going through a Savage-Stevens Favorite 200 30-06, 22" barrel...
anyone got a recommended load to work up to for this? I am looking for maximum accuracy. At the ranges I am working (5-700yds) a 70% load will still hit with authority, so I'm not at all adverse to loading down if it'll shave group size.
Thanks in advance!
Every rifle is an individual.
However, in general, the most accurate loads are those approaching 100% loading density, which means the case is nearly full of powder. And, in general, "full" loads, but not super-hot, absolute max loads are more accurate than the very hottest, or reduced loads.
Pick a bullet you like, in a weight appropriate to what you want to shoot. Sierra anythings and Nosler Ballistic Tips have a good reputation.
Bullet seating depth is sometimes a key factor. Assuming the ammo will work through your magazine, try seating depths from just a couple thousandths off the lands, then back off (meaning seat bullets deeper) by ten, twenty, thirty, and forty thousandths "bullet jump." max limit is what will work through your magazine, min limit is seating bullets where the ogive (where the bullet shape starts to curve to form the point) is at the case mouth. But best accuracy is usually with just a little clearance between the bullet and where the lands of the barrel start.
I like H4895 or IMR4320 for bullets at 150 grains or lighter, and H4350 for 180 grains or heavier, but those are just the ones I've used and been happy with.
Did you notice a lot of "in general's" in here? You betcha. YMMV, and be sure to Read the #5*@/&%! Manual!
Reloading is for those who believe in technical data, not "that looks about right" or "if a little's good, then a lot's better."
Post script:
In fact, read SEVERAL manuals. Two of mine recommend maximums of 55.0 and 55.5 for MAX loads of H-414 for 175 or 180 gr. bullets. One recommends magnum primers for that powder. With a medium-rate spherical powder like that, usually/sometimes a magnum primer will give more consistent ignition. Your benchrest primers may have high brisance like magnum primers.
In any case, start no higher than 51 grains and work up in half-grain increments, looking for signs of excessive pressure, like a hard bolt lift or soot around the primer or loose primers or the case head starting to flow into the ejector hole in the bolt face, and if you note any, back off! Inspection of fired primers is sort of ambiguous, so don't go by that alone. Conventional wisdom will predict that your most accurate load will fall into the 52.0 - 54.0 gr. range.
Rhetorical question: Did I mention that every rifle is an individual? Your rifle and targets will talk to you, if you are willing to listen.
G'luck! Sounds like a fun project, so see how well you can make your smokepole shoot.
Didactic, sounds like you've done some shootin' and reloadin' before. ;)
Great advice. What shoots good in my rifle may not shoot worth a darn in your rifle.
Rifles are made by people (who don't always do everything the same every time) on machines/tools that wear a little every time they are used.
As far as powder in the case goes I'd go so far as to say a slightly compressed load of slow burning powder in your bolt action rifle (if using the right powder/primers) may give you the highest velocity at a lower pressure.
Best accuracy I ever got out of my two "long range" rifles was with 180 grain match bullets and slow burning powder.
The reason for having/reading multiple reloading manuals is the same reason as for having multiple car repair manuals. One of them will have information the others may not have.