30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

i have been shooting 150 gr bullets in my 30.06, i will most likely hunt deer in the midwest. But, what type of game before i move up to 165 gr or 180gr bullets? I am thinking that the 150 gr bullets would be pretty good for deer, black bear, elk etc... When would you want to use a 180gr and could you get away with a 150 gr in those situations if need be? I ask this cuz i see people hunting larger game with .270's using a 130 or 140 gr. So a 150 should be a good gr bullet for most things correct?

i am trying to determine that if i get to hunt larger game, having to re-sight my rifle for heavier bullets or if i can just use 150's for most things. Where are 150's no longer a good idea?


wrong forum sorry, i am moving this

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

Nope I'd say look at 165-180 grain as your one only bullet if you have your heart set on only using one for all game. I 'd look at Trophy Bonded, Nolser Part, Barnes X, Speers Grand Slam, Win. Failsafes or bonded polymer bullets like: Nosler Accubond or Hornady Interbond.

Also I think your confusing grain size as the determining factor for what to use vs game. The old days maybe so but today we have the luxury to have bullets(like mentioned above) that are constructed in a way to take advatange of smaller diameter bores/grain size and will result in equal and many cases more superior results. The determining factor is construction, what you look for in a deer bullet is very different than an elk or moose bullet, as the body composition is much different in the game. Almost any bullet will punch clear through a thin skinned animal like a deer, but elk and moose are both larger in body size(to soak up energy and impede progress), thicker skinned and larger bones, thus it is important to find a bullet that will create a wound channel, but also stay together long enough to punch into the vitals and possibly thorugh the opposite side. Good rule of thumb strong the game the strong the bullet construction needed to get the job done. Now some will use these bullets for deer which will work but can also cause problems such as limited expansion, less shock & less of wound channel=less blood on the dirt. Personally I use different bullets/construction because I want different effects on the game I am hunting. For example on deer I want rapid expansion and will use a Nosler Ballistic Tip or similar. However for Elk or Moose I want controlled expansion and penteration so I will use a win. failsafe, Nosler Partition, Trophy Bonded, Barnes X, etc. It boils down to personal preference and experience.

I think the more reasons or excuses you have to punch paper the better, practice will make improvements to your in field expeditions and will lead to more confidence, ability assesment, limitation setting and ulitmately success. The fact you have to monkey with your scope is good b/c it keeps you familar with how to do so if you incure a scope bump that requires some fine tuning, I honestly can't tell you how many times others have said so to move it down I need to do what??? Sounds stupid but practice and T&E is a good thing IMHO. Not to mention a guy will spend the money to buy and outfit his rifle only to pull it out for one trip a year, doesn't really make sense...your at the range so what is wrong with adjusting the hairs a little now and then.

Best of luck and enjoy playing with your rifle

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

when i use my `06 i use hornady sst in 165 grain they seem to do a good job on whitetail never had them go more than a couple of steps.

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

Bullets makers are designing bullets for particular jobs in today modern hunting world. But remember this theory as you go about choosing rifles and loads. The man who shoots mainly one rifle with one load for everything in north america up to brown bear, will more than likely know his rifle better, his load better, shoot futher will better consistancy than anyone having to trade guns or resight in for a different load throughout the hunting seasons. In short you want a successful hunt everytime pick a load stick with it. And let your knowledge and accuracy prove the results.

I choose the 165 as my all around .308 caliber load. Its the only one I need. Tested and proven from 10yds to 535yds in the hunting field on heavy game like elk. Deer don't even have a chance. lol

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

I find what shoots best and stick with that (usually). The 168 gr hornady shoots best in both 30-06's and both .308's ...... so that's what I use. I found something interesting: I have a bullet drop type scope and it tells me that a 168 gr bullets needs 2600 fps to match the drop indicator. Guess what. That is just what shoots best in all four rifles. Guess they know what they are doing.

