I am a reletively new reloader, and recently purchased a RCBS Rockchucker package. I am reloading for a 30-06 (REM 700), and I've read that Hodgdon 4350 is the powder to use for this round.

I would prefer to use the recently purchased H4350, and I'm interested in building a bullet that is not as punishing as full load 30-06 rounds, yet will still allow me to group well at 100-200 yards.

Has anyone cooked up a load that would be fun for target practice only?? I have a wonderful receipe for a full load, which has already given me fine groups, now I need a plinker load.

thanks to all!!

Are lots of good plinking loads...but 4350 isn't the powder to use for them. IF you're willing to buy a diferent pound of powder, think you'll be a lot happier.

What bullets to you see using..cast? Jacketed? Lot of differnt weights, but in general the better deals in bulk-componets in .308" are going to be the basic 150gr. bullets (or the 110gr. designed for the 30carbine). Can try the mil.spec. FMJ bullets; are as cheap as jacketed 30cal. bullets get.

3031 and 4895 run pretty well at lower pressures...and to get that reduced load, will have to load lower pressure. Not useless for other loads, but just better able to perform when the pressure level is down to 18-25K CUP. 4350 just doesn't want to burn real well at these low pressures (and proably shouldn't be used due to it's somewhat slow buring rate). With 3031, good loads in the 2000-2500fps range aren't hard to find...they work pretty well doen to 1600fps with 150gr. bulelts, but think you'd be better served at 200yards with them starting out at about 2200-2300fps.

I would prefer to use the recently purchased H4350, and I'm interested in building a bullet that is not as punishing as full load 30-06 rounds, yet will still allow me to group well at 100-200 yards.
Has anyone cooked up a load that would be fun for target practice only?? I have a wonderful receipe for a full load, which has already given me fine groups, now I need a plinker load.
thanks to all!!

Invest in some lightweight bullets & a can of H4895 and use the loads on this link:

http://www.hodgdon.com/data/youth/30-06_y.php

You can NEVER have too many selections of gunpowder! ;)

GOOD LUCK!

I like 50.0gr of H 4350 with a Hornady 180gr S.P. for low-end loads with jacketed bullets. I have found in my tube that IMR 4350 gives me a little groups over H 4350. For Jacketed bullets from 110-150gr I prefer IMR 4064. For 165-180gr I like IMR 4350. For 190-250gr I like H 4831. I think you would be better served for low-end loads using cast bullets. I like for just plinking cast bullets from 150-170gr. With cast bullets I like IMR 3031, Unique, and 700x. For Unique for the above cast bullets weights I like 12gr. For IMR 3031 I like 29gr and 700x I like 9.5 gr. You can shoot cast all day with no measureable felt recoil, lower cost especially if you cast your own, and you wont wear out your bore. I think you might find it rather satisfying to cast your own. They also work well for hunting if you run them harder. MY all time favorite plinking load is Lyman # 311413 a 165gr cast over 9.5gr of 700x. Well I just gave you way more info than you asked for or probably care about. I guess this never ending snow is getting to my brain. Can you say cabin fever.

God Bless: Leon

As it has been stated, 4350 is not the powder to use for reduced loads. If you do not want to purchase additional powder, your only real option is to use light weight bullets and starting charges or 4350.

I would suggest buying some H4198 or H4227 for reduced loads. With 150 gr. 30-30 bullets, 30-31 grs. 4198 will get you into 30-30 velocites. Using 21.5-22 grs. of H4227 with same bullet will reduce recoil even further (I have not chrony'd this load...am able to keep the target centered in the scope after the shot...tons of fun to shoot) and it shoots to the same POI as 30 grs. H4198 and it is MOA accurate in my '06.