30-06

[Aaron bosley]

what grain should i use for deer and elk with my 30-06?

[mossback91]

I use a 165 grain...

[Aaron bosley]

what brand?

[mossback91]

I reload my own....

[wrangler]

look. what you need to do is do some research on your own. determine what type of hunting your doing, figure out what are the likely ranges of the shots you'll be taking and look up the ballistics on a number of different bullet weight/design/brand combinations. EDUCATE YOURSELF on all the types of bullet design and construction because they're all different and all have advantages as well as disadvantages. narrow it down to a few brands/weights and head to the range and see how the different loads will group. pick the one that groups the most consistently and has the ballistic capabilitys that meet your needs.  you won't be using the same bullet for deer as you would for elk.  

[mossback91]

 you won't be using the same bullet for deer as you would for elk.  

why not?? 

[270Shooter]

 you won't be using the same bullet for deer as you would for elk.  

why not?? 

What about Accubonds, Partitions, Sciroccos, Interbonds, X-bullets, A-Frames. Or any other tough bullet?

[jackelope]

you won't be using the same bullet for deer as you would for elk.

i will.

you need to grab a few different bullets and go shoot them and decide what your gun likes and shoot them. 165-220 grains will all work. different styles of bullets to choose from serve different purposes.
there's lots of bullets to choose from and odds are by asking this you'll get about a dozen different answers.
i shoot federal premiums with 165 grain barnes triple shocks and my gun likes them and shoots them well.

[wrangler]

well i don't even use the same caliber for deer as i do for elk so thats where im coming from. to each his own, i guess you could use whatever you want. i look for a bullet that won't come apart and with more penetration in my elk loads, tsx's or partitions are my number one choice. for deer, penetration is not so much of an issue cause you're dealing with a much smaller animal and any bullet will most likely pass through anyways. a good bonded bullet that may fragment a little bit is fine with me. i would surely hope you wouldn't be elk hunting with ballistic tips? it's important to understand what your dealing with in bullet construction. but i suppose you could shoot a coyote with a 300 mag and it would still die... i choose to be a little more refined i suppose.

[GEARHEAD]

try the Hornady light mag, i would choose the 165 grain interbond. this round will work for everything you are shooting at and gives you 3000 fps. this is premium ammo, at half the cost of the federals, maybe $22.00. i use it, and it works. same round for both animals, assuming your gun likes it.

C'mon now guys, take an easy, asking the question is part of research, this kid is 18 for cripes sake. ya make it sound like he needs a degree first in bullet engineering and design. everybody has an opinion, and i think his question merits an experienced knowledgeable response.

find the round ya like kid, stick with it, and fill the freezer for peta.

[Bofire]

"Stay away from the 180's too inconsistant"  huh??? You telling me a 180 grain sierra is less consistant than a 165 sierra??(or any other brand?)
yarite.
Carl

[Curly]

I'd try the federal premiums with 165 grain barnes triple shock like Jackelope suggested if I were you.  If they don't shoot well in your rifle then do like Gearhead suggested and try the Hornady's.......but I would try the 180's instead of the 165's if the bullet isn't a Barnes.  I'm not saying the 165's won't work, but for elk I'd rather use a 180 grain in a lead bullet (even if it is bonded).  Nothing wrong w/ the 180 for both deer and elk either.

[BULLBLASTER]

well i don't even use the same caliber for deer as i do for elk so thats where im coming from. to each his own, i guess you could use whatever you want. i look for a bullet that won't come apart and with more penetration in my elk loads, tsx's or partitions are my number one choice. for deer, penetration is not so much of an issue cause you're dealing with a much smaller animal and any bullet will most likely pass through anyways. a good bonded bullet that may fragment a little bit is fine with me. i would surely hope you wouldn't be elk hunting with ballistic tips? it's important to understand what your dealing with in bullet construction. but i suppose you could shoot a coyote with a 300 mag and it would still die... i choose to be a little more refined i suppose.

whats wrong with b-tips for elk? 5 elk have been killed with them from my 7mm. 3 were me the other two were my cousin.
of teh ones that didnt go all the way through, and i found, the lightest was over 90 grains. thay started at 140. teh b-tips are good bullets for me.

[jackelope]

i've shot both the hornady light mags and the fed's, both in 165 grain, and both shot fine enough. the fed/barnes just shot a little better and i think the bullet itself is a better bullet for big game...it's another ford/chevy discussion though for sure.
the hornady light mags do bump you in the shoulder a little more if that affects your decision.

[buck470]

The Cow I shot 2 weeks ago with 165 gr Ballistic tip only went 25 yards before stopping and taking her last nap?
Some of my own reloads.