I like 150gr. Hornady SST's for deer...

For factory loads I like a corelokt cartridge. However, I hand load all of my ammunition now and have become addicted to the nosler accubond. They are a bullet with controlled expansion so they retain almost of their mass on impact. I have personally removed .308 200gr Accubond bullets from a clay bank that are about the diameter of a dime and have retained almost 98% of their original mass. They are an impressive bullet.

Keep in mind that each gun shoots bullets differently. For instance, my .270 loves a 140gr accubond, 1/2 inch group at 100yds. My 30-06 hates the accubond and the sierra game king, but loves the hornady interbond bullet in 165gr. If you reload, buy different bullets and powder and experiment with different loads. If you don't reload, just buy different brands of factory loads at different grains and see how they group. For the 30-06 I like a 150 or 165 gr bullet. I reloaded the 200gr bullets just to see how they would pattern.

165 nosler ballistic tips are my favorite bullet in the 30-06.

thanks for the replies. My gun seems to like the 150 and 165 grain win. powerpoints and core lokts.

A nice 180 grain bullet is a little more of a brush buster.

You think? I think the idea of brush buster might seem to make sense, but doesn't really work. Hitting a little branch will most likely be a problem regardless if it's 150 or 180 gr. and therefore shouldn't be a consideration. JMHO, and I'm interested if someone actually has data or experience

My .06 just prefers 180 grainers. In addition as far as a good brush bullet.....they perhaps are as at close range they may not deflect as much, although that depends on the brush. I will not even take a shot if a shooting lane is not clear.....that has caused at times some second guessing, but would rather not take the shot than take one that is bad with a wounded animal as a result.

180gr remington corelokt express.Works real good on deer

165 hornady custom interbond. tried a bunch, my tikka seems to shoot best with them. really depends on the gun i think

read a ballistics study saying the idea of "brush buster" bullets was a myth. smaller caliber actually held up better, but none retained enough accuracy or velocity to be effective.

150 gr. Core-Lokts