so 30-06, what grain bullet for deer and elk

[GameHunter1959]

Federal 165 grain Accubond Balistic Tips. $43 box

I use to shoot 150 grain for deer and 180 grain for elk. Shot the cheap Remington $20 box stuff for years.They work well if your on a budget, but ever since I switched to the Federal 165 grain. Deadly! Hit a cow elk a little too far forward in the front shoulder. Completely destroyed both shoulders, as it destroyed one it hit the other side. One shot one kill. Game over..

[C-Money]

The bull I killed with a 30-06 I shot with a 150gr Hornaday Interlock. After the shot, it took a few steps and fell over. A few death kicks on the ground, lights out.  That said, a 165gr Accubond would be a great choice. I dont think I would consider a 180 unless after moose, and then, I'd still probably use the 165 Accubond.

[Dansk]

I have owned several 30.06's over the years, all have liked the 165 to 180 grains really well, specifically the Barnes.  I reloaded some 200 gr accubonds that consistently hit clays at 230 yds.

  x 2 for 165 Barnes xxx.  Use that load in my 30-06 for both deer and elk.  I like the no-lead option, but that's a personal pref.  Barnes are bone crushers- all my deer have been dropped with one shot.  Lungs, spine, shoulder- didn't matter. The bonus: no need to sight in different rounds if you switch between species- use the 165 for both.  Sight it in for MPBR and you are good to go.

[follow maggie]

I've always had good results with 165 grain bullets on both