James B

You can't compare shooting a 100 grain bullet from a 243 and a 100 grain bullet from a 270 or 30-06. The sectional density of the 100 grain 243 is much higher than the density of the same weight bullet in a larger caliber The sectionan density of the 100 grain 243 is 242 you have to go to a140 or 150 grains to get the same sectional density in 30 caliber. Most experts recommend a bullet of at least 210(sectional density) for deer and like 260 or higher for Elk and bigger game. I have used the 125 grain a few times for deer in the 30-06 but it is not recommended for deer. In the reduced loads it may work a little better because the 125 would not be as fragil at lower velocity and would be less apt to blow up or over expand. I often use lighter bullets but always back off on the velocity if they are to be used on deet size game. My 280 shoots the 120 grain bullet well but it has the minimum sectional density so I back it off to about 2800 fps although I can drive it to 3300 in my 26 inch barrel. In the 06 I would stick to 150 grain bullets with exception of the Barnes X bullets. You can use a size or two lighter bullets in the X bullets as compared to standard construction bullets.