Hey everyone: I made a trip to Cabelas and Wholesale sports in Wpg to stock up on ammo. I understand hunting season is almost over, however there are shooters that like to go out year round. Target shooting etc. Both stores had no core lokt 150 or 165 grain ammo in stock. Have been there twice in 2 weeks and still nothing. Also I did get a chance awhile ago to buy 2 boxes of 165 grain. I am now using 150 grain but my coach who has hunted for many years suggested that the 30-06 loves 165 grain bullets, and that they will do fine for deer or moose. Any comments?
30-06 Ammo
- Thread starter loogin28
- Start date
Northman999
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Yukon
I've shot moose with 165's in 30-06 and the moose can't tell the difference between them and 180's.
180's in most 30 cal bullet lines are tougher than 165's, as the 180's are generally built for the 30 cal magnums. However, as I noted above, the game can't seem to tell the difference in my experience.
180's in most 30 cal bullet lines are tougher than 165's, as the 180's are generally built for the 30 cal magnums. However, as I noted above, the game can't seem to tell the difference in my experience.
OP, you just discovered a big reason why many start reloading. Having control of your ammo supply is a big deal with the way availability fluctuates in Canada. That said, 165gr bullets work very well in the 30-06 and should be fine for moose. I wouldn't try to bust one through a shoulder with a cup and core 165gr bullet, but in the boiler room should put a moose down with no problems. Personally, I would use a 180gr instead, but I tend to like heavier bullets as a personal preference.
Mark
Mark
I generally load my own 30.06, but last year Cabelas has some sort of 100th Anniversary with Winchester ammo and we selling 180gr power points for 15 bucks a box. Very fortunate for me, my model 70 loves cheap winchester ammo so i picked up 30 boxes. I don't mind shooting 165s, but since i do a lot of bush hunting, I'd rather have the extra hitting power rather than distance that I will never or rarely use. Two seasons ago I shot a deer at just about 300 yards using 180s. it ran a dozen steps and fell over dead.
WestIslandRifle
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- QUEBEKISTAN, Canada
i use the hornady 165gr in my 30-06 and its hit everything from gongs to deer to moose and my uncle used it for elk last yearand it work every time
I only use 180 grains for hunting, in both 30-06 and 300wm. We never know if we'll encounter deer, bear, moose, or elk. I have taken all my game with cheap Remington Core-lokts until this year when I began reloading; (I used 180 gr Barnes TTSX for an elk, and 180 gr Hornady Interlock for a deer at over 300 meters but that's for a different forum).
That being said bullet construction and shot placement is far more important than 15 grains. I would trust a well constructed 165 grain in any of the above if I know it performs well in my rifle.
However, why chance it?
If you need to take a long distance shot or a shot through brush, then heavier is better.
You're rifle may be different, but typically 30-06's eat 180 grain bullets quite nicely.
That being said bullet construction and shot placement is far more important than 15 grains. I would trust a well constructed 165 grain in any of the above if I know it performs well in my rifle.
However, why chance it?
If you need to take a long distance shot or a shot through brush, then heavier is better.
You're rifle may be different, but typically 30-06's eat 180 grain bullets quite nicely.
