30/06 Tracer loads?

[Rez Exelon]

So I couldn't help but grab a bunch of 30 cal orange tips a few months ago and I'm getting around to loading them now. They appear to be 7.62 pulls weighing in at about 152gr +/-.

Looking around the interwebs 4895, 4064 and BL-C(2) all appear to be powder candidates, but I'm having trouble with advice on amounts. Some places are saying "load like normal on the 152gr data" and others are saying drop a grain of powder off the bottom of the data because of the increased length. Anyone here ever loaded these things and might be able to give some thoughts?

 

[swampratt]

There is a start load for most and a max load just go with the start load .
If I had them and shooting in .308 i would try 44gr BL-C(2) and 42 gr of 4064.
In a good modern bolt gun 30-06 I have used 52 gr of 4064 for years with many 150 grain bullets.
Reduce it to 48 gr of 4064 and see how those long ones group.
For the ball powder and 30-06 I would try 48 gr and go up from there.
30-06 is a very down loaded round as far as load data out there is concerned.
That is due to so many old style rifles that can't take it like a newer rifle.

Those above loads should be mild in a 30-06.

My modern 22" barrel 30-06 sends 155 gr bullets to 3176 fps and I have been to 3200 in 100 degree heat.
I reduced that load and got the 3176 and zero issues at 100°+ temps. H4350



The bearing surface if much longer on those.
I hear they ricochet so be careful

 

[Rez Exelon]

Really good info. I'm thinking to start with 4064 so that's extra useful. The primary rifle I have for these right now would be a model of 1917 which is supposed to be able to take a whole lotta pressure but I don't like to ride that line personally. Just want them to ignite and be fun. Not that I have a place to shoot them right off hand, but in the future I plan to.

 

[swampratt]

My 30-06 loads is .002" neck tension, annealed R-P cases, 52 gr 4064 will result in 3030 fps measured at 20 feet from the muzzle
from my 22" barrel. It is a Mossberg 100ATR. That is a Hornady #3031 150gr bullet.

 

[Rez Exelon]

Double awesome there. I have a bunch of 3031's coming from the Get Loaded 2020 promo!

 

[swampratt]

I do not crimp those either.