30-06 Bullet Grain Wt

[darrendbeck]

Is there any reason to shoot anything heavier than a 165gr 30-06 round for elk? Curious to know what everyone’s thoughts are.

 

[noharleyyet]

Nope, not if that's what your rifle places where you want it.

 

[Steelhead]

I shoot 180 grain soft points for deer and 180 grain partitions for elk.

 

[elkhnter]

Depends on the bullet.

 

[ccc23454]

180 partition is whats in my 06, kills everything

Chris

 

[HighDesertSage]

I don't think it matters if you put it were it counts. I do believe a quality bullet is a must on elk. I use 165 TTSX.

 

[Walkathon]

I shot my cow elk this year with a 165 GR Accubond out of my 30-06 and it worked well.

 

[LWC55]

180 NP for everything for me

 

[nrpate05]

Negative Ghostrider

 

[SFC B]

I think we can all agree that 165s are plenty....that being said I shoot 180s and dig the performance It is really personal preference......put em in the 10 ring and you are G2G!!

 

[elkduds]

30 Caliber .308 Diameter 190 Grain Spitzer Long Range Accubond 100 Count
By: Nosler

Not the popular choice, but have a look @ ballistic tables for 190 vs 180 @ 30.06 velocities, especially past 300 yards. 2" more drop on the 190 @ 400 yd, 10% more energy than the 180.

 

[Millsworks]

I believe the 165gr is the best balance in the 06 for power and potential speed for a flatter projectory.

 

[midwesthunter]

The 165 was designed for the 30-06, I wouldn't worry about 160 vs 180 as much as I would what does your gun like. Took a buddy last year to WY for his first antelope trip, told him to buy some 165 sst's and he got 180's on accident, well they shot 3/4" groups so that's what he went with. But for the reference I wouldn't use sst's on elk.

 

[hank4elk]

Mine likes 165's, in AB flavor.

 

[belly-deep]

If it is a well constructed 165, then no.

 

[nuevo_eph]

Mine shot 165 NBs well and now does 150g all copper, which took down a oryx no problem.

 

[el unit]

Both of my 30.06 rifles shoot 165's only. Very pleased with 'em for elk and deer last 20 years.

 

[TheDudeAbides]

168gr Berger VLD

 

[6mm Remington]

165 gr. Partitions or Accubonds are ALL I have ever loaded in my 30-06 and I have never felt I needed more. Nothing wrong with the 180's but these have worked for me.

 

[darrendbeck]

I appreciate everyone’s opinion and experience. I’ve used 150gr 30-06 exclusively but haven’t hunted elk. I’ll shoot both and see which shoots better.