Just purchased a model 11/111 trophy hunter in 30-06 for whitetail deer hunting. Does anyone have any recommendations on factory ammo that shoots best for this model & caliber?
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Just purchased a model 11/111 trophy hunter in 30-06 for whitetail deer hunting. Does anyone have any recommendations on factory ammo that shoots best for this model & caliber?
My plain jane factory 111 (pencil barrel, top bolt release, side button DBM- purchased new in early 2000's) shoots 150gr Hornady American Whitetail GREAT. This rifle was originally a 270 rebarreled to a 30-06 using a stock savage take-off barrel (also a sporter/pencil barrel). I threaded it all the way against the go-gauge so it might have a little "tighter" chamber which can help with factory ammo but regardless, I always recommend Hornady American Whitetail. It's one of the most accurate and also the cheapest commercial hunting ammo I've tried and it's pretty easy to find. For elk I've used Nosler Trophy grade 180gr and it shoots well but it's not as accurate as the Hornady. I had horrible results with Remington Core-Lokt. For reloads, she really shines using 150gr SSTs and IMR 4064.
Savage says Federal 168 grain Sierra Match King HPBT is what they use for testing.
I hunt Axis deer which I think are about the size of a whitetail. I have been shooting 150 gr Speers. The 150 gr do kill the deer, however, I rarely get an exit wound and blood trail. The deer generally run 20- 50 yards before dropping. It just gets a little tough finding the downed animal. I am switching to 165 gr Sierras. I want the additional penetration of the 165 gr. The 165 gr has the same sectional density as my 140 gr 7mm-08 round. I get nice exit wounds and blood trails with the '08.
Federal Fusion 165 or 180 gr are VERY accurate and perfect for hunting deer. I have not tried the 150 gr Fusion but if the deer your hunting weight less than 150 lbs the 150 gr Fusion would be the best choice.