I will be heading to Wyoming for a mule deer hunt in Oct.I normally shoot 180gr soft points here in pa.Should I go to 165 or 150 for this hunt?Would a lighter load be more acurate,flatter?I shoot factory loads?Thanks
If I were buying ammo and using the 30-06 out west, I would use the Federal Blue box 150 grain cartridges. The ones loaded with Speer grand slams. I used them on prairie Mules last year. The did plenty but not excessive meat Damage and chronographed 2940 from my 22 inch barreled 7600 Remington pump. They also grouped under 1 1/2 inches. The box says 2910 and they surpassed that in my rifle.
ch,
I went to Co. 2 yrs ago mule deer hunting. With the same rifle and caliber. I handloaded 165 Sierra Game Kings and took a deer at least 200 yds with it. I normally use 150 grn bullets for whitetail and would think any name brand in 150 would do the trick.
dog1
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It ain't the killing, it's the going and doing.
I have taken many mulies with a 30-06 shooting 165 grain winchester failsafes CXP. I have taken them on thefirst shot up to 350 yards. What ever you shoot, be confident in your choice. The shots will be a little further than in PA. I used to hunt in PA around the Elkland, Osceola area just south of Hornell New York.
I used the 30-06 for years and have taken mule-deer out to 400 yds here in Montana.I used the same loads as I did for elk.I have used everything from 180 gr core-loks to 180 gr Barnes -X's all will work good.Most importantly is sight in at 2 inches high at a 100 and get used to shooting 300 yds.
BBJ
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"When the moment of truth comes,and it's time to dance.You better get jiggy with it or find a new partner."
My favorite rifles are the 6.55x55 Swedish Mauser, 338 Win Mag & the 06.
The 06 with 165Gr. spitzers will do a fine job on your hunt and shoot somewhat flatter as well.
And as someone else pointed out GET used to shooting 300 yds.
I always use a bipod and shoot from the prone position as much as possible, this allows me to drive it home out to 400yds+.
If you are hunting from horses you can always put your bipod on afterr you dismount and remove your rifle fom the scabbard.
Good luck
I used to live in Wyoming, and hunted mulies with my 308Win.
For 30cal., any good 150gr. bullet will do ok, but I've come to like the 165gr. bullets a little better. As noted, sight in approx. 2" high at 100yds. (or 2-1/2"), and practice for longer ranges shots - out to 300yds.
I think that BBJ was on the right track, be sure YOU are able to take that 300yd shot, practice,practice,practice...any premium type 150 to 180gr load will work well on deer.
30-06 ruger m77 for mulie,what load?
