Do I need a new load (30-06)

[RH Somerset]

I recently swapped my 308 for a 30-06 and took it off to Africa, where it performed very well with the following load:

180gr TTSX
2,725 fps at the muzzle
3 shot groups with holes touching
Great expansion at over 300 yards

The question is, do I stick with this now that I am back? It will mostly be used for roe.

I’ve used 130gr and 150gr TTSX in my .308 previously and had planned to use 150gr TTSX in the 30-06 for deer - but now I can’t convince myself there is any point in going down in bullet weight.

Any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[HonestJohn]

180g is fine for roe if you get the terminal performance you are happy with. You might find you get runners due to slower MV and a stout bullet, but test it on a dozen roe and see if you like the outcome, if not, try a 150g

 

[Tim.243]

I recently swapped my 308 for a 30-06 and took it off to Africa, where it performed very well with the following load:

180gr TTSX
2,725 fps at the muzzle
3 shot groups with holes touching
Great expansion at over 300 yards

The question is, do I stick with this now that I am back? It will mostly be used for roe.

I’ve used 130gr and 150gr TTSX in my .308 previously and had planned to use 150gr TTSX in the 30-06 for deer - but now I can’t convince myself there is any point in going down in bullet weight.

Any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks

What did you knock over in Africa is more to the point how it worked.

 

[RH Somerset]

180g is fine for roe if you get the terminal performance you are happy with. You might find you get runners due to slower MV and a stout bullet, but test it on a dozen roe and see if you like the outcome, if not, try a 150g

The thing is, the 180gr 30-06 load is going about the same speed as my old 150gr 308 load, so other than a slightly deeper hole in the ground after it goes through the animal I can’t see there being any difference!!?

 

[RH Somerset]

What did you knock over in Africa is more to the point how it worked.

It certainly worked in Africa on plains game - 2x wildebeest, zebra, warthog and blesbok.

 

[HonestJohn]

The thing is my previous

The thing is, the 180gr 30-06 load is going about the same speed as my old 150gr 308 load, so other than a slightly deeper hole in the ground after it goes through the animal I can’t see there being any difference!!?

You’ll only really know when you try. I used to use 180g nosler partitions in 30-06 on all U.K. deer species to great effect

 

[RH Somerset]

You’ll only really know when you try. I used to use 180g nosler partitions in 30-06 on all U.K. deer species to great effect

Yes, I suppose you are right, maybe I’ll just give them a go and see what happens. Good to know that weight worked for you. Thanks.

 

[Tim.243]

It certainly worked in Africa on plains game - 2x wildebeest, zebra, warthog and blesbok.

Then you have your answer.

 

[old 30-06]

I also went to Africa a few years ago with my 30-06 and 180gr Barnes TTSX. They worked extremely well out there. I use them here with the same result, but if I am going for smaller stuff then I down grade the bullet weight. I suggest you see how it goes, and if it does not do too much meat damage, I would stay with it.

 

[ruger77]

I bang 125 grn SST through my 06

 

[Heym SR20]

I recently swapped my 308 for a 30-06 and took it off to Africa, where it performed very well with the following load:

180gr TTSX
2,725 fps at the muzzle
3 shot groups with holes touching
Great expansion at over 300 yards

The question is, do I stick with this now that I am back? It will mostly be used for roe.

I’ve used 130gr and 150gr TTSX in my .308 previously and had planned to use 150gr TTSX in the 30-06 for deer - but now I can’t convince myself there is any point in going down in bullet weight.

Any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks

Some thoughts.

1) Roe deer are much less tough than most African Antelope. But you are getting good expansion

2) Roe deer are quite small so possibly want a flatter shooting load.

3) The original Barnes bullets were pretty tough, but TTSX work well on smaller and less tough deer. Sounds like the 130 and 150gn TTSX work well in 308. A 30/06 just adds a little more velocity.

4) A lighter bullet will have a higher velocity and thus flatter shooting in the first 200 to 300m. But the 180 will be better in wind.


But if your 180 load works well, bullets are readily available and the rifle is zeroed just carry on using them.

Its not a 30-06, but I use a 7x65r which shoots a 173gn bullet at close to 2,800. I have used these on wild boar and they really do thump. But they do recoil. For UK use I like the 140gn RWS HIT load. The bullet is a Barnes I believe. When I have used my current stock I will go with a similar bullet.

 

[gixer1]

I use 150gr soft points in mine and they are pretty sedate at 2600fps, they work on everything I’ve shot with it! Roe to reds.

Regards.
Gixer

 

[Acm]

I use 175 grn LRX Barnes in my .30-06 on everything. Works great.

 

[A Guy Out West]

If the 180 gr. Nosler shoots good in your rifle, look no further. Sticking with the same load for everything is a great idea. You will have better results and become a fantastic shot.