Reloading for the first time...

[Morgan321]

I have a factory 700(30-06) in a hs-precision stock. I can consistently shoot 1-1.5moa with hornady 81170 ammo(168gr Amax). I've tried assorted factory ammo and this is the best I've found. I'm assuming my barrel is 1-10 twist but I can't tell for sure(it was a dicks special adl model bought in 2011).

I'm going to try reloading. Never done it before but have some experienced friends to help. I've also read everything I can, so I must be an expert, right? I don't want to shoot for the stars right away, my goal is simply to meet or beat the accuracy of the hornady ammo that works for me while saving money so I can shoot more and work on my skill. I'm going to try a few different charge weights and leave it at that for a while if I can get my loaded ammo around 1moa or better.

I've rounded up primers and rl19 powder. Bullets are not available locally so I need to order some. I can regularly shoot only 100yd but can get to 1000yd around once a month. Keeping in mind I want to work on my skill and save money, what bullet should I start with?

Midway only has smk in 155 and 190gr. I'm tempted to go with 155 since I'm not concerned yet about shooting past 600yd and most of my shooting will be closer than that.

Suggestions?

 

[oldfatguy]

Lots of good info in the stickys up top. You can use what is found in the books and produce safe quality ammo. But to get the best accuracy you will have to be very lucky or develop a load for your particular rifle. The OCW method works very well, is shot at 100 yards, and does not require too many rounds.

OFG

 

[mb3]

RL 19 is a good powder for the 30 06, but I think it is better suited for heavier bullets. I use it quite a bit for 30 06 but load 168 and 175 SMK's, the load data gives a pretty good charge that fills the case nicely. Take a look at Alliant's load data they list 62 gr for 150 gr bullet, 59 for a 180 gr bullet and 55 gr for a 200 gr bullet. The 190 gr bullet would fall somewhere between the 180 gr and 200 gr load data. I personally would choose the 190 over the 155's.

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/powderlist.aspx?type=1&powderid=13&cartridge=81