30-06 loads for between the wars.

[rjohns94]

I just purchased a Mauser, made between the wars, and made for long range shooting. It has set triggers, an octagon to round barrel, 28 inches long. Three folding leaf sights and then a ladder scaled to 1000 yards. Made in Germany, marked Germany so I'm guessing a transition piece made for the US market. So were the 30-06 loads different around 1913, if so, what do you reckon the loads were? trying to figure what it might be regulated to or where I should start once it arrives.

[AJMD429]

Without seeing some PICTURES of the gun, it would be impossible to recommend a specific load....

(that, plus the fact that I've never reloaded 30-06 to any extent)

[Ray Newman]

Have no idea as to load data for civilian and military .30-06 between the years 1918 -1938.

Another fly in the ointment -- was there a difference in the loading fro .30-06 standard GI issue (the .30 M2 Ball??) and Match ammunition?

Am not 100% certain, but at one time, did not "Cartridges of the World" published US military load data?

Maybe the load data is stamped on the action/barrel as is often found on the old single shot target rifles.

[FWiedner]

I dunno... But for older close to original load data, I'd go to the Ackley manuals.

[Blaine]

Or, you could use a pre-set range on the sights, and see where POI is, and see if the other distances will wiggle in...

[rjohns94]

mauser1.jpg

[rjohns94]

mauser12.jpg

mauser4.jpg

mauser10.jpg

[cshold]

That's a dandy rifle ya got there Mike

[Griff]

That's a dandy rifle ya got there Mike

+1.

[AJMD429]

I still don't know any more about loading for 30-06....but thanks for posting the pictures.

That is a BEAUTIFUL gun....!

I wonder if the DCM would have any information on loads used in that time frame...???

[junkbug]

That sight is extremely complex for one load at open sight ranges. My guess is that the maker knew how varied 30-06 ammo already was and put a variety of leaves on the rib so that the hunter could shoot at his preferred range with his favorite load and find the leaf that worked. Would also allow for using different leaves for different loads, just have to be very careful to keep good records of what leaf shoots where with what leaf.

Are the leaves marked at all?

[rjohns94]

Thanks. What I have found out is in 1906, standard load was 150 grain at 2700fps. In 1926, us went to a 174gr at 2647fps. In 1938, they went to 151gr. 2740fps. The leaves are marked : fixed 100, then 2, 3, 400, then 500 to 1000.

[harry]

Some light reading on the 30-06
http://cartridgecollectors.org/?page=in ... cartridges

[JohndeFresno]

“In 1916 and ’17 as Captain of Ordnance I had charge of the Army Machine Gun Schools, first on the Mexican Border, then at Springfield. In those days, Frankford Arsenal made the .30-’06 cartridge case of very hard brass to make extraction easier and to improve the functioning in machine guns… we were using the old .30-06 cartridge with 150 grain bullet, 2700 feet per second and not over 50,000 pounds pressure…”

- Maj. General Julian S. Hatcher, in HATCHER’S NOTEBOOK, 2nd Edition, 1st Printing, October 1957, pp. 241-242 (Chapter 10, “Headspace”)

(Highlighting is mine)

[Nath]

Looks like a spotted to me!
Grand looking piece.
With that wedge in the forearm I thought it's an early in line muzzleloader!

N.

[M. M. Wright]

In the dim and distant past I remember the standard target load for 06 was 47 to 48 grains of 4895 under a 165 grain bullet. Might be a bit stout with todays powders as Hogdon's online loading data gives a max of 46.7 of H4895 with the 165 Hornady VMX. My Browning Hi-Wall really likes 47.5 of IMR4895 and the 165 Sierra Game King? Can't for sure remember the bullet name.

When you need load info I highly recommend Hodgon's online load manual. 4 step drop down menus gets you to any combo quick and easy.

[rjohns94]

Thanks gents. NATH: looks like a spotted? Not familiar with that saying...

Based on the info, modern ammo is a bit hotter than the original load. Any thoughts on pressure concerns with using modern ammo in this 100+ year old lady?

[Nath]

Thanks gents. NATH: looks like a spotted? Not familiar with that saying...

Based on the info, modern ammo is a bit hotter than the original load. Any thoughts on pressure concerns with using modern ammo in this 100+ year old lady?

Sorry, stupid phone.
Sporter, looks like a sporting rifle to me but what do I know.

N.

[rjohns94]

You know much. It was advertised as a safari rifle so you are spot on!

[Nath]

The wrist says sporter to me.

N.

[rjohns94]

Agreed

[jnyork]

MIke, send that rifle on out to me, I'll examine it for you for a few years and let you know if I come up with a good load. All at no charge to you, of course, except for the shipping.

[Pisgah]

Any 150 gr. load in the vicinity of 2700 fps should get you in the ballpark. One I've had luck with in several rifles is 49.5 gr. of IMR 4895 and a Speer 150 gr. spitzer softpoint.

[Blaine]

Thanks gents. NATH: looks like a spotted? Not familiar with that saying...

Based on the info, modern ammo is a bit hotter than the original load. Any thoughts on pressure concerns with using modern ammo in this 100+ year old lady?

Sorry, stupid phone.
Sporter, looks like a sporting rifle to me but what do I know.

N.

AutoCorrect can be your wurst enema.

[44shooter]

I wouldn't be afraid of modern load data at all, or for that matter factory loads. Practically speaking, I think you are going to have to load to the sights assuming you are going to use them.

[Nath]

Thanks gents. NATH: looks like a spotted? Not familiar with that saying...

Based on the info, modern ammo is a bit hotter than the original load. Any thoughts on pressure concerns with using modern ammo in this 100+ year old lady?

Sorry, stupid phone.
Sporter, looks like a sporting rifle to me but what do I know.

N.

AutoCorrect can be your wurst enema.

[piller]

I realize that I am really inexperienced in reloading compared to others on here, but what seems logical to me would be to load about 50 rounds with a 150 grain bullet and maybe 25 of them with 1 powder and 25 with another. Try using powders listed for the lowest pressure for the velocity and work to the others if needed. For a mildly older firearm, I would try to duplicate the velocities from when it was new and try to keek the pressures as low as possible. While assuming good strength in the steel due to it still being around, there is no real need to abuse such a beautifully made gun with constant battering from high pressures of maximum loads.
I admit to going to the maximum on some reloads in my Ruger Super Redhawk in .480 and my Blackhawk in .45 Colt. It was fun for a while, but I have backed off to duplicating factory loads or lower in the .480 and by one-third of maximum in the .45 Colt. My palms feel better for it and the accuracy is a little better. This is all what seems logical to me.

[Hawkeye2]

That is a beautiful sporting Mauser, a true classic. It is every bit as strong as an 03/03A3 Springfield, possibly stronger, and any loads listed for them can be used in your rifle. The .30-06 round is more than adequate for most game and overkill for a lot so you could reduce the government loading and still have an effective round. I agree with piller and for casual shooting I probably would be shooting a mild load and most likely would choose a 150 grain bullet.

The leaves on the express rear sight are intended to be used at different ranges as marked and provide a quick way to adjust elevation. Once a load is settled on the leaves can be filed for zero. An express sight is simple and fast to use in the field, if you haven't used one yet you will learn to love it.