Sako 90 30.06 Bullet weight

[jb1]

Hello SD loading Guru's,

I am looking for suggestions for ideal lead bullet weights for a new 30.06 (will move onto copper later), 1 in10, 20inch barrel. I will be reloading for Red,Roe and Boar, it doesn't like 150 SST's, i dont have any intention in buying factory rounds. Any suggestion preferably from experience please, and its a 30.06 not a 308, or 6.5 Creedmore so suggestions regarding anything else other than 30.06 wont be required may thanks,

My idea is to try165gr bullets, I have tried N140,N160 with a decent stock of both, so would rather use what i have if its possible.


thank you.

 

[tjm160]

I have a Sako 90 in 30-06 which Paul Hill of Corinium is loading for me with Virtus Merlin 150gr Copper. First three shots after zeroing with a regular range round delivered a single ragged hole at 100m. Five culls so far; two shoulder shot Muntjac, two high neck shot Fallow and a regular boiler room shot Fallow. The first four dropped to the shot, the boiler room shot Fallow made 10-yards. Mightily impressed with takedown efficacy with less meat damage than my 6.5 CM running 129gr Nosler Accubond lead. Oh and lovely light recoil and flat trajectory, just 12cm at 200m.

 

[Border]

150 to 168 should be fine.
I would use a bonded bullet or go straight to non lead, also available with lighter bullet weights.

 

[jb1]

I have not been happy at all with the accuracy from 6 or 7 factory rounds, 3 from Sako, best group was 1.5" .

Next step will be to change scope, Z4i to a Swaro 1-7x42, i cant see it being that but need to discount all variables.

@tjm160 i will look out for those at the Stalking show next Sunday, do you know what powder Paul is using ?

 

[Nkawu]

With the short barrel on the ‘06 you prob want something like N550 or RS60. I would give the 165grain accubond a go for the lead option, and 165 ttsx for the copper load. Not much in the northern hemisphere that isn’t covered.

 

[tjm160]

No sorry @jb1 Paul is kind enough to load for me and so I don't even wish to know the powder and grains he uses for precisely this reason; if I don't know I can't share.

The initial single ragged hole group was delivered with the 90 paired with a Vector Continental 3-18x50, which I have been agonising over whether to stick with or move the Swarovski Z8i 3.5x28x50 over from my 6.5CM. Returning to Corinium after the five outings to check zero, I was extremely perturbed to find an inch low and an inch left. The first time I have suspected zero shift with a hunting scope. I am a firm fan of Vector Continental's, using them on many of my target rifles, but after this am swapping the Swarovski over next visit, to then spend some time testing the Vector further (target only!) on the 6.5CM before making a final decision over it's future.

 

[jb1]

With the short barrel on the ‘06 you prob want something like N550 or RS60. I would give the 165grain accubond a go for the lead option, and 165 ttsx for the copper load. Not much in the northern hemisphere that isn’t covered.

I've got some Rs60, will give it a go. My last dealing with Accubond was the 200gr a brilliant bullet my only concern at the time was it drilled straight through a decent size Boar that ran on about 75-100 yds. I don't want that on Red or Roe due to potential losses.

@tjm160 fully understand.

 

[old 30-06]

I have a Sako 75 in 30-06. I have no idea what the twist rate is, it will be standard. It seems to like all bullets I have tried so far. In the past I have used 180 gr. SST's ( 30702) to very good effect. I am currently loading 180 gr. Speer Hot Core ( 2053 ) with 59.7 gr. of Hodgdon Superformance. I had a wing mirror (and my own platform) five shot group measuring 0.796 with them. Red and Boar would certainly feel it, but both loads would be a bit much for roe.

 

[Border]

I have a Sako 75 in 30-06. I have no idea what the twist rate is, it will be standard. It seems to like all bullets I have tried so far. In the past I have used 180 gr. SST's ( 30702) to very good effect. I am currently loading 180 gr. Speer Hot Core ( 2053 ) with 59.7 gr. of Hodgdon Superformance. I had a wing mirror (and my own platform) five shot group measuring 0.796 with them. Red and Boar would certainly feel it, but both loads would be a bit much for roe.
[/QUO..

 

[jb1]

I'm rather disappointed in my findings so far. Having tried Sako Blade, Powerhead, Hammerhead, S&B Blue, Hornady Precision Hunter, Federal Game copper & best so far Geco Zero..Plus 150SST in various powder weight configurations. Hardly giving me the promised accuracy that Sako advertised.
TTSX 162 and Powerhead blade 168 bullets on order to try.

 

[reiver]

My sauer 202 in 30-06 like most 30-06 rifles loves most factory ammo especially federal fusion and Norma orex . On the hand loading side I use vhit 150 and 180 gr bullets or 140 vhit and 150 nosler or horndy

 

[Bowland blades]

Hello SD loading Guru's,

I am looking for suggestions for ideal lead bullet weights for a new 30.06 (will move onto copper later), 1 in10, 20inch barrel. I will be reloading for Red,Roe and Boar, it doesn't like 150 SST's, i dont have any intention in buying factory rounds. Any suggestion preferably from experience please, and its a 30.06 not a 308, or 6.5 Creedmore so suggestions regarding anything else other than 30.06 wont be required may thanks,

My idea is to try165gr bullets, I have tried N140,N160 with a decent stock of both, so would rather use what i have if its possible.


thank you.

Copper should really be a different twist for best performance

 

[Scarpa]

I've used copper (plus a bit of lead) in my Sauer 30-06 with a 1:11 twist and 22" barrel. It seems to like TTSX in 150gr, RWS Hit in 165 and RWS Evo Green in 139.

 

[big ears]

When I had a 30-06 165gr prohunters were the go to bullet.
Your Vit powders should work with that

 

[jb1]

Will see what my next reloading session shows

 

[Brighty3006]

Mysako loves 165 grainRWS

 

[3IDV]

I've taken more deer with 165 gr bullets in 30-06 than any other combination. I understand that H4350 isn't an option but, that's the burn rate that works best in this scenario. However, in shorter barrels faster burning powders work well. Just my 2 cents but, if it were me I'd start with N140. Although N160 may work for you in terms of accuracy and velocity, you will more than likely have a nice fireball at the muzzle due to unburned powder.

 

[RAF264]

With how everything is going would it not be worth trying something like 130gr barnes TTSX?

 

[jonny.c]

N150 for the 150gr & 165gr sst had a similar problem with my sako 30-06 and as above N150 changed everything. What was your load data on the 150gr !!!

 

[EigerWand]

Hi from NZ.
I've got a 90 Peak in 30-06 (22.4" 1:10) and it shot well with factory 165gr Sako Gamehead Pro (these are Sierra Tipped Gameking aka "Gamechanger").
20-30mm at 100m for 5 shot groups.
I haven't been able to get groups nearly as good, reloading with 168gr ELD-M.
I'm beginning to suspect it might be due to the bullet shape (Tangent ogive for the Sierra vs Secant for the ELD-M).
I've managed to obtain some TGK, which are hard to get in NZ at present, and hopefully will be able to report back next week whether it's any different.