30-06 bullets

[tdwhite03]

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]

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]

+1 on 150's, in my gun anyways

[fgw_in_fla]

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]

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]

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]

with a stiff load of 4064 @ 3400fps it does pretty good against the wind

[tdwhite03]

Sounds like I should stick with my 150gr!

Thanks for the input!

TD

[fgw_in_fla]

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]

...I'ld like to try some 165gr Nos BT's in 1...They shoot holes in the .308... ;)

[earl39]

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]

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]

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]

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.