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

I would pretty much concur with everyone here in saying the 165 would probably be the best bet in your '06

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

If I had to use one bullet for all game with the 30-06, I would use the Nosler 180 grain Partition bullet loaded by Federal in thier Premium line of ammo. If you reload that would be my pick as well. If you don't mind changing weights then you are correct in assuming that the 150 grain is best suited for deer and antelope. I would still stick with a good Nosler or other premium bullet. The Grandslam from Speer and the 150 grain Hornady innerlock would work real well. Also the Barnes X bullet in either 140 grain or 150 grain. I am currently loading the Nosler Ballistic tip and the Sierra Pro Hunter in my 30-06 Pump rifle. Federal loads the pro hunter in one of thier cheaper lines of ammo and I wouldn't be afraid to bet my hunt on that combo either. For Elk and Moose though, stay with a good 180 grain bullet.

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

I like the 165 Nosler BT's in my '06 for whitetails the best. I wouldn't go lighter personally, due to the fact I shoot 150's in my 308 exclusively and like shooting different stuff in my '06. My buddy swears by a 180 coated X bullet out of his for anything he may hunt.

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

The 165gr bullet in the 30-06 is said to have the velocity of the 150s and the power of a 180gr. I use the 165s for deer and 180s for anything larger. If hand loading velocities of 2900 fps can be achieved by both 165s and 180s.

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

semi

Personally, I prefer to stick with one bullet weight, but like skeeter 7MM said..... pick the right bullet "construction" for the job at hand. If you really want to get the most out of your 30-06, and have a bunch of fun diong it, consider getting into reloading your own.

I've got a Browning MKII Safari BAR in 30-06 that just happens to like 180 Grn bullets and more specifically Nosler Ballistic Tips. I mostly hunt whitetails and hogs here in Arkansas and hope to do some black bear hunting for the first time this fall. With that in mind, I'm currently loading 180grn Nosler BTs at about 2640 FPS. The Ballistic Tips will give me quick expansion on the whitetails and the 180 grn weight good penetration on hogs & bear. Not to mention that this load has proven the be the most accurate in my gun.

Here is a pic of a .35" CTC 3 shot 100Yd group I shot with this load this past weekend. (Best group ever!)


Now, if I ever get a chance to go hunt elk or moose, I'll try out some 180 grn bullets that are constructed a little "stronger", like the Nosler partitions, failsafe, etc. Again, reloading will allow me to try out various bullet / powder / velocity combinations until I find the one "My" gun likes the best.

A .30-06 w 165-180 grn bullets will take anything on the North American Continent; however, it you were to ask everyone here which was more important: "Bullet type/weight" Vs. "Shot Placement" .......I would bet that the vast majority would choose "Shot Placement". Reloading, especially for the .30-06, gives you a chance to have the best of both worlds. You get to mix & match until you find the most accurate load for "your" gun and for the job at hand......after that......."shot placement" is all up to you!


firstshot
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Make your first shot count

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

A couple years ago Outdoor Life had a good article on using the 165 grain bullet in .30-06 to create 7mm Mag type energy for longer range shots, out in the 300 yard category.

Essentially the article said that by using the 165 grain bullet it provided more energy at longer ranges (than the 180 grain bullet) because it will be traveling at higher velocities. Having said that I've dropped elk using the 180 grain Nosler Partition in Federal Premium .30-06 ammo. It performed fine.

Shooting Times magazine had a great article on premium bullet performance in the Oct. '02 edition.

Regards.

