Best cartridge for hunting deer with 30-06

MXZ500

MXZ500

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Hello Group.
My friend, who I hunt with, uses a 30-06 Springfield
I think he's using a 185 grain bullet (not sure of any other details)
I think it's too much for Deer. It makes way to much damage. :p
Is their a ideal cartridge specifically for Deer using his rifle?

We both are curious.
Thanks in advance
 
There are controlled recoil cartridges for the 30-06 that are slightly less powerful to lighten recoil. They would be great, something handloaders have been doing for years. Sorry I have never used them but someone will jump in with experience.

Ease up on the throttle and go to 150 grain bullets should work great.
 
Applefarmer is right about this one. I wouldn't worry too much about using a 30-06. It's pretty much a great all around type of cartridge. If you want something a little smaller, check out a 30-30. It does the job really well too.

Dorian
 
Well as you seem to be newbies, shoot ( not shot) for the heart/lung area. Head shots ( not head shoots) can be rather nasty if you happen to miss. Now in stead of shooting( not shoting) a deer through the rear end ( also know as a Texas heart shot), wait a bit and get a good shot( not shoot).
 
If went back to hunting deer with my 30.06, I'd be using Fusion 150s.

Absolutely no need whatsoever for heavier lead than that.

Whacked a lot deer, both whitetail and muleys, most of 'em DRT, with 117 gr. 25.06.

Seems to me 150 gr should at least perform as well...hopefully.

:)
 
125, 150, 165, 180's all work. best for deer would be what ever shoot the best and you have confidence in.

a 180 most likely wont do as much damage as a bullet of the same construction of a lighter weight.
 
sir_springer said:
Actually...

Just checking out Federal's site.

110 gr Barnes TTSX spits out fast and furious, 3400 fps, and flattens out the 06 like a hot varminter, only 5.5" drop at 300 yds.


http://www.federalpremium.com/products/details/rifle.aspx?id=875

Probably pricey, but for deer I'll bet this combination would rock pretty good.
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I've been looking long and hard at getting some 110 grain TTSX's for a .30-06 Ruger MKII UL I load for. IMR 4895 will do atleast 3500 fps according to Hodgons site, and they load like little girls so I think I could get this load cookin !!!!

I guess I'll have to put another order in with Henry Niech :redface:
 
I have a 308 and 30-06 but am playing currently with a 250-3000 to see what it is capable of. Great cal for smaller island deer but it should work well enough for a mulie too. Doing testing after hunting season but I figure even a 110gr ought to do the trick nicely. Seems to be the big rage in Ontario. Lots of guys looking for 250s.
 
saskcop said:
A good quality 180 grain bullet in a .30-06 is probably the best all around choice for anything in north america.
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True. People should remember that 180 grains does not automatically make a good bullet for game. My brother used a 30-06 in Zimbabwe this summer and the ammo provided by the PH was Federal factory ammo with 180 gr Ballistic Silvertip bullets. I was under the impression that the Ballistic Silvertip had been revamped into a stouter hunting bullet. Was I wrong! My brother shot a Side Striped Jackal at around 100 yards with one. Hit the jackal to the rear and quartered forward. The jackal looked like a macabre wind-sock! I was astonished how big a hole the bullet left. Keep in mind that this is an animal the size of a coyote - at best. I can't imagine using that bullet on a deer or, perish the thought, a moose. But, as you say, a good bullet, like a Partition, A-Frame or TSX (though I think a 180 TSX is excessive in the 30-06) makes it an impressive performer on game.
 
bogie said:
I have a 308 and 30-06 but am playing currently with a 250-3000 to see what it is capable of. Great cal for smaller island deer but it should work well enough for a mulie too. Doing testing after hunting season but I figure even a 110gr ought to do the trick nicely. Seems to be the big rage in Ontario. Lots of guys looking for 250s.
Click to expand...

Should work nicely. Try Nosler Partitions in 100 or 115 grain.
 
I find these days that the more deer I shoot the smaller the bullet I want to use. I used to use a 30-06 with 180's and then I went to a 7mm mag with 140's, which I still use now and again. However, my favorite is my 7X57 with 140's.

I haven't used the 30-06 in a long time, but people who say it is the most versitile are probably right.

I am starting to think a 25-06 with a 115 or 120 grain Nosler may be a good caliber for deer.
 
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