Bullet selection 30-06

[raffiki]

So there isn't much available right now for 30 cal. My top choices are 178 amax or 208 BTHP. They will both be around 1550 fps at 800m. So that would be the potential top end for hunting. The 208 would offer the best penetration, but I think the amax would open up better due to the plastic tip.

Also there is 190 and 200 smk. The range for those would be a little less.

So what do you guys think I should try first?

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

So there isn't much available right now for 30 cal. My top choices are 178 amax or 208 BTHP. They will both be around 1550 fps at 800m. So that would be the potential top end for hunting. The 208 would offer the best penetration, but I think the amax would open up better due to the plastic tip.

Also there is 190 and 200 smk. The range for those would be a little less.

So what do you guys think I should try first?

For hunting what? I would not pick either of them based on the info you gave us. If we are talking deer, I would say 155g VLD, or 165g SBT if its something else we need to know.

 

[raffiki]

I am moving to Africa so the game will be a little different. Basically up to modest elk size. ~500lbs

The lighter bullets you mention look like they will run out of stream faster. I am trying to keep impact velocity around 1600fps minimum. The heavier gamekings are out of stock right now.

A couple things about Bergers in general: First is the price. Cheaper bullets contribute to more shooting. Second I've heard they are more difficult to load for accuracy. Sierra and Hornady are more user friendly.

The Amax has a lot of good reviews in hunting use. What don't you like about them?

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

I am moving to Africa so the game will be a little different. Basically up to modest elk size. ~500lbs

The lighter bullets you mention look like they will run out of stream faster. I am trying to keep impact velocity around 1600fps minimum. The heavier gamekings are out of stock right now.

A couple things about Bergers in general: First is the price. Cheaper bullets contribute to more shooting. Second I've heard they are more difficult to load for accuracy. Sierra and Hornady are more user friendly.

The Amax has a lot of good reviews in hunting use. What don't you like about them?

Bergers are the easiest bullet I have ever loaded! I would use a barnes ttsx, tsx or a bear claw in Africa basically anything that is bonded! Amax would be my last choice and never a smk in the situations your talking about. Guys here use the smk but only in the big.338 rounds for the most part where mass out weighs the bullets weak points.

 

[raffiki]

OK thanks. I'll keep looking.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

200 grain Nosler Accubond...it'll do what you say you need when started at a MV of around 2,650 fps.


With non magnum rounds its very important to have a bullet purpose built for hunting.

The Amax does OK on small stuff but its not really tough enough for 500 pound animals with teeth and claws (like angry lions)...

 

[FEENIX]

I am moving to Africa so the game will be a little different. Basically up to modest elk size. ~500lbs

The lighter bullets you mention look like they will run out of stream faster. I am trying to keep impact velocity around 1600fps minimum.

Check out GS CUSTOM USA - Products

HV Bullets for normal hunting applications to 500 metres. There are some HV Bullets that are designed for hunting at longer ranges. HV Bullets are drive band bullets and can be fired at higher speeds than smooth or grooved bullets of the same weight, without exceeding standard pressure levels. Barrel wear is reduced and external, as well as terminal ballistics are improved. Use HV bullets when a tough bullet with guaranteed expansion is required. HV bullets expand reliably from 1500/1600fps.

HP Bullets are standard velocity, smooth, monometal hollow point bullets for hunting to 500 metres. This is the original bullet style manufactured by GS Custom dating back to 1993. The HP bullets have been re-designed with the experience GSC has gained since 1993. New HP Bullets feature a wide window of application and rock solid terminal performance, with expansion from as low as 1600fps impact speed.

 

[raffiki]

200 grain Nosler Accubond...it'll do what you say you need when started at a MV of around 2,650 fps.


With non magnum rounds its very important to have a bullet purpose built for hunting.

The Amax does OK on small stuff but its not really tough enough for 500 pound animals with teeth and claws (like angry lions)...

I have a 375 Ruger for the tooth and claw (and pointy horn) stuff.

The problem with accubond/gameking/sst/interbond/ect is that nobody has them in stock right now. I've considered selling the -06 for a 7mm-08 due to better bullet availability, as well as equal or better trajectory with less powder and recoil.

I have found 180 sirocco and was wondering about collecting data shooting those, and maybe shooting groups with the 178 amax. In theory the POI should be very close. Does anyone do something like that?

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

I have a 375 Ruger for the tooth and claw (and pointy horn) stuff.

The problem with accubond/gameking/sst/interbond/ect is that nobody has them in stock right now. I've considered selling the -06 for a 7mm-08 due to better bullet availability, as well as equal or better trajectory with less powder and recoil.

I have found 180 sirocco and was wondering about collecting data shooting those, and maybe shooting groups with the 178 amax. In theory the POI should be very close. Does anyone do something like that?

swift makes a great bullet very finicky, but if you can get the seating depth right they are one if the best out there! I would not expect the bullets to have the same point of impact.

 

[RockyMtnMT]

I shoot the GS bullets and believe that they are hands down the best hunting bullet made. They will not fall in the cheap category for you though. In your 06 you should run the 160's around 3100 fps for 500yrd and in. They kill like lightning.

Steve