Loads For Kimber Montana 30-06

[pjohnson8168]

Hey gents- i have a montana 84 30-06 on the way and am looking for a place to start reloading, ideally this is a deer and elk gun so probably will be 160-180 loads that i am looking for. I have a leupold VX2 3x9 CDS going on top, typically my self imposed limit is 400yds (and that may be pushing it for my level of comfort). Does anyone have any loads they have had good luck with in this paticular rifle...especially when chasing elk? Its certainly not my intention but if conditions were perfect would it be pushing the envelope regarding the energy remaining at 500yds for elk (if i can get myself comfortable behind the gun to even think about that range).

I know there has been debate on the effective range of the 30-06 (if going the 1500ft/lbs guideline), just not that into magnums anymore especially in auch a lightweight rifle. Any thoughts on loads or experience with effective range is appreciated.

 

[Stid2677]

This is a MAX load in my Kimber, it is very accurate and has killed sheep, goats and moose out to 522 yards. This load is running in 4 or 5 30-06s that I know of right now, 4 Montana's for sure.

Always work up.

 

[pjohnson8168]

Great, thanks Stid, that looks like a great direction to go, just what i was looking for. That looks like a great load, hopefully my Montana likes the combo.

 

[hunting1]

Tough to beat 57-58 grs of 4350 and 165/168 of choice. For 180's again 4350 will work, but Hunter and RL22 will get you speed. I have not played with 17, but as above especially with heavies some love it. Never seen an 06 (I have 3) that do not like 57-grs of IMR4350 and some flavor of 165gr pill. I cn say first hand, they kill elk, antelope, etc....

 

[pjohnson8168]

Thanks Hunting1, I have used IMR 4350 quite a bit in the 06 as well, but as you stated, looking to squeeze a little more speed, I havent played with hunter or RL22 in the 06, sounds like I have some good options.

 

[rileybassman]

Tough to beat 57-58 grs of 4350 and 165/168 of choice. For 180's again 4350 will work, but Hunter and RL22 will get you speed. I have not played with 17, but as above especially with heavies some love it. Never seen an 06 (I have 3) that do not like 57-grs of IMR4350 and some flavor of 165gr pill. I cn say first hand, they kill elk, antelope, etc....

Hey... That's my load;-)

57 grains imr 4350, 168 ttsx. (That's my COAL in the pic)
Getting low to mid 2800's out of a 22" pipe. 2815 if i remember correct.

This is out of a savage 116 not a kimber, but a good load none the less.

Tough to beat.

 

[6mm Remington]

I've used 57.4 grs of IMR4350 under 165 gr. Accubonds or Partitions with fantastic results. Either bullet is wonderful too and I highly recommend them. I use Winchester brass and Federal 210 primers.

 

[hunting1]

This is why so many think the 06 is boring, it just works! 4350 and 06 is like peanut butter and jelly!

 

[rileybassman]

This is why so many think the 06 is boring, it just works! 4350 and 06 is like peanut butter and jelly!

Not really sure why people do... I still get a rush when I shoot... there is a big explosion... animal falls over dead (pretty much any animal will fall over dead with a good shot from the old '06) and the freezer is full... sounds exciting to me :-D

 

[hunting1]

I have 3, so I agree!

 

[rileybassman]

I have 3, so I agree!

Me too... well one is my wife's

 

[pjohnson8168]

I damn near went with the 280AI Montana but held firm the the classic 30-06, after seeing some of the loads and velocity's that everyone is getting I am glad I did.

Thanks guys

 

[mtswampfox]

thanks for the thread. been meaning to load up some 06's and will use the IMR 4350........