Not a Marlin rifle, but over the past season, from September through December, I hunted with my .30-06, using the 165 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip and H4350, up near the top of the published loads, for about 2900 fps. The rifle shot well and performed well on game.

Bear at 325 yards
Antelope at 245 yards
Mule deer at 140 yards
Elk at 338 yards

I've been using the 165 gr bullet with H4350 for some time now, and it always performs well. I've never shot Woodleigh bullets, but they certainly have a good reputation!

Regards, Guy

 

Cheers Guy. That's some fine long distance shooting there ! I am aiming for around the 2900 fps. Woodleigh give recommended velocity ranges for their bullets, and that is the max they say.
I realise its a matter of finding the rifles likes and dislikes, so just looking for a place to start. cheers.

 

I have been shooting 165 grain Hornady Interlocks in my 30-06 XL7W but will have to get you the powder specifics tonight after I get home.

 

Hey Mate--sorry it took so long to get you an answer. I use 48.5 grains of IMR-4064 with the 165 grain Hornady SP Interlocks. Either IMR-4350 or H4350 would be better for the '06 but I haven't been able to find it locally. I don't know what these powders are called in OZ--I am sure the names are different. Hope this helps ya out, Mate!

 

Either IMR-4350 or H4350 would be better for the '06 but I haven't been able to find it locally. I don't know what these powders are called in OZ--I am sure the names are different. Hope this helps ya out, Mate!

IMR4451 is a pretty equal substitute to the H4350..

Powder Comparison Test: H4350 vs. IMR 4451 « Daily Bulletin

 

No worries, appreciate the info! ADI lists IMR-4064 as equivalent to their AR2208 and Varget.

 

I used 58grs H4350 for a long time but have recently found 54gr H4350 is just as accurate and kicks far less.
I'm also using Nosler 165grBT and have no doubt it will expand properly at lower fps.

 

56.0 gr "4350" is the universal load for traditional 165-168 gr bullets in .30-06. (Consult a reloading manual, and start at 53.0 gr [or lower] for safety.)

4350 is in quotation marks, because the actual variety of 4350 varies, depending upon the source and time period. (It also increases up to 58.0 grains for some sources -- but that's generally when using WWII surplus powder ... which was actually 4831.)

Personally, I run no more than 56.0 gr behind any of the various 165-168 gr bullets in my .30-06 (an XL7). I do, however, use at least three of the various 4350 options. I use H4350, IMR 4350, and AA 4350. In my opinion, AA 4350 is superior to the others (but may not be available down under).

 

Cheers FM. AA4350 is the equivalent to our AR2209 and its a popular powder for the '06. It's what I use in my .270 as well, so I will be sticking with it.

 

In my Remington 700 I'm pushing 168gr Berger Classic Hunters with 53.5gr of IMR4451 at 2800fps. I can't argue with the groups...

This is how it shoots with the 168gr Fed. Gold Medal Match round.

 

I've found the with 165 grain Sierra boat tails the 58-59 grs of either H or IMR 4350 a great load. Adjust COAL for accuracy. That data is within published standards.

 

All this reference to IMR 4350 is good, thou I tend towards the lighter side at 54grs.

 

165 is a good weight in .30 Cal. Nosler Ballistic tip in .308. and 150 gr Ballistic Tip in .300 Savage.

 

My absolute best performing 165 gr. 30-06 load uses 57 gr. IMR 4350, Hornady 165 boat tail, Federal 210, all wrapped up in WW cases. Doesn't seem to matter which '06 rifle I use the load in, it shoots the best, (and at the moment, there's at least 35+ 30-06 rifles in the 'closet'). 4831, Re22, work great, also, and in my Garands and M1903's, A3's and A4's, I use Varget and 168 gr. A Max.