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30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
#6006656
11/02/15 07:12 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12,547
chital_shikari
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Minor in training
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This is similar to my previous question to you gun nuts. Along with the mule deer hunt, I have the option to shoot aoudad. Now, if this were ranch aoudad, I'd 64gr their butts. But these are wild aoudad of N. TX (Palo Duro Canyon), so that ain't happenin'. I don't know shot distances, but I won't shoot past 250, and likely to top off at 200yd.
Now my questions is, as the title says, what grain bullet to use? I have 150gr Fusions and TTSXs. At first I figured, okay, I'll up to 180gr Fusions, no problem. Then my dad brought up a good point: it has a higher trajectory. So then I'm confused 'tween 180 and 165/8, because I can't figure it out. We've only really shot 150s out of our rifle anyway, since we've not needed any more. mulie_mike's video from a couple of years back of a huge W. TX bruin getting hit 2-3 times with a 338-06 and still not piling up, at way past 250yd is telling me 180gr. But then the yardage factor tells me 165/8gr. So what should I do!?!?!?!
Also, looking at both the Fusion and the TTSX, I'm really like the first T of the Barnes. The polymer point seems/looks to be advantageous in this situation. What would you say to that?
Thanks for any help.
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: chital_shikari]
#6006674
11/02/15 07:24 PM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 885
7x57
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Tracker
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Depends a lot on the twist of the barrel, not just what you're shooting at. Generally with tougher things like elk, you'll want to stick to something like the hornady GMX or the TSX, so you're on the right track.
If you set your rifle an inch high at 100 yards, I wouldn't worry too much about a 250 yard shart with 180 gr bullets.
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: chital_shikari]
#6006692
11/02/15 07:34 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 147
Skyline
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 147 |
In the great scheme of things a 200 to 250 yard shot isn't a particularly long shot and well within the normal everyday trajectory for the .30-06 with 150, 165 or 180 grain bullets. I have never used the Fusion bullets but to be honest with an aoudad I would not hesitate to use the TTSX in any of those weights as you are going to have pretty good retained velocity out to 250 with all of them.
In the old days with all cup and core bullets I would have stuck with a 180 but these days with the mono-metal bullets I probably would go with the 165 and use if for everything.
My last moose was taken with a .30-06 and 168 grain TTSX. Double lunged and complete pass through at 240 yards. At the hit it jumped and turned in a tight little circle of just a few yards, wobbled and fell over. Aoudad are tough, but not that tough if a good bullet is put in the right place.
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: chital_shikari]
#6006881
11/02/15 09:28 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 481
Railhead
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 481 |
I shoot the Hornady Customs 165 PSP because they work and perform well in my rifle.
Good luck on your hunt.
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: chital_shikari]
#6006911
11/02/15 09:43 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 19,342
ChadTRG42
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Push a 208 A-max in it at 2500 fps!! It'll thump em good!
A 180 Accubond or similar would be great medicine. I'm not a Barnes fan, but some are. I like the lead bullets.
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: chital_shikari]
#6006956
11/02/15 10:07 PM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,490
tenyearsgone
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Whatever grain your rifle shoots best.
I use 165 grain for everything in mine. A bear or bobcat isn't going to know the difference between a few grains.
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: chital_shikari]
#6007161
11/03/15 12:07 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 728
TxHunter80
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At that range, trajectory isn't an issue. I would go with the 150ttsx if they shoot well in your rifle. Auodad are pretty tough and that barnes is perfect.
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: chital_shikari]
#6007280
11/03/15 01:01 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12,547
chital_shikari
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Minor in training
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OP
Minor in training
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So basically, whatever the rifle likes?
It's only shot 150s, but dad said he'll move up to a 180 if we get enough range time. I think I'll compare boxes of 165/8 with 180 and 150 when I go to the store and figure it out from there.
Thanks a ton, y'all. Really cleared stuff up for me.
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: chital_shikari]
#6007291
11/03/15 01:05 AM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 978
el_cazador713
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I'd either look at the 165 or 180, with a nod to the 180. Chad's loading some accubonds right now for my 06. That's a deadly combo!
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: chital_shikari]
#6007299
11/03/15 01:09 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 43,274
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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200-250 isn't anything to fret over. 165 or 180 is where I would start. If you are bound by mass produced ammo, the one that shoots the tightest wins.
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: chital_shikari]
#6007315
11/03/15 01:15 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12,547
chital_shikari
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Minor in training
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Cool, cool. Good stuff, Thanks y'all
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: chital_shikari]
#6007358
11/03/15 01:32 AM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,500
TCB
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Look at Academy, they had a 168gr "hog hammer" ammo by Remington with a Barnes TSX for $20/box.
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: chital_shikari]
#6007678
11/03/15 03:35 AM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 435
rvrrat14
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 435 |
165 gr. Hornady SP.........
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#6007680
11/03/15 03:38 AM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 912
fishdog
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Push a 208 A-max in it at 2500 fps!! It'll thump em X2 on this. Im having a 30/06 built just to shoot these big heavies
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: fishdog]
#6007690
11/03/15 03:42 AM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 885
7x57
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Push a 208 A-max in it at 2500 fps!! It'll thump em X2 on this. Im having a 30/06 built just to shoot these big heavies What kind of a twist do you need for those?
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: fishdog]
#6007708
11/03/15 03:50 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 43,274
J.G.
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Push a 208 A-max in it at 2500 fps!! It'll thump em X2 on this. Im having a 30/06 built just to shoot these big heavies But will the youngster learn the proper holdover, and/ or zero at the proper height, for such a change in trajectory?
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: J.G.]
#6007720
11/03/15 03:54 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12,547
chital_shikari
OP
Minor in training
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OP
Minor in training
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12,547 |
Push a 208 A-max in it at 2500 fps!! It'll thump em X2 on this. Im having a 30/06 built just to shoot these big heavies But will the youngster learn the proper holdover, and/ or zero at the proper height, for such a change in trajectory? Not in time for the hunt in January...
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: J.G.]
#6007727
11/03/15 03:56 AM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 912
fishdog
Tracker
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Tracker
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Push a 208 A-max in it at 2500 fps!! It'll thump em X2 on this. Im having a 30/06 built just to shoot these big heavies But will the youngster learn the proper holdover, and/ or zero at the proper height, for such a change in trajectory? Well.... no .... he'll probably just be convinced to buy a huskamaw and put it on his 26 nosler so he can shoot lights out to 415... but if he had a decent mentor, they'd make sure he knew how to dope his rifle
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: chital_shikari]
#6007760
11/03/15 04:15 AM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,490
tenyearsgone
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I've taken large game with nothing more than the cheap Federal blue box soft points. As long as it's rated for the game pursued you're good. It'll tell you on the box what the rating is.
I don't buy commercial ammo, but I load Sierra Gamekings for hunting most of the time followed by regular Nosler ballistic tips. They're simple bullets that work. I know Federal makes ammo with both.
You're overthinking this. If 150 grain Remington Core Lokts group the best out of your gun that's what you use.
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: chital_shikari]
#6007828
11/03/15 05:24 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,393
Tactical Cowboy
THF Trophy Hunter
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150 or 165 core locked or interlocked.
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: 30-06: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr?
[Re: chital_shikari]
#6007839
11/03/15 05:32 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,885
GTT
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The Barnes TTSX is a very strong bullet, however, I have seen animals drop faster with Berger and Hornady bullets that expand rapidly.
If you are shooting a Barnes, go with a lower gr. because you will need the higher FPS so the bullet expands. If you are going to shoot a cup and core bullet go with a 165 gr. The 165 gr SST bullet Hornady has puts the hammer down!
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