Opinions - appropriate bullet weight for .30-06 for deer hunting

[bigtallguy]

Interested in hearing opinions on what bullet weight people think is appropriate for deer hunting using .30-06 calibre.

 

[Mike Webb]

150 or 165 grain. Ballistically the 165 is the most efficient when loaded to the same pressure. Starts out slower than a 150 but out at 300 yards it is traveling faster than a 150.

 

[Bigbubba]

exactly ^
No need for bigger bullets on deer. Save the big stuff for moose

 

[joe-nwt]

A deer is pretty easy to kill. Find a bullet that shoots accurately out of your gun and don't worry about a few FPS or grains of bullet weight. Once you find that bullet, practicing with it will provide far more benefit to a successful hunt than bullet weight.

 

[Norma]

Welcome to the Forum.
I like the 165 gr Federal Sierra Gameking on Deer, mushroom's perfectly, shoots good groups in my Tikka .30-06. Good Luck

 

[StevieK]

165gr, probably one of the most versatile 30 cal. bullet weights

 

[1899]

Bullet fragmentation increases meat damage and higher velocity increases bullet fragmentation. That is one of the reasons why I like heavier bullets. I have tried lighter bullets on big game - 75gr X in .257" - and it worked well, but I used a premium bullet.

I'd stick with the 180gr or maybe even 200gr bullets, but for the above noted reasons, not because it would kill a deer better.

 

[JamesM]

My '06 likes 180 gr bullets the best, I won't argue with it. Neither do deer.

 

['Boo]

My all-time favorite bullet for the 30-06 is the 180 grain Ballistic Tip. It is a thick jacket bullet that expands well when used on deer without producing several pounds of blood-shot meat.

 

[hakx]

Every suggestion here as obviously knocked a critter over. Use whatever your rifle will reliably group.

 

[Grouser]

I go 165grn Fed Premium Boat Tails ---- Kills the hell out of deer and you don't have to change and re-sight in for moose.

 

[shoota]

My '06 likes 180 gr bullets the best, I won't argue with it. Neither do deer.

I have been using 180's as well, they do knock them down hard but I am unsure if I really need them, going to switch to the 150's next season I mean I am not shooting grizzly bears, I think it's all about bullet placement anyways and I am hoping the 150's won't damage as much meat, my entry wound was massive with the 180's and the exit wound was even worse.

 

[steve62]

I am new here and just MHO, but from what I understand the 30 06 was designed for 180 gr. bullet. and yes they make all the dif. gr. you may want. But still seems to shoot the best with 180's

 

[Danny Boy]

Just make it simple and use 180 gr for deer and moose.

 

[bikeinxs]

Where it's legal, lots of people take deer with a 55 grain 222 quite effectively. Likewise with huge muzzleloader or pistol bullets. The deer won't care or know the difference. If you ever fail to get a deer with your 30-06 it likely won't be due to the wrong bullet choice Choose whatever shoots well in your gun.

 

[Dogleg]

I have been using 180's as well, they do knock them down hard but I am unsure if I really need them, going to switch to the 150's next season I mean I am not shooting grizzly bears, I think it's all about bullet placement anyways and I am hoping the 150's won't damage as much meat, my entry wound was massive with the 180's and the exit wound was even worse.

Chances are, it will be the other way around. With bullets of similar construction, the faster one will do the most damage assumeing adequate penetration. That won't be a problem with your '06.

 

[Toomanyguns]

200 grain round nose

 

[reb]

165 gr Branes T.S I have shot Moose,Bear,Elk and Deer with this bullet in the 30-06.Low meat loss and you do not have to use other loads for bigger game.

 

[Grizzlypeg]

On a budget, consider 165 gr Hornady Interbonds. I used them this season in my 300WSM and they were relatively inexpensive, not punishing recoil, effective and accurate. Should work as well in a 30-06 as a 300WSM.

 

[homeboy1]

My dad has had a 30-06 for 50 years. (Remington) . He uses 150 grain for deer and 165grain for moose and elk. He is 80 years old now and is still hunting. He has shot a deer and an elk or moose every year for as long as i can remember.He had a heart attack this year in hunting camp and after 4 days in the hospital tried to sneak back into camp but my mom caught him ! He is still pissed off. No elk this year.