RE: What is the best 30-06 load for deer?
If you handload, you can pretty much use whatever you want, as you can optimize loads for various bullet weights. Bullet weight will probably be a function of what your hunting conditions are, size of deer and ranges you expect to take shots at. You'll probably want either a 150, 165 or 180 grain spitzer. Some guys like round nosed bullets in the brush, especially in the heavier bullet weights.
If you don't handload, your best bet is to buy several different boxes of ammo from different manufacturers in different bullet weights. Spend some time at the range and see which load shoot best in your particular rifle. I have three hunting rifles in this caliber and strangely enough, all of them seem to group best with Remington 165 grain CoreLokts. In fact, I use this same Remington bullet in my handloads, and in my 700 BDL I get groups that are consistently at or under 1"@100yds, as long as I do my part.
I wouldn't bother with the so called "premium" bullets for deer. They just aren't necessary. Any decent expanding bullet from 150 to 180 grain will fill your freezer. Some of the premium bullets may be less suitable for deer than you might think; they are designed for penetrating thick skinned critters without coming apart, and may not be as effective on a small thin skinned deer as they are on a nasty 250 lb wild boar. Bullet placement is the key to a humane kill no matter what load you use.
Just my humble opinions... good luck!
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