180 Grain Accubond Vs Antelope, Light Deer?

[Canyon Stalker]

Could one expect a 180 grain Accubond at 30-06 velocities to expand reliably on a behind the shoulder, double lung shot on an antelope or a smaller deer? The only reason I ask is because I expect that to be my elk load this year and might be in a scenario where I could end up using it on multiple species. I guess if I did come across lighter game I could hit it with a high shoulder shot, but I prefer to hit the vitals when I can. I won't be shooting them at long distances, either; I don't shoot past 300 yards.
Could one expect a 180 grain Accubond at 30-06 velocities to expand reliably on a behind the shoulder, double lung shot on an antelope or a smaller deer? The only reason I ask is because I expect that to be my elk load this year and might be in a scenario where I could end up using it on multiple species. I guess if I did come across lighter game I could hit it with a high shoulder shot, but I prefer to hit the vitals when I can. I won't be shooting them at long distances, either; I don't shoot past 300 yards. I know that's ironic considering where I'm asking this, but I figure if anyone knows about bullet exspansion it's long range shooters.
I'm just a little confused about this. I hear some people say a heavy premium that isn't at crazy velocities will pencil through causing the animal to run off. Some say that they shoot them with 180s or even 200s and the terminal ballistics are very good. Someone set me straight.

 

[WapitiBob]

I use 140 TSX and 180 Berger from a 7STW and partner uses 210 Berger out of a 300 WM, all worked flawlessly from 75 to 500.

From experience, high shoulder ruined less on an Antelope, but "ruined less" needs to be taken in context....

 

[Tim McCoy]

Your load will kill Antelope fine at the range you describe. Most of the bullet performance questions you posed are likely related to how the bullet that person used was designed. It's not about what the bullet is described as, prem/super prem/cup and core etc.....it's all about putting a bullet in the right spot within the velocity envelope at which it was designed to perform, then a quick kill ensues. Bullets are designed to perform in variety of ways, even among the so called super premium category. IMO these categories are more about cost than performance. At 06 velocities with 180 gr pills, regular cup and core bullets work very well.

My experience on Antelope is a shot just behind the shoulder, lung ish shot, wastes little meat, just make sure he's broadside or you will lose meat. Costs me a rib or two if properly executed. Never tried a high shoulder shot on one, so would defer to WB on that particular shot. What I would suggest, if you are new to Antelope hunting, is they are small, so precision is very helpful with getting as much tasty meat as you can from one.

 

[Slugz]

https://www.nosler.com/accubond-bullet/

Scroll down the page on the link provided and you will see 1800 FPS is the minimum recommended for expansion. I use Accubonds exclusively.....150gr for deer/antelope.......180gr for elk. Your 180gr load will perform as specified as long as all the parameters are met.

Additionally.....your set up is just like mine....I'm a one trick pony and its a 30-06......with those two loads that I hand load. Feel free to ask as many questions as you need

 

[6mm Remington]

That 180 gr. Accubond in your 30-06 will work just fine on antelope. It's a fantastic bullet. My pictures I had saved on photobucket are not available or I could show you penetration, expansion, and weight retention in water jugs from 25 yards to 500 yards with that bullet, the E-tip, and the Partition.

I shoot a 165 gr. Accubond or Partition in my 30-06 for everything I hunt with it. That would be another great bullet to use in your 30-06 for everything, the 165 gr. Accubond. Best of luck.

David.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Without putting a lot of thought into how my rifle relates to yours, from personal experience, my family and I have killed a pile of game (blacktails, mule deer, antelope, sheep, elk, antelope) with 165 grain Accubonds out of my 300 WSM.

 

[Slugz]

That 180 gr. Accubond in your 30-06 will work just fine on antelope. It's a fantastic bullet. My pictures I had saved on photobucket are not available or I could show you penetration, expansion, and weight retention in water jugs from 25 yards to 500 yards with that bullet, the E-tip, and the Partition.

I shoot a 165 gr. Accubond or Partition in my 30-06 for everything I hunt with it. That would be another great bullet to use in your 30-06 for everything, the 165 gr. Accubond. Best of luck.

David.

Great point....I could probably save some time and money on just a 165gr load.

 

[6mm Remington]

Great point....I could probably save some time and money on just a 165gr load.

Try some IMR4350 or H4350 with the 165 gr. bullet. Someplace in the 56-58 gr. range seems to be where everyone finds success with the 165 gr. bullet with great accuracy. My own personal load is this.

Federal 210 Match primer or CCI 200
Winchester brass
Nosler 165 gr. Accubond or Partition (Both bullets work equally as well with the exact same load. I did not have to change that at all!)
IMR4350 - 57.4 grs.

 

[Hilltop]

I also use 165 grain for all game out of my 30-06. It is the perfect bullet for the 30-06 imo. I shoot Hornady Interbonds which performance wise are very similar to the AB.