- Joined
- Nov 23, 2021
- Messages
- 468
So for years I hunted deer in upstate NY with my 35 Marlin using 200g rounds. Now that I have bought a 30-06 I was wondering what grain is favored? 150, 165 or 180 grain??
30-06 ammo question
- Thread starter Chevelle3221
- Start date
From what I have read the 150 grain shoots the flattest across the furthest range and the 180 is best for larger Elk and bear. I would probably go with 165 grain as a happy medium. I have usually use 150 grain in my 30-06 but only because I have plenty on hand not for any other reason. If I were to go hunting today I would be comfortable with the 150 but probably prefer a 165 to ensure the best humane hit.
What's been said above, 165gn is considered good all around bullet weight, move up to 180gn for moose and bear.
I always found 150 to be completely adequate for any game. Placement matters most.
burbguy82
$100 site donor 2024
- Joined
- Jan 21, 2024
- Messages
- 1,820
What did you buy?
You could try some different weight ammo and see what your rifle is the most accurate with. My 30-30 likes 170 grain winchester over 150's, and my 308 is best with a 165 grain nosler ballistic tip.
It can be an eye opening day at the range to see how differing bullet weights and brands of ammo change groupings and impact point on the target. The Rifle ends up picking the best ammo for you.
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2022
- Messages
- 319
I mean...I could probably bore most people to tears pontificating on this but the honest answer is that the weight of the bullet (between 150 and 200) won't matter much (if at all) for deer or any other CXP2 game.
The bullet construction will matter more. Nosler partition is a classic but many other options would work well.
Choose what shoots to your satisfaction out of your rifle, sight it in, and fill the freezer.
If you want a good read I have linked something a little more in depth below.
The bullet construction will matter more. Nosler partition is a classic but many other options would work well.
Choose what shoots to your satisfaction out of your rifle, sight it in, and fill the freezer.
If you want a good read I have linked something a little more in depth below.
By “Overkill” you mean using a 300 grain bullet for putting holes in paper?For deer in upstate NY, it won't matter a bit what weight bullet you choose as long as it's sighted in for the load. Shots are going to be short range compared to out west and .30-06 is in the @OVERKILL power level for white-tail with all bullet weights over 130gr.
I don’t load 30-06, but I’d suggest an all copper 165-168 grain.
In 300 Win mag I load mostly 200-220s up to 300 round's of this and that per year. $$$$!
Last edited:
150 grain boat tail soft point.
As long as it's a bolt, use whatever you like. I would go 150 for deer, as others have said.
For a Garand, however, you need to watch the pressure. So much internet hogwash around. No, you won't "bend the op rod" because it already has a couple bens in it, but yes, you do need to watch the pressure, or the bolt hits the heel of the receiver too hard. Enough of that, and you crack the receiver.
Then you might as well sell the rest of it for parts.
So, if you got a Garand, stick with 150 grain. Or get an adjustable gas plug and dial back the pressure on the operating system.
For a Garand, however, you need to watch the pressure. So much internet hogwash around. No, you won't "bend the op rod" because it already has a couple bens in it, but yes, you do need to watch the pressure, or the bolt hits the heel of the receiver too hard. Enough of that, and you crack the receiver.
Then you might as well sell the rest of it for parts.
So, if you got a Garand, stick with 150 grain. Or get an adjustable gas plug and dial back the pressure on the operating system.
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2021
- Messages
- 468
All is for a 30-06 bolt Savage Axis 2.
I want to get a reasonably priced 3x4x40 scope as well
I want to get a reasonably priced 3x4x40 scope as well
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2022
- Messages
- 319
What's your budget?
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2021
- Messages
- 468
Thanks for the advice. Since I did not buy a fancy rifle but one that gets the job done, I want to try an get a great deal on a scope as well. Maybe under $100? I would buy used if it worked!
Just my opinion but there’s no <$100 scope that isn’t complete garbage. Used is definitely your best bet at that price range.
I have a Nikon Buckmaster 4x12 that a good quality scope for it's rather low price. Take a look for a 3x9 power one, it would work well for deer and shouldn't cost too much. I'd skip used scopes unless you personally know the seller.
Get some decent scope rings for it and use loctite on them. Easy on tightening the alloy ones.
Get some decent scope rings for it and use loctite on them. Easy on tightening the alloy ones.
Similar threads
- Locked
