IMR 4166 Tested!

My nephew picked up a 30-06 M1917 Eddystone. He visited me this week and we together loaded 40 rounds using 4166 and Varget. We covered the range low to high(not finely mind you) and seated bullet appropriate to gun.

He left the gun with me and I installed a pistol scope on the scout type mounts on Friday. Neat looking rig.

I also tried 4166 in My Tikka T3 Ultra light using believe it or not single shot 80 grain pistol bullets. I know not intended purpose but cheap range fodder.

Off to the range Sunday morning with both guns plus 3 more.

First up was the 3006 using 4166;

• one grain over starting load gave best results at just over an inch.
• higher loads got progressively worse up to 3 inches+

Keep in mind I had no idea whether this gun could shoot. Next up was Varget;

• Staring loads yielded just over an inch
• Groups tightened as powder increased
• 1 grain under max yielded .566 three shot group +1.5 inches over Bullseye and no flyers
• was able to kiss bullseye at 200 yards on 6 inch target

Next up was the T3 Ultralight

None of my loadings in 4166 shot larger than a 3/4 group at 100 yards. Closer to .5 typically with slight vertical shift of POI

Only tried one 3 shot group at 200 yards and it measured 2.2" BUT had little drop (-.5) Did not expect that with these bullets.

There is nothing conclusive here, rather just the start of testing of this new powder. It reminds me of 8208XBR which I use for several cals. Certainly worked well with the 243.

Nephew is quite happy with his new acquisition as well!