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

I believe that it was Jack O'Connor who said: "Beware the man who only owns one rifle. He can probably shoot it!" This warning was valid in the old days when men did lots of hunting and had to kill lots of game, maybe to survive. Today, the vast majority of our shooting should be on the firing range. The chances to hunt, for most of us, are limited. Therefore, keeping detailed range books is a very valuable asset. If one views range work as an extension of hunting, same can be a lot of fun, while at the same time, getting one ready to take the world class trophy that may even be presented somewhere in the future.
That said, work up any number of loads and/or run any number of various factory ammo through your rifle, in order to find out how each functions in your rifle barrel. Keep records so that you will know which cartridge to use for the game, determined by the size and toughness of the game sought. If you later decide to jump to a second or third choice of load in your cartridge, do so with plenty of time to get back to the range and again test that load so that your rifle is registered and you are ready to hit the target at various ranges, from various shooting positions.
Personally I would take a heavier bullet over a lighter bullet, because I believe in creating a large wound channel. This, more important on elk and heavier game, as previous responders have pointed out that varmint type "Ballistic Tips" will cleanly take white tail deer, while the same bullet may disenigrate before penetrating deep enough into a bull elk to be effective!
Most lighter bullets can be made to exit the muzzle at a higher velocity, transmitting into a flatter trajectory. How far may you need to shoot? In the eastern woods, a 200 yard shot would be rare. In the Rocky Mtns. one must be ready for at least a 200 yard shot and prepared for a shot out as far as one is capable of killing cleanly.
Bottom line: Too many variables to restrict one's self to one cartridge, when one is anticipating hunts on game ranging from white tail deer to elk. Get at least a couple of cartridges registered in your range book, so that you will be ready for whatever hunt comes your way.

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

semi - Depends on the distance you're shooting. Initally the 150s are great but somewhere past 200-250 yds the 180s shoot flatter and hit harder due to their ballistic coefficient.

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

Bronko wrote: "150s are great but somewhere past 200-250 yards, the 180s shoot flatter"

How do the 165s compare, in the equation? My 300RUM likes 165s and of course, I am able to get higher MV, then with the 180s, which produces flatter trajectory. Am I losing a lot, in terms of killing power past 250yds., when compared to a 180?

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

With a .300RUM you probably have more "killing power" than you need with either bullet weight, well past the ranges that most of us should ethically shoot at.
I would agree with Skeeter that a premium bullet is a bigger factor than just weight. If I had to pick just one bullet/weight for my '06 it would be 165 grain Nosler Partition or 165 grain Swift Scirroco.

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

First check out your ballistic tables to see what gives you the best overall performance, muzzle velocity doesnt mean much because you rarely get to stick your barrel against an animal and squeeze one off. As the small/fast bullets go downrange they loose speed/energy QUICKLY, so do those that are too large for the caliber. I think the difference in drop between the 150 & 180 is @ 3/4" at 300yds but almost 2" at 400. But energy @ 200yds is 2116/150gr 2325/180gr, the 180 will maintain energy better the farther you go. So.... compromise, I'd use the 165's. Bullet quality is more important, your better off hitting an elk on the money w/ a 130gr x-bullet than gut shooting him w/ a 180 gr soft point bullet. Use the very best bullets, X,failsafe, etc... If you like the 150gr and are used to them stick w/ them just use the premium bullets. Get one load that your gun likes and stick w/ it. As for 270's they are great for some things, but growing up out west I've come to know them as the elk woundingest S.O.B.'s on the market. But if your excellent w/ one dead is dead.

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

Hi Steven Ashe,

With a case the size of the .300RUM if I were using 165 grains on any game, I'd be very inclined to only use premium/bonded bullets. And then most likely only on light medium game, (deer). Bullets of 180 grains or even 200 grains and more are what is needed to make the really large cases perform like they can at all ranges, especially long ranges. The superior sectional density of the long, heavy, bullets rapidly overtake the shorter, lighter, bullets within the first couple of hundred yards. And assuming similar construction they will outpenetrate at all ranges.

With premium bullets of 200 or more grains the big .300's behave on game like the "third of an inch" magnum bores. Heavy bullets and big cases in .30 caliber effectively "up-bore" a size! (But only with premium bullets!) As well as improving the long range trajectory and wind drift characteristics.

