30-06 Heavy (200gr to 225gr) long range load dev.

[Koda]

The argument is fair though, the other guys asserted the sentiment that you likely can do anything that the 2550fps load does, with 2500fps just the same. Provided the accuracy is there.

(Assuming the accuracy is there...)
Ive gone down the chase velocity road and what Ive experienced is you wont really gain any ballistics advantage unless you can exceed at least 100fps, preferrably more.

The flatter, faster, more energy advantage downrange doesnt really shine below 100 additional fps.

 

[joshp3]

(Assuming the accuracy is there...)
Ive gone down the chase velocity road and what Ive experienced is you wont really gain any ballistics advantage unless you can exceed at least 100fps, preferrably more.

The flatter, faster, more energy advantage downrange doesnt really shine below 100 additional fps.

Right. I don't disagree. The reason for me coming to the forums was my lack of experience in loading 30-06 with anything above 200gr. I have more than once gotten hints/tips/things to consider from the collective brain in here, that greatly assisted with a cartridge. But for reference, this round would only be used in the most unfortunate scenario in which I cannot get closer than 800 to 1200 yards from the intended target. I almost certainly will get closer but, If I am forced to use the 30-06, (because the 300prc im building isnt complete yet), I would really like to have that option. The particular hunt in question is one in which I have to hike down the side of a pretty good peak...like 6800ft or so, down to 5 thousand something...meaning I am only carrying one rifle and I will be nowhere near a vehicle or side by side or horse, to have a second rifle of different caliber.
I will say again, everything would have to be correct for me to accept taking that longer shot but, It has happened a couple of times already...and I havent had the ability to shoot that far. Which is why the 300prc is being built...

 

[Koda]

But for reference, this round would only be used in the most unfortunate scenario in which I cannot get closer than 800 to 1200 yards from the intended target.

I will say again, everything would have to be correct for me to accept taking that longer shot but, It has happened a couple of times already...and I havent had the ability to shoot that far.

This is worth a whole new topic of discussion i encourage you to ask here and consider advice.

I dont know your abilities and do not want to judge, but your last comment suggests youve never practiced 800yds and farther. If thats true, your different handload for this task is not the solution and actually complicates your plan... a bad idea. Please dont target practice on live game.

What is your experience level at long range shooting and hunting?

 

[joshp3]

This is worth a whole new topic of discussion i encourage you to ask here and consider advice.

I dont know your abilities and do not want to judge, but your last comment suggests youve never practiced 800yds and farther. If thats true, your different handload for this task is not the solution and actually complicates your plan... a bad idea. Please dont target practice on live game.

What is your experience level at long range shooting and hunting?

Im not sure what all you are assuming to get to a point where I develop a load for hunting at longer ranges, and that somehow complicates, what plan? It seems like maybe I miscommunicated something or maybe you are adding details that arent there. The load I am trying to work up would be used in that terrible hunt I described and within that particular hunt/season regardless of whether i found the animal at 300 yards or 837 yards. At no point within would I be using a different handload. I could very easily re-zero the rifle with the tried and true180gr but I doubt I would bother. If the heavier round is good for long range its probably good enough for lesser ranges as well.

I must have missed the part where I declared, in no uncertain terms; no matter what the findings of my load development, (which is taking place right now in july), come late fall of 2024 I will find an animal eleventeen hundred yards away and lob those handloads at it until i cant see the animal any more...I am still at the viability question.

I see your intent and I absolutely agree with it..but it is misplaced in this instance. If I cannot get the accuracy, energy and repeatability out of the load, It will not be used...and even if I can get those things out of it, MOST LIKELY I will not have to attempt that longer shot. I really shouldnt have to caveat every statement to make sure everyone understands I have no intention of doing something unethical. The hunt part comes LOOOOOOONG AFTER...it is determined I can actually make the shot...and we are not there yet.

 

[Koda]

Im not sure what all you are assuming to get to a point where I develop a load for hunting at longer ranges, and that somehow complicates, what plan? It seems like maybe I miscommunicated something or maybe you are adding details that arent there.

But for reference, this round would only be used in the most unfortunate scenario in which I cannot get closer than 800 to 1200 yards from the intended target.

Its not always clear on the internet what people actually intend, but my impression is you wanted to develop a load for the 225gn ELD-M bullet to use "specific" to shots over 800yds
If you couldnt get closer of course.

Is this correct?

 

[orygun]

Right. I don't disagree. The reason for me coming to the forums was my lack of experience in loading 30-06 with anything above 200gr. I have more than once gotten hints/tips/things to consider from the collective brain in here, that greatly assisted with a cartridge. But for reference, this round would only be used in the most unfortunate scenario in which I cannot get closer than 800 to 1200 yards from the intended target. I almost certainly will get closer but, If I am forced to use the 30-06, (because the 300prc im building isnt complete yet), I would really like to have that option. The particular hunt in question is one in which I have to hike down the side of a pretty good peak...like 6800ft or so, down to 5 thousand something...meaning I am only carrying one rifle and I will be nowhere near a vehicle or side by side or horse, to have a second rifle of different caliber.
I will say again, everything would have to be correct for me to accept taking that longer shot but, It has happened a couple of times already...and I havent had the ability to shoot that far. Which is why the 300prc is being built...

I love the 30-06. What a great cartridge,
The 300PRC I call a dream cartridge. When I had a 375 Ruger I "dreamt" how wonderful it would be if it was necked down to 30. Actually, like a new version of the 30 Newton.
Then when it came out, I had daydreams about how I needed one.

Oh, I don't need one, but it sure sounds like a stompin 30 cal.