Recommendation for 30.06 - 180 grain

[Mike027]

Hi gang I am looking for a recommendation on a 180 grain bullet (or larger) for my next elk trip to Idaho. I managed a 5x5 there a couple of years ago and used Speer Sptizer SP 165 grain bullets at 2,848 muzzle velocity. I hit that bull 3 times at 327 yards and I recovered all 3 bullets. I have attached a pic for reference. Weight retention looks good but they did not seem to mushroom all that much. That may be because all 3 shots were a bit back just behind the ribs. It just stood there so I kept on shooting.

I may have to use the 30.06 again this go around and I am strongly considering moving up to a larger bullet to get a little more oomph. I was thinking the 180 grain Speer Deepcurl might be ok.

We hunt semi open country where the shots can be long but Im looking at limiting my shots to about 400 yards max.

If anyone has a recommendation on a bullet please let me know. Thanks. Mike

 

[kcebcj]

Give the 190gr Berger a try. I use a 06 for deer and elk and that bullet is the most accurate yet and it whacks um. 58gr H4831 @ 2680 fps.

 

[Elkmen]

Nosler PT, I have used them for 50 years for a reason, they work.

 

[6mm Remington]

Nosler PT, I have used them for 50 years for a reason, they work.

+1 Nosler Partitions work great as do the Nosler Accubonds. I've also had good luck in my sons 6mm Remington with the 90 gr. Nosler E-tip.

I have always shot the 165 gr. Partition or Accubond in my 30-06 (after Nosler stopped making the solid-base boattail) and have never felt I needed the 180 for elk. I think I would choose between the 165 and the 180 with any of these three bullets and shoot the one that my rifle shot the best out of them and stick with that. Having said that, It looks to me like the Speers worked well for you and I'm assuming they were recovered under the hide on the off-side. It's amazing what elk can withstand even when hit properly with a good bullet. Some elk just take more. I've heard good words on the Fusion, but like Elkmen, I'm a diehard Nosler fan and they build fantastic bullets.

 

[chas3stix]

If you want more velocity with a 180 gr. bullet, I'd try the Hornady Superformance 180gr. 30'06 load. They shoot very well in my Model 700. I believe it's the fastest moving factory load.

 

[ken snyder]

100% guaranteed shot placement problems. Look at the photos, those 3 bullets performed probably as close to perfect as possible. Those bullets being recovered from the Elk is proof that they expended 100% of their energy as deeply as possible. The problem is that the energy didn't go to the right place. Follow-up shots are common and Elk don't always fall down like they were dropped from a Helicopter! - I think you and your bullets did good enough!

 

[Topgun 30-06]

"Weight retention looks good but they did not seem to mushroom all that much. That may be because all 3 shots were a bit back just behind the ribs. It just stood there so I kept on shooting."

You're lucky he stood there to let you shoot him three times! Shoot him up front right tight to the front leg with those same bullets and maybe limit your shots to "under 300 yards" if you were "behind the ribs" on all three shots on that big animal!!! You certainly don't need any more "oomph", just proper bullet placement!

 

[Mike027]

Sounds like maybe for now I should stick with the 165 grain. Thanks all. Mike

 

[3006savage]

You may want to look at the 168 grain E-Tip with a claimed .503 BC or the 180 grain Accubond is a good bet.

 

[Tikkamike]

Sounds like maybe for now I should stick with the 165 grain. Thanks all. Mike

I disagree, Your bullets did ok as far as expanding but you need more bullet. a 180 minimum in a partition of accubond or something similar with good weight retention. Or the 180 TTSX that will probably give you the best performance. You can also go up to the 200 partition or accubond. But I think the 180 TTSX will be your best bet in an 06

 

[HARPERC]

Better shot placement will help, but even then elk can move as often as not. I don't see elk being much effected by energy, but have seen recovery made easier with blood from an exit hole. I think 30 caliber bullets start getting good at 200 grains, even in the 06. The Accubonds are working good for me in mine currently, but I've had good history with the Partitions, and the Sierra's at 30-06 velocities.

 

[Derek M.]

There are lots of good bullet choices for elk used in a 30.06.

I 2nd some previous recommendations and I can assure you all will work very well.

I would opine hands down the 180 partition has the most history and kills. Cannot go wrong. The 180 TSX or TTSX is as good if not a better choice.

These will all work:

180 Aframe
180 Northfork
168 TSX, TTSX
180 Partition
180 TSX/TTSX


Here's something to consider too: Dump as much Re22 that will fit in the case and use a magnum primer. Work up of course. You will get excellent velocity and it is my opinion that the hotter primer (215M my choice) will help with that slower powder.

Good luck.

 

[Tikkamike]

Better shot placement will help, but even then elk can move as often as not. I don't see elk being much effected by energy, but have seen recovery made easier with blood from an exit hole. I think 30 caliber bullets start getting good at 200 grains, even in the 06. The Accubonds are working good for me in mine currently, but I've had good history with the Partitions, and the Sierra's at 30-06 velocities.

I completely agree, However most people arent willing to shoot a 200 grain from an 06 for some reason which is why i reccomended the 180 TTSX. should still get the penetration because of the weight retention. But with elk bullet weight is your friend! My dad used to be an EMT and when having the Frangible vs. tough bullet debate he often uses the argument that when trying to save a persons life with a chest wound, their odds of living a lot better with one hole than 2. Which means Blow a hole clear through that elk!

 

[HARPERC]

I guess I got started backwards, my first rifle a 30-06 came with 14 220 grain Remingtons. Shot my first coyote with it-made a lasting impression on both of us. First deer also.