The only disadvantage of the heavier bullets is increased recoil, (and less expansion on really light game).

Good luck.

Dave

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

Hi semi,

If I intended to use one bullet, in a .30-06, for all big game out west including Elk, I'd most likely try to find a load using a premium 180 grain bullet, zero for it, and stick with that. A bullet like a Nosler Partition will guarantee expansion on game as light as deer while also assuring penetration on game much heavier.

Good luck finding your load!

Dave

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

180 for elk and above! The reason you see people shooting .270's, etc., using lighter bullets is that the lighter bullet in the .270 has greater sectional density than the same weight in the .308" size, so it will penetrate better! You CAN use a 150 grain .30 for larger game, but don't be surprised when it doesn't prform as well on big stuff as the 150 grain in a .270 does!! You'll have to shoot it in exactly the right spot, or shoot it more times!

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

If my 30-06 had to use one bullet for everything it would be 180-gr. Nosler AccuBonds.

Normally, I use 180-gr. High Energy Partitions for elk and 180-gr. Ballistic Tips for dear.

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

Ya know, I just came from hunting with a 270 and My favorite load so far with the 30-06 is the 165 grain. I think I am gonna use hornady light mag 180's for elk hunting, but everything else is gonna be a 165 grainer. I will have to do more testing with MY particular rifle. The 150's can kill and elk, but the 180's are preferred. EJ

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

The hornady is an excellent bullet. Much better than other non premiums. I have killed numerous hogs and deer with a 139 grainer out of my 7-08. 90% have not taken more than a step or two after being hit. I shot a big new mexico elk THROUGH the low shoulder at about 35 yards with the standard load, spire point, 180 grain hornady.It dropped where it stood. When we gutted it, as usual per hornady's, the lungs and most of the heart were jelly. I would not expect a hornady to be the bullet of choice of big game, for all angles, but, out of an 06, the165-180 spire point (flat base) is a great choice. I actually prefer a bullet that is a little on the heavy side, so I go 180 out of the 300win mag.

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

My two 30-06's shoot 180-gr. loads the best and that is what is used for deer and elk. Bullet construction is changed to fit the toughness of the animal so.......

Mule Deer = 180-gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips
Elk = 180-gr. Nosler Partitions

Once the above ammo is used up, I might just switch to Nosler's 180-gr. AccuBond for everything.

Steve

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

I shoot the 180's for EVERYTHING no need to keep re-sighting in when changing bullets.
The 165's area good comprimise between both the 180 and 150's.
BBJ

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

I think that people often times look at ballistic charts and overanalyze them. I shoot the 180 grainfailsafes in my '06 for all game from whitetail on up. The difference in velocity and trajectory are so minimal over normal hunting distances that I don't see the need to use the lighter bullet. I have never taken a shot over 300 yards in my life, and at these distance the heavier slug does just fine in the trajectory department. Some people will tell you that the lighter bullets expand better on game like deer, but I have never had a deer travel very far after being hit with that 180 grain failsafe, and I like knowing that the heavier slug will go through shoulders, ribs or whatever other bone it encounters on its way to the vitals.

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

I'm a believer in a load for a gun.....it's possible that a single gun can have several good loads such as a .30-06 shooting 150 grain bullets for deer and 180 for elk and 110 for varmints. However it never fails that we're just out of the bullet we want and we use something else.

I agree that the old '06 is a 180 grain shooter. My featherweight 22" barrel spits out 180 grain A-Frames at 2,800'/sec and that's fast enough to provide a very flat shooting trajectory. One can also do this with the accubonds and interbonds or Northforks or any of your favorite bullets.

If you agree on the "one gun-one bullet" idea then the 180 is made for the .30-06

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

Use a 165gr bullet. Why? Because it gives you the best of both bullets. 150gr speed and 180gr knockdown power.

RE: 30.06 bullets 150gr vs... 180gr
 

10-4 James!