30-06 bullet for antelope

[Hilltop]

I would use 150 grainers, Sierra Game Kings boattail is what I use. Great bullet, I push it along right at 3000fps. Great ballistics at this speed. I see no reason to use anything any larger.

Hi Colorado,

I used to think the exact same way until I really studied the ballistics on the 30-06. The 165 grain hold its energy and trajectory just a little longer. At 500 yards they have almost the same impact point but the 165 has over 100 pounds more energy. Some websites list the 165 as flatter at 500 when compared to the 150. When compared to the 180, the 165 shines again. It has very similar energy at 500 yards and is 4 to 5 inches flatter. I'm no expert but the numbers on paper say the 165 is the optimum 30-06 round.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Hi Colorado,

I used to think the exact same way until I really studied the ballistics on the 30-06. The 165 grain hold its energy and trajectory just a little longer. At 500 yards they have almost the same impact point but the 165 has over 100 pounds more energy. Some websites list the 165 as flatter at 500 when compared to the 150. When compared to the 180, the 165 shines again. It has very similar energy at 500 yards and is 4 to 5 inches flatter. I'm no expert but the numbers on paper say the 165 is the optimum 30-06 round.

Mine shoots such good groups with the 150s (and has for 50 years) that I see no reason to change, also I have a custom ballistic turret for my Leupold VXIII 4x14 for the load.

 

[Hilltop]

Colorado, I don't think I would be switching in your shoes either! Sounds like you have put a lot of work into that round. Again it is just splitting hairs and every gun shoots differently. One load that looks amazing on paper may be all over the paper at the range...

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

One load that looks amazing on paper may be all over the paper at the range...

I've taught a reloading class for our shooting club for 10 years and this is what is the hardest thing for new shooters/reloaders to understand. That and the fact that no 2 rifles are the same, even tho they are from the same manufacturer and the same model & caliber.

 

[Gr8bawana]

I know I've gotten on this thread pretty late in the conversation but here is my observation.
I have shot 3 antelope so far 2 with my 7mm mag and one with a .270.
As long as you don't shoot on the shoulder meat damage is not a problem. I try to shoot just behind the shoulder and take out
the lungs and heart. Shooting through the ribs even the 7mm didn't do that much damage.
Factory remington core-lokt in both guns.

 

[shootbrownelk]

I feel the 180 will work just fine. The Sierra bullet opens up fairly rapidly and I believe it will work just fine for you. I load 165 gr. Accubonds in my personal 30-06. It's either that or the Partition. Both of those would serve you well also. I use IMR4350 with great success and H4350 would work just as well.

My load is 57.4 grs. and it shoots great. (work up to carefully)

I'm with you on the IMR4350, only I use it with a BarnesTTSX 150 gr. bullet. My Remington 30.06 likes the lighter bullets. My Winchester Model 70 likes heavier slugs 165/180. Either will work atop IMR4350 or IMR4064.

 

[HiMtnHnter]

I know I've gotten on this thread pretty late in the conversation but here is my observation.
I have shot 3 antelope so far 2 with my 7mm mag and one with a .270.
As long as you don't shoot on the shoulder meat damage is not a problem. I try to shoot just behind the shoulder and take out
the lungs and heart. Shooting through the ribs even the 7mm didn't do that much damage.
Factory remington core-lokt in both guns.

I've shot a number of antelope and deer with a 30-06, using the good ol Remington corelokt in 165 grain. Very tame bullet for antelope if you ask me.

 

[tjscout]

I could come help you with those 8 kills

 

[tjscout]

shot my biggest Antelope with a 270, shot my 1st one with a 300 win mag.