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

I would stick with what you are used to unless your 180 gr are not spitzers.

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.

I have to agree with James.

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

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

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.