Since I accepted a new job that will be moving me 1/2 across the country, which is happening next week I needed to get a load worked up and zeroed for my 30-06. I didn't really want to go buy any new powder, so I decided to find a load for a 165gr Partition and R-15 (which I had on hand). So, with time short this summer with the move and new baby (June 28) I did some in Nosler #6. From my extrapolations of the Nosler manual I loaded up a series of test loads in 1/2 grain increments, starting at 51.5gr and ending at 52.5. The middle load shot the best a month ago, so I loaded up 38 rounds last night and headed to the range this morning to get it zeroed. Once I warmed up with my 223AI, I fired three rounds to get reaquainted with the 30-06. First round showed up 1.5" high and 1.5" right. Fired another, but even with my spotter, albeit a very cheap one, couldn't see where it landed. So I fired a third and again couldn't see it! So I headed down range only to discover that all three were in the same hole!!! So back at the bench, I adjusted windage and fired three more. Not as small as the first group, but plenty good for me. I moved down to the 200yd line and fired two more so as to leave me with a round number of rounds left. To say that I'm happy with the load is an understatement! Now, I just hope that I can work in a few days in WY to try to fill the 3 pronghorn tags I have.
Targets were fired in a counter clockwise order. Not too bad for a $300 no longer made rifle and a $180 Nikon scope.
Targets were fired in a counter clockwise order. Not too bad for a $300 no longer made rifle and a $180 Nikon scope.
