View Full Version : 30-06 bullets
tdwhite03
12-14-2011, 09:13 AM
I typically use 150gr bullets when I reload for my 30-06. I have had a couple of folks tell me over the last few weeks that I should use 180gr instead as I will get much better groupings and consistent performance over the 150gr.
Any truth to this? I need to buy bullets and spend some time out in the shop and am willing to make changes for better performance.
Thanks
TD
bill2260
12-14-2011, 09:17 AM
What you will get the most of with the 180 grain bullet is more recoil. I just worked up a load using 150 grain hornady sst bullets for an old sporterized springfield. Best group I ever shot with this rifle just under one inch at a hundred. Federal factory loads with this gun shoot 3.5 inches at hundred yards. Bill
keeki
12-14-2011, 09:33 AM
+1 on 150's, in my gun anyways
fgw_in_fla
12-14-2011, 10:50 AM
My '06 hates 180 Nos BT's and anything else in a 180gr bullet. All I got was a sore shoulder from the recoil. With 150's & 165's it does very well.
I seem to recal a guy at my local range mentioning to use 180's. Sorry, they're not for me. I tried 3 different powders - IMR 4895 - H4830 & lastly IMR4350. No luck.
I think I'll stay with what I know. My shoulder can't take any more experimenting....
keeki
12-14-2011, 11:51 AM
mine shoots 130's just as well and will probably be what I go to. No need for those big bullets on a 300lb animal.
fgw_in_fla
12-14-2011, 12:19 PM
I've always wanted to try a lighter bullet like the 125 in my '06. I wonder how it would do in the wind?
keeki
12-14-2011, 02:11 PM
with a stiff load of 4064 @ 3400fps it does pretty good against the wind
tdwhite03
12-14-2011, 02:57 PM
Sounds like I should stick with my 150gr!
Thanks for the input!
TD
fgw_in_fla
12-14-2011, 03:39 PM
TDWhite.... If you come up with anything, either by luck or the grace of God, come on back & share the wealth. I'd really like to load up the 350 Nosler BT's I have left but haven't had any luck with an accurate charge.
Merry Christmas to all...
Frank
1Shot
12-14-2011, 07:43 PM
...I'ld like to try some 165gr Nos BT's in 1...They shoot holes in the .308... ;)
earl39
12-14-2011, 08:09 PM
The '06 is no different from any other 30 caliber, you shoot what shoots best in your rifle. Whether that means 110gr bullet or a 220gr bullet each barrel will tell you what to shoot. Of course as stated before recoil will tell you what YOU can shoot.
Slowpoke Slim
12-14-2011, 09:58 PM
You do need to pay attention to what the application for the bullet is. If I were elk hunting, I would want at least a 165 gr bullet, and possibly a 180 or 200 gr. It depends. I wouldn't go on a brown bear hunt with 110 gr or 150 gr bullets. Nor would I feel 200 gr bullets were necessary for an 80 pound whitetail deer or 40 pound coyotes.
If all I was doing was punching holes in paper, I would just shoot whatever bullet gave me the smallest group.
Since no one even asked the OP,
TD,
What are you shooting that 30-06 at?
Paper, deer, elk, moose, antelope, grizzly bear, chipmunks?
tdwhite03
12-15-2011, 12:32 AM
I will be shooting at whitetail, hogs, paper, and the odd coyote. All of which a 150 grain has easily taken care of in the past.
GaCop
12-15-2011, 08:31 AM
mine shoots 130's just as well and will probably be what I go to. No need for those big bullets on a 300lb animal.
+1, I use the 130 gr in my 308 and it will perform well on deer out to 300 yards loaded to a mild 2900 fps, 300 yard drop is only 7.8" with a 200 yard zero. Energy is still in the 1300 ft/lb range.
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