recommended grn bullet from a 30-06?
- Thread starter istahill
- Start date
CrossCreeks
Veteran member
I agree 150 gr in 30-06 a good choice for antelope and deer. Killed my 1st elk with 30'06 180 gr.
I used a 180 gr tsx on a goat and had zero meat loss. Hole in and same hole size out! Behind the shoulder with my 30-378. I have seen NBT's hit behind the shoulder with basketball exit wounds!!!! Stick with a heavier well made bullet and make a good shot.
swampokie
Veteran member
swampokie
Veteran member
Overall a 220gr will do less damage than a 150gr. It has a lot to do with speed when it comes to tissue damage.
So kind of a side topic here then. A lot of you guys have been talking about the BT having issues with massive exit wounds (not something I want) but I've got a box of these tips. I like the way they shoot out of my gun, but now I'm positive I'm not going to use them on the antelope...what COULD I use this bastards for? So far I've got target practice but that seems like a bit of a waste to just send 'em down range at targets. Any thoughts?
Musket Man
Veteran member
NVBird'n'Big
Veteran member
This is a great thread guys. When I rifle hunt my 30-06 is my bread and butter but when it comes to antelope I have always shot my 243. After reading this stuff I feel more comfortable with my ol trusty 30-06 not blowing away meat with the right bullet
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
I wouldn't hesitate a second using your 243. The correct bullet at a reasonable speed will be just fine. If you reload, use a heavy bullet (I like Sierra Game Kings) and keep the speed around 2900 to 3000 fps and you should not ruin a lot of meat. Of course correct bullet placement is needed for ALL calibers. I have a .243 and a .25-06 and that is all I've ever used to take antelope. I shot somewhere near 50 antelope and don't ever recall have to use more than I shot.
Musket Man
Veteran member
If your bullet enters and exits through the ribs behind the shoulders you wont damage hardly any meat. If you hit a shoulder, base of the neck, spine, hind quarters, ect you will damage alot of meat no matter what you shoot them with.
Againstthewind
Very Active Member
I will go ahead and agree with the previous posts for what its worth. Switching around can be bad if you make a mistake like sighting in with the 180's and forgetting and using the 165's. From experience you will probably be off by more than you will like. The shot placement is probably the most important thing. My 30-06 tends to shoot the best with a particular 180 grain and my .308 tends to shoot the best with a 165, so that is what I try to stick with. Why I have only those two very similar rifles, I have no idea.
gonhunting247
Veteran member
- Jan 21, 2014
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I've shot Deer, Bear, Antelope, Elk and Sheep with my model 70 30.06. All these were shot with 180 grain core-lokts. In every case, if shot placement was good, they went down quick with very little meat loss. ( I'll be the first to admit not every one was good shot placement, but most were
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)We are over thinking this some. First , good shot placement. Always does not happen. A 165, a 150, a 180. a 130 well constructed bullet will do better then the NBT's if the shot is a little off. 25-06. 257, 243 are awesome antelope guns. Just choose a good bullet. I have had less damage with a shoulder shot with a good well constructed bullet as a buddy decided to use a NBT in 257 weatherby and shoot and basically had an un edible goat. No need to switch grain bullets unless they are the nbt. If you think this is just all BS , keep shooting the NBT and you will find out the hard way. Shot placement is # 1 priority though.
Father&son_outdoorsman
New Member
Retterath
Veteran member
take a look at the nosler accubonds i have had great luck with them and are a great hunting bullet
swampokie
Veteran member
hvfd21walker
Active Member
I wouldn't throw the BT's away yet. If they're modern BT's and they're labeled hunting bullets they are beefier than the old ones. I'd call Nosler and talk to them.
Antelope are pretty easy to kill. 100 gr out of a 6mm or 25 cal is more than enough. I'm taking my 250AI with 100 gr TSX's this year. Heck, 55 or 60 gr 22 cal is enough with a good bullet like a 60 gr. partition. If you have anything that you shoot well just use it. Unless you NEED another rifle of course! Good luck with it!
Antelope are pretty easy to kill. 100 gr out of a 6mm or 25 cal is more than enough. I'm taking my 250AI with 100 gr TSX's this year. Heck, 55 or 60 gr 22 cal is enough with a good bullet like a 60 gr. partition. If you have anything that you shoot well just use it. Unless you NEED another rifle of course! Good luck with it!