what grain should I use?

[mooseslayer3]

I have a 30-06 and I live in northern bc and i was wonderinging what bullet type and what grain size i should use. I will be hunting animals like deer, moose, elk, and bear.

[James B]

There are two lines of thinking when it comes to answering this question. Some believe that the lighter bullets at high velocity is the way to go. Even with this line of thinking the bullet must have enough sectional density and be tough enough to not come unglued when it hits at high speed. In the 30-06 The only light bullet that I would use at full steam is the 130-140 Barnes X bullet. They have no core thus no core seperation. For deer any good 150 grain bullet will do a good job. I prefer the 150 Nosler Partition. I will use the Ballistic tip also for deer. The other line of thinking is to go with the heavier bullets to get penetration and expansion. For elk and moose, I would use at least the 165 grain bullets and preferably the 180 grain. For your neck of the woods I think I would load the 180 grain for everything. Fedaeral and PMC load some good premium bullets if you don't reload. They load both the Nosler partitions and the Barnes X bullets as well as some of the other top of the line bullets.

[stubblejumper]

I would try 165gr and 180gr and use what shoots best in your rifle.

[Colorado Bob]

I've used the 30/06 hunting the same animals as you for years here in Colorado---with the exception of moose---never have drawn a tag. I use 180 grain bullets for everything. IMO the velocity of the 30/06 doesn't warrant the use of premium bullets--ie bonded, X, etc. Plain old bullets like the "Core-lokt", "Pwer-Point" & Hornady "Interloc" have done just fine for me.

I see your from BC----not sure if Grizzly is included in your area. If it is I would consider moving up to 220 grains. If it's just black bear---180 grain.

[Jeep4x4]

Ive found that the 165gr bullet is perfect for .30 caliber guns

[rick_reno]

I live in N. Idaho and hunt the same game you do with a 30-06. I use 165 gr. bullets on deer/bear and 180's on elk/moose.

[DM]

I'm with rick_reno!!

Only thing i'd add is, i prefer Nosler partitions, especially for moose. Also the 200 NP will easily out perform any of the std. 220RN at any range and in every way!!!

Drilling Man

[Slamfire]

I believe you'd be best served with one of the 180 grain bullets. I'd try the Remington Core lokt first, but there are plenty of other good bullets made for the cartridge.

[mooseslayer3]

I was actually thinking of getting some winchester fail safes in 180 grain, What do you guys think of that?

[handloader1]

180 gr. Barnes X, Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, Nosler Partitin, Swift A-Frame, or Win. Fail Safe. Good luck.