What bullet would you load in a 30-06 for hunting & long range precision shooting?

[teddy12b]

I've been shooting at long range now for about a year with my 110fp heavy barreled 30-06. I've been using 168gr match-king bullets and have gotten great results doing so, but I'd like to start using a bullet that is heavier and is also made to take game.

I will be using the rifle 99% of the time at the range out to 1000 yards, but this gun also goes bear hunting. I am leaning towards the Sierra 200gr gameking and the 208gr Hornady A-max. I have a box of each and I'll be doing load development on both to see what shoots the best.

I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask everyone here if you all have any recommendations before I get too carried away. I just thought that since it's a 30-06 and not a 308 that I should at least try a heavier bullet to the most advantages out of the 30-06 as I can.

I'm open to any suggestions. Thanks ahead of time!

 

[Savagebien]

Re: What bullet would you load in a 30-06 for hunting & long range precision shooting

if i was in your shoes i'd probly try those 2 bullets too!

 

[Dano1]

Re: What bullet would you load in a 30-06 for hunting & long range precision shooting

For heavy Bullets, 190g Berger VLDs. Those 200g Gamekings and 208g A-max Bullets area good choice as well.

However, I've found that the .30-06 is at it's absolute best with a 165g Sierra Gameking. Very Flat shooting, it will kill it if you hit it .

I use these religiously out of my custom .30-06 AI with a Semi Bull 26" bbl. 168g shoot even better, and I killed a nice 4x4 Muley with the Bergers 2 yrs ago and they do a wonderful job as well, but the Sierras are more economical, and I'm rasing kids right now. and They shoot as good as the Bergers in my rifle.

Dan

 

[Nomad]

Re: What bullet would you load in a 30-06 for hunting & long range precision shooting

Shooting a 06 for matches using 180 speer spbt bullet
has a BC of .540 works great for both....... .02

 

[Derek M.]

Re: What bullet would you load in a 30-06 for hunting & long range precision shooting

180 Accubond would do all you need. I have 3 loads for my .06 right now:

168 TTSX/Re19/Win brass/210M
180 AB/Re19/Win brass/210M
185 Berger VLD/Varget/Lapua/210M

They all shoot very well. If I was going to shoot beyond 600 yards, I'd prefer the VLD or AB.

The VLD works best in my rifle with a 15 thou jam or 10 thou off lands. AB is set to 25 thou off lands if I recall.

All 3 work very well on black bear.

 

[teddy12b]

Re: What bullet would you load in a 30-06 for hunting & long range precision shooting

This weekend I'll be able to try out some 190gr matchkings. They aren't my idea hunting load, but I'm really interested to see how well they do for long range shooting.

 

[Derek M.]

Re: What bullet would you load in a 30-06 for hunting & long range precision shooting

SMKs are very accurate bullets.

 

[cabelas90]

Re: What bullet would you load in a 30-06 for hunting & long range precision shooting

180 Accubond would do all you need. I have 3 loads for my .06 right now:

168 TTSX/Re19/Win brass/210M
180 AB/Re19/Win brass/210M
185 Berger VLD/Varget/Lapua/210M

They all shoot very well. If I was going to shoot beyond 600 yards, I'd prefer the VLD or AB.

The VLD works best in my rifle with a 15 thou jam or 10 thou off lands. AB is set to 25 thou off lands if I recall.

All 3 work very well on black bear.

What are you loading your 180 AB to powder wise?

 

[chrisw]

Re: What bullet would you load in a 30-06 for hunting & long range precision shooting

I didn't think the Hornady A-MAX was recommended for bear. I think i'd just use one load for the range and one load for bear.

 

[cva54]

Re: What bullet would you load in a 30-06 for hunting & long range precision shooting

I am i the same boat. But I dont reload or hand load YET. so far I tryed 150 and 180 gr factory ammo. what brands do all of you sugest?(as you can see new at this) the long range part. The 150 works better. Riffle is in the shop right now. If I were to start hand loading what would I need. How mutch money?

 

[nfhjr62]

Re: What bullet would you load in a 30-06 for hunting & long range precision shooting

When shooting Matches(2/3/600) mostly use 168 SMK, for hunting a change of stock and 180 round nose rem's as where i hunt is mixture of woods, brush, and fields so need a good brush bushter bullet.

 

[Top Cat]

Re: What bullet would you load in a 30-06 for hunting & long range precision shooting

Look at the 200gr Accubond...it's a great LR game bullet and excellent BC.

If only shooting to 1000yd, just about any match bullet, including those already mentioned, work in the 30-06 from the 155 Scenar on up.

The Scenar, though light, is a unique design and has some of the better ballistics available and is a very capable hunting bullet for lighter skin game at longer range.

You are not likely to be shooting at a bear at 1000yd...?

A 165 or 168 TTSX is a good choice, as is the 200 Accubond for a general purpose and excellent LR load.

TC