N160 for .30-06

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I've been working with this M70 in .30-06 for awhile now. This rifle has proven a bit finicky, more so than any of the several M70's I own and have developed loads for. IMR4350 which seems to be a go to powder for this caliber for most folks, just doesn't work with this rifle. Furthermore when the barrel gets a bit warm, accuracy will drop off. Not exactly a surprise, but this one just seems to drop off a little more quickly than others.

So I had shifted to 180's and H4831 as well as giving N160 a go. Initial results with both were encouraging. H4831 has proven pretty good and gives right at 1-1.25" groups.

However, N160 seems to be the cat's meow for this rifle. The first pic below is a load for 180gr North Fork SS. Take note of the the POI for these 3 shots.

The second pick is the result for 180gr Nosler Partitions with the shots being quite close to the NF shots.

You can see comparing the two pictures the groups are basically identical. I won't share the exact load weight, but suffice to say that the Vihtavuori online manual shows a max load for 180gr Nosler Accubonds at 54.9gr. The loads for both of these bullets are just a bit under this max of 54.9gr.

I think pretty nice results for a fairly windy day.

 

[45-70guy]

I have noticed that brass quality and neck tension really affect group size considerably, I’d have loads that would shoot 5 different bullets and powders sub moa then that same exact load in a different brand of brass would be 3” groups in a 10 shot group.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I have noticed that brass quality and neck tension really affect group size considerably, I’d have loads that would shoot 5 different bullets and powders sub moa then that same exact load in a different brand of brass would be 3” groups in a 10 shot group.

Absolutely, one reason I only use Norma or Lapua brass.

 

[Russ16]

My pre-64 M70 30-06 is particularly sensitive to cartridge length. It likes a very narrow range of bullet jump.

It also shoots much better with H4350 over IMR4350 which is weird as none of my other 30-06 rifles have shown that preference.

 

[HuntingGold]

I have about 7 pounds of N160. Ill play with it some more. Thanks for sharing

 

[SaintPanzer]

I like VV powders because they burn very cleanly. I've used a lot of N160 in my Steyr Classic II .30-06.

I was getting 0.75 MOA with 165 grain RWS Scorions. I'd have to check my log book to be sure, but I think a little less than 1 MOA with RWS HIIT bullets. Brass was RWS and/or Brenneke.

I need to work up loads again for other bullets (really interested in Norma Oryx) and I really wish I could get RWS bullets in the US.

Next up is continued research in N160 on my M1903 Mannlicher and M1910 Mannlicher, though there are indications I should go to N150 instead. I've also heard, but haven't yet tried N150 in the .30-06. Similarly, I need to start load development in 7X57R.

But yes... Happy with N160 in the .30-06.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I like VV powders because they burn very cleanly. I've used a lot of N160 in my Steyr Classic II .30-06.

I was getting 0.75 MOA with 165 grain RWS Scorions. I'd have to check my log book to be sure, but I think a little less than 1 MOA with RWS HIIT bullets. Brass was RWS and/or Brenneke.

I need to work up loads again for other bullets (really interested in Norma Oryx) and I really wish I could get RWS bullets in the US.

Next up is continued research in N160 on my M1903 Mannlicher and M1910 Mannlicher, though there are indications I should go to N150 instead. I've also heard, but haven't yet tried N150 in the .30-06. Similarly, I need to start load development in 7X57R.

But yes... Happy with N160 in the .30-06.

I was thinking yesterday afternoon that I might give the N160 a chance with 165gr pills.

 

[Daryl S]

I'm getting 2,745fps and 2,750fps with 180gr. Hornady SP's using the newer IMR4451 and H4350 powders, with just over 1/2" accuracy for 5 shots, at 100 meters.(109yds)
165gr. Hornady's do 2,940fps with H414/W760 powder & .540" at 100 meters, 5-shot groups.
The rifle is a September 1936 M70 with the rudder safety & 24" bl. I lucked into that one.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I like VV powders because they burn very cleanly. I've used a lot of N160 in my Steyr Classic II .30-06.

I was getting 0.75 MOA with 165 grain RWS Scorions. I'd have to check my log book to be sure, but I think a little less than 1 MOA with RWS HIIT bullets. Brass was RWS and/or Brenneke.

I need to work up loads again for other bullets (really interested in Norma Oryx) and I really wish I could get RWS bullets in the US.

Next up is continued research in N160 on my M1903 Mannlicher and M1910 Mannlicher, though there are indications I should go to N150 instead. I've also heard, but haven't yet tried N150 in the .30-06. Similarly, I need to start load development in 7X57R.

But yes... Happy with N160 in the .30-06.

I was thinking yesterday afternoon that I might give the N160 a chance with 165gr pills.

 

[Daryl S]

The burn rate sits in the middle of Re#22 and H4831 according to AI.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

N160 is showing promise with 165gr Nosler Ballistic Tips. This was the best group. This rifle is as mentioned sensitive to barrel heat. This group might tighten up when things cool off a bit. It was 80 plus degrees here by 8am this morning. It takes forever for the barrel to cool off when that warm and I only have so much patience. Yes that's 2 shots in the same hole on the upper hole.

This was a load 0.3gr less and at that point I was needing to get home for honey do's. So I shot these 3 in quick succession following last shot on pic above. Still holding pretty well.

 

[FlyGuy]

VV N150 under a variety of 165/8 bullets has delivered outstanding accuracy in a few of the 30-06 rifles I load for.