I'm getting a new 30/06 to use for both deer and black bear and I'm trying to decide on a bullet for that use. I've been looking at using standard bullets like the Sierra Gamekings, Speer Hot Core, or Hornady Interlocks, in the 150-180gr. weight range. I'd appreciate hearing any thoughts or suggestions you guys would have on this.
Thanks,
Don

My favorite overall bullet for hunting is a Nosler Partition. Gamekings are ok for thin skinned critters like deer or varmints but not so good for elk... I havent hunted bear so I dont know how thick their hides are. Interlocks have a good following of reloaders but a relatively cheap yet good bullet is a Speer Grand Slam.

I love noslers though


-DallanC

The advances in bullet technology gives the handloader more choices than ever before. Lots of hunters have good experiences with all types and brands of bullets. Here's my choices:

Dollar Value: Speer Hot Core; for bear, elk and deer, the 180gr is an excellent choice. The Hot Core bullets have a bonded core/jacket, penetrate well and expand reliably.

Best, regardless of price: Barnes TSX, a bullet that is one step ahead of everything else. Due to its construction, TSX users will use a lighter bullet, have a flatter trajectory and still outpenetrate conventional bullets weighing more. They are accurate and cost about twice as much as the Speer Hot Cores.

BigBlue,
As you mention the Hornady, I will call your attention to a new bullet.

The 30 cal Hornady 168 HP BT Match bullet is well known for its accuracy. Hornady has introduced a hunting bullet that duplicates the shape of the 168 match bullet, with a thick jacket and solid base. The new bullet is a 165 Interlock (more copper=lighter) and should be a winner based on the performance of the other Hornady hunting bullets. Hornady says the new bullet delivers match accuracy and hunting performance. This bullet will be my next bullet to try in my 300 and 06.
Ed

Thanks for the help guys!
If my hunting area only allows for shots up to 200 yards, most would be under 80 yards, would I be better served by picking the heaviest bullet that will leave me within the point blank range for a four to six inch target area out to 200 yards?
Don

Another one to consider for the 30-06 is Nosler's new (this year) 165 gr Accubond. The Accubond is fairly priced and from the tests I've seen, it holds together pretty good. It is as accurate as their Ballistic Tips. While I haven't tried them in my '06 yet, my 308 loves them. They are a bit hard to find sometimes, because they are new and seem to be in great demand, but I think Midway has them. I just bought some more from them a couple of weeks ago. There have been 150 gr and 180 gr available for some time in .308, but these 165 grs shoot much better in my gun.

Blaine

Of course the final answer is going to depend a lot on what your new rifle likes. Some guns like Barnes bullets and some do not - I have some of both. I have a 270 that does well with Barnes and Sierra but won't shoot Hornady or Nosler with anywhere near the accuracy. Another rifle prefers those new Accubonds and won't accurately shoot the Barnes bullets. Figuring out which bullets your rifle will like can be a lot of fun.

What model of rifle did you get? Although not perfect, I do think there is a correlation between brands/models and the bullets they like.

Swampfox already mentioned the Hornady Interlocks. I agree that you can hardly go wrong with this bullet. Tried it in my 308 and 300 Win Mag with excellent results. I used the 180gr. Although I'm not familiar with any American game, (I'm a South African. lol) I can imagine that it will be as good on deer as on Gemsbok and Kudu. I'm not sure about bear though, as there is no South African equivalent.

Bigblue,

The most accurate bullet I have ever used in either of my 3006's is the Speer 165 grain BTSP. They are supposed to be faster expanding than the Hot core standard spitzer design but in my tests and in actual practice they offer full penetration on Western mule deer unless you hit the shoulder. In either event they kill very well over a longer range than the Hot cores. If you want a premium bullet that is also accurate the Nosler 165 partition is a good choice. In my guns both are sub MOA loads but you will likely never recover a Nosler partition from any deer or black bear. The Hornady interlok is a good bullet that holds together for great penetration it performs between the two but it was les accurate in my guns.
I tried Barnes original Copper bullets with poor accuracy and severe fouling as a result. I understand that their newer bullets have solved both problems but I haven't tried them and I can't see any need to.
That about covers my 39 years of shooting the 3006. One of mine is a milsurp that my dad bought in the lat 50's for $5 from the NRA and the other is a Remington. Each gun is different in what it likes. You may try these and find that your gun loves to shoot the same 165 grain btsp Speer bullets or the hornady's into tiny little groups or they might shoot patterns like a bad shotgun. YOur gun might like to shoot pure copper bullets through one hole at 1000 yards. Thats the fun of reloading. You get to find out which of the bullets your gun will shoot and how much it is going to cost for bullets that will shoot well. I am just glad than mine like the ones that are less expensive than the premium bullets and do a great job on impact when it counts. Have fun with it!

Step up the weight to 180gr and pick a premium hunting bullet, then work up a load for it and there......good all around hunting load.
The 30/06 does very well with 180gr bullets and can take any liveing thing on this continent useing them.

Hey JagBroer,
Welcome to the forum. Where in SA are you located? I was in Free State about two months ago. Free State reminded me of west Texas here in the US. In the articles, on this site, Pigeons in SA is about that visit to FS. Good folks, had a very good time.

Did you know that you and the Brits drive on the wrong side of the road?
Ed

I have been using 150gr in my 30-06. I use Hornady Interlocks among others, they are accurate and hard hitting. My son shot a smallish hog (175 Lbs) at 20 yrds the MV was about 2900 ft/sec… the bullet failed completely but killed the hog very dead – due exclusively to shot placement. Never shot a bear… but based on this experience I am moving my hog round up to 180gr or a Bonded or partition bullet in 150gr.

Gidday Big Blue, welcome to HuntingNut mate.

Have a look at this website mate, I think that you will be impressed. They have created a bullet especially for the 30.06. You can read about it in the website.

Woodleigh Bullets

I have never actually used them because they don't go down to 6mm (.243), but I have heard heaps of good things about them.

Good luck with your search for the right bullet mate.

Cheers, Vince

I too am interested in knowing what bullet is the best for a 30-06,

I just got a old wwII Springfield that has been cut down to the sport type deer hunting gun. same old bolt action.

I have not had time to go out and give it a good shooting. was able to shoot it a few times and was happy with the way it handled. it seems heavier than most 30-06 deer rifles.

I also have realoading dies for this round and am set up to start loading.
was going to make a post about this exact topic on whats the best bullet to use for the 30-06,

I too thank everyone for your input about this topic.
all the info is much appriciated.

My favorite load for the 30-06 has been the 180 grain Sierra SBPT ahead of 60 grains of H4831 and Winchester LR primers. Good load for the WW2 weapons when hunting is considered. I used lighter weight bullets in the past that yielded higher velocities, but the 30-06 is a natural with the 180 grn bullets.
Keep it coming...