30-06 projectile question

I think you are on the right track with the 165 grain bullet, although I would personally opt for a bit tougher bullet for elk (in this case the TTSX). A 180 grain bullet would still be a good choice though.

For general purpose, my go-to is the Speer 165 grain BTSP. It might be a lighter constructed hunting bullet, but its the toughest btsp I have found so far and the deer don't walk far anyways.
 
I have owned at least one 30-06 all my hunting career. Sometimes I have owned 4, lol.

If I was pressed about it, I would have to say I have shot the most game with the '06, using 165 grain Partitions.

From 20 yards right out to 400+, they have always done the job.

That being said, 180 grain Partitions, Interlocks, Sciroccos, Accubonds and a couple of others have worked well also.

At 30-06 velocities, 165 and 180 grain C&C bullets seem to work fine. I have had a 150 grain Speer come apart in a big Whitetail deer, though.
He was quite close, and muzzle velocity on that bullet was over 3K, so possibly not the fairest test of bullet integrity

One of my present '06 rifles [Vanguard, Cabela's special] loves the 150 GMX over a good load of Reloder 17. I am eager to try this on something soon.

As some have already stated, load some variety and see what your rifle prefers. FWIW, I do not consider any Berger a hunting bullet.

Regards, Dave
 
Any of the mono metal bullets (Barnes TSX or TTSX, Hornady GMX or Nosler E-tips are superior to a cup and core bullet. When cup and core was the only bullet available the 180 gr bullet worked well at 30-06 velocity for elk, moose, bear and even deeer. Enough weight to penetrate and not too much velocity to come apart. The mono metal bullets retain virtually 100 % of their weight so they penetrate much better. In fact a 165 gr mono metal will penetrate as deep as a 200 gr 30 cal cup and core type bullet. Because it is only 165 grs it will be travelling much faster than a 200 gr bullet so it will shoot flatter than the 200's. On big game the 165 gr mono metal bullets are idea in the 30-06. I would suggest you try a box of which ever you can buy locally and load them up with a powder in the IMR 4350, RL 17 burning speed range and find what shoots best in your rifle. You will not be disappointed in their performance.
 
I have the most success with a 180gr. I use to only shoot 165gr but I have better hunting/hitting results from 180, so I never went back. I've tried loading in all weights but 180, IMO is the superior round for all my hunting needs.
 
When I lived down south the Hornady 165 gr SPBT was my bullet of choice; they were inexpensive, accurate, and flat shooting. But around here I'm inclined to load heavier premium bullets, from the 180 gr TSX and Partitions to the 240 gr Woodleigh. Recently I bought a few boxes of the 165 Interloks, although I haven't got around to loading any yet; I was feeling nostalgic I guess. Load those 165s ahead of 60 grs of H-4831 and it'll boom like a big rifle.
 
When I bought my first 30-06 back in 1987, I ran straight to the Sierra 165gr boattails.
I shot many deer, a few moose, a couple antelope, and gawd knows how many song dogs with that loading.
Never recovered a single bullet, never lost a single critter.
There were no mono metal bullets on the market back then (I think)
Partition's were the gold standard, but frugal old me didn't want to buy only 50 pills per box, and that oh so aerodynamic shape of those Sierra's, wow they were eye candy to me.

Would I make the same choice today?
165 gr. for sure!
Maybe if anybody had Sierra on their shelves,I'd try the green machine. Would I jump to a mono metal, likely not for a first choice. Would I try a Hornady BTSP, most likely.
Would I try a Berger, not before a mono metal.
Would I try a Partition, maybe if the Red offerings were sub par for accuracy.
Would I try a bonded poly card tipped slug, maybe when Red left me wanting.
Would I try anything else, well maybe if I was left high and dry by my Red friend.

YMMV.
 
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