 rds, in a weekend!

[@G19Jeeper]

I’m a Varmint hunter so I’m stingy with my Benchmark, Varget and H4895 but I do love my 4064 for the .30’s

[@jerroldshelton9367]

Agreed. H4350 is "magic pixie dust" for the .30-'06.

[@terrymcclendon2277]

as always desert dog you are dead on the money , great informative video !

[@gilream]

As a long time fan of the 30-06 thanks for this great information.

[@leeadams5941]

Very informative, thank you

[@darrellgoodman9585]

I have 3 of your 4 HODGDON powders ,Will be getting the other one.

[@2010johnking]

I think the finest load I have developed was H4350, 168 grain TSX, Winchester brass, and WLR primer. I was able to get 2880 fps, good accuracy, and an elk at 200 yards with this.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

That's a fantastic combo. I shoot the exact same thing 90% of the time (But I use the 168gr TTSX).

[@saltcreekammo]

I’ve got a pretty great load with IMR-4064 with the 168 gr TTSX.

[@constitutionalist4391]

I don't shoot 30-06 very often, but used to shoot a friend's M1. I do load for both 308 and 6.5CM and find the IMR 8208XBR to be a very good ball powder, fairly close to Varget. The problem is that it is produced in Austrailia and difficult to get in the U.S, and when you can find it, it is a bit pricey. When Varget was difficult to get I bought a case of 8208XBR and still have about 5 lbs. left.

[@GONAVYCHIEF]

I have been using StaBALL 6.5 and StaBALL Match. love them both.

[@AandNDanceAndGames]

Before the shortage I've always used 4350. But now all I was able to find is superformance and staball 6.5. Hopefully they shoot well out of my 6.5 Creedmoor and 30-06. Running low on 4350.

[@russellkeeling9712]

Your choice of the #4350 powder also works well for a number of other firearms that use the .473 base.

[@YellowRambler]

Knowing the Actual shelflife would be very handy to understand maximum reload power purchase, to compensate for any supply shortages with in reason of course.

[@loganhefner906]

Great video

[@couespursuit7350]

My experience is that H4350 behind 165gr & 180gr bullets yields excellent results.

[@kencleg7721]

Same w the 300wsm

[@notthatguy4515]

Always learn something from your videos.

[@matthewvassoff5736]

I have used a half dozen different pdrs with my four 06 spgflds from over the years.IMR 3031/4064 Hod 322/380/414/4350 Some stuff just fits and shoots better. Have fun at the bench 😁

[@larrybassett5559]

Nicely done Desertdog

[@assassin40oz]

Great vid! I also love the cartridge series vids, can we get one for the 416 Rigby.

[@opfor7873]

Excellent video

[@russellkeeling9712]

I agree with you about the 4350 powders and 4831. On the flip side I have a .35 Whelen and I load 225 grain bullets for it and the best powder I have found for that is 4064. It seems backward to me that I use a faster burning powder for the heavier bullet in the .35 and a slower burning powder for heavy 30-06 bullets. The .35 Whelen is amazing by the way.

[@wayne3340]

It's true that we typically use a slower burning powder for heavier bullets, but caliber also plays a big part. Pressure spikes faster with a heavier bullet, but pressure is relieved quicker with a larger projectile.

[@sanjacintooutdoors8588]

Nice video! So there is a new powder on the block called shooters world. You may want to take a look at the 3 stick powder offerings. Sw4350 slower than all of the other 4250 powders, precision which in my opinion is as good as or better than varget plus it meters better and last but definitely not least long rifle. Its a hair faster than h4350. These powders are less name but definitely worth a look for availability and price. 30.06 is the granddaddy of all 30 cal rimless rounds. Still plenty capable of taking any game in north America. Again great video.

[@ValcoBayrunner]

Great video, thanks for explaining the single and double base powder differences. Now that powders are hard to purchase, having versatility is now a need. I had great accuracy with Western powder Big Game ball powder and burns cleaner. Varget is great in garand ammo and 308.

[@jorgenrangen348]

Excellent Video! Perfect Timing too! Ive been staring at my bench full of powders trying to decide on a starting point with 165gr loads - looks like H4350 it is!

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

H4350 with the 165's will not disappoint.

[@Drivapete]

I'm getting great results from IMR 4064 with 165 gr TTSX bullets. Springfield 1903 rifle @ 2790 fps.

[@George-tz1cv]

IMR 4350 has never let me down. That being said, for critters like a Remington 742, IMR 4064 has worked best for me.

[@tunnelrabbit2625]

Excellent. I've got all your favorite powders. Would like more advice on how far down to download Superformance for a stable load.