.30/06 thoughts

Joined
Dec 6, 2019
Messages
89
Wow. That’s one fantastic thing about a 30-06, there’s a near endless string of factory ammo choices.

If looking for something inexpensive = Federal Fusion are bonded and have a good reputation for accuracy
Very high quality for the money is Choice Ammunition out of Montana = 180gr Accubond, my rifle likes them

it might be best to find what bullet you’d like to shoot first and then find a factory cartrodge
Have you used Choice Ammunition before? I was looking into getting the 180 grain partition in 30-06 from them for my upcoming cow elk hunt in Idaho in the Fall. I was between those and the 180 grain partition loaded by Federal. Was trying to get as much velocity as I can get (I don't reload).

But I'll probably just get the Federal load as I can find those anywhere and are much cheaper.
 

BFR

WKR
Joined
Jan 5, 2020
Messages
414
Location
Montana
Been using 30-06 for 62 yrs. Reload 165 gr Sierra boat tails @ 2885 FPS. Lost count on the number of deer, elk and antelope it’s killed, most were 1 shot drops from 50 yds to 650 yds. In a pinch I can use Remington 165 gr factory loads with little difference in accuracy or velocity. Never seen the need for a heavier bullet yet.
 
Joined
Apr 22, 2019
Messages
86
The great thing about a 30-06 is that they seem to be actually increasing in popularity. The craze of mag boutique calibers that can deliver major energy out to 700yards at $3.50 a round is getting a bit stale. I bought a new elk rifle this year and could have gotten anything. I ended up with a good ol' 30-06. I know my abilities as a shooter and there is really no way and no need for me to shoot past 500yrd. I'll take the amazing versatility, ammo availability and generally light recoil all day long.
 
Joined
Feb 17, 2018
Messages
680
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N. CO
These days when I go rifle hunting I reach for the '06 in the gun safe. Super versatile and packs plenty punch for elk and deer at moderate distances. I've relegated my magnum caliber rifles to backup roles.
 

TxxAgg

WKR
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Dec 27, 2019
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Seems like 165's and up are common practice. How do yall feel about TTSX 150's?
 

brsnow

WKR
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Apr 28, 2019
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Seems like 165's and up are common practice. How do yall feel about TTSX 150's?

the 168 ttsx is technically their LRX, so better BC and opens down to 1600 vs 1800 for the 150 and 165. I use the 168 in my .308
 

OXN939

WKR
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Seems like 165's and up are common practice. How do yall feel about TTSX 150's?

TTSX 150s would be great for elk. Consider that you should really add 30% of the bullet's weight again to approximate a high quality lead cup-and-core projectile like a partition, so 150s are really like traditional 190 grain projectiles.
 

slowelk

WKR
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TTSX 150s would be great for elk. Consider that you should really add 30% of the bullet's weight again to approximate a high quality lead cup-and-core projectile like a partition, so 150s are really like traditional 190 grain projectiles.

I hear this all the time, that solid copper compares to heavier cup and core bullets, but I’ve never heard that 150 copper = 190 cup and core. I shoot the 168 out of my 06, and always thought it was more equivalent to 180 cup and core, not 210+ that your markup would suggest. Is what you’re saying based solely on weight retention?

Is there any reading that supports what you’re saying?
 
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OXN939

WKR
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Jun 28, 2018
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I hear this all the time, that solid copper compares to heavier cup and core bullets, but I’ve never heard that 150 copper = 190 cup and core. I shoot the 168 out of my 06, and always thought it was more equivalent to 180 cup and core, not 210+ that your markup would suggest.

Is there any reading that supports what you’re saying?

The following video is basically what got me into shooting copper. TL;DR- guy tests Federal Fusion, Accubonds, Core Lokts, TTSXs and E Tips in ballistic gelatin and water to see how much weight loss occurs. The lead cup-and-cores lose anywhere between 20 and 30% of their mass to fragmentation while the copper monos lose almost none.

 

LightFoot

WKR
Joined
Feb 21, 2016
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1,368
Location
Texas
With very few exceptions, when hunting North American big game, 30-06 is not a wrong choice.

Come to think of it... the only time I can think is is a "wrong" choice is at extreme hunting ranges.

Antelope to the biggest bears...
125 grain - 220 grain...
Up close - 500 yards or more...


>>>----JAKE----->
 

kid44

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Sep 26, 2019
Messages
238
.30-06 is great caliber, one of the best. However, I just sold mine, I love the caliber, just didn't ever care for the rifle. It was a Remington ADL, kept my Browning A-Bolt .270. At some point I may very well end up with another .30-06, but feel comfortable with the .270 for anything in the lower 48, bears included. I load it with Federal Premium
130 gr. Sierra boattails.
 
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kowalski

FNG
Joined
Oct 3, 2019
Messages
46
Anyone have experience with 130 ttsx? Should be getting about 3100 fps out of a 22" barrel.
 

eyeguy

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 19, 2017
Messages
245
Location
IOWA
I like the 168 ttsx out of my 30-06. 2 holes is always good. Faster with all copper like 150 and even 130 might work just fine but I am not going to try to fix what is not broken in this case. Besides the the 168 ttsx shoot great out of my gun. h4350 is your friend
 
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