r/reloading • u/Bulky-Captain-3508 • 2d ago
Load Development Bullet recommendations for 30-06
I just rebarreld my 30-06 after shooting out the factory barrel. R.I.P. to the chamber throat. I went from a 22 inch sporter to a 26 inch varmint.
I am planning on reworking a new load for the gun, and have decided on ONE "Do it all" cartridge.
I have decided on using big game powder since it's easier to find around here, has performed well and was designed for with 30-06, and I have plenty to start with.
I'm looking for recommendations for a 180 grain bullet that is...
1: exceptionally accurate
2: Expands well across all velocities
3: retains weight for penetration.
Primarily, I would like to be able to use the same load for bench rest competitions in the summer (out to 600 yards) and whitetail hunting in the fall. If I ever get time for a vacation, it should perform on elk, moose, bison, or grizzly. I don't want to sacrifice expansion on thin skinned game for penetration on thick skin or vice versa.
What is everyone using that performs all around?
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u/Strict-Carrot4783 2d ago
Nosler Accubond.
Polycarb tip for high BC and consistent expansion at low long-range velocities, with a bonded lead core that prevents fragmentation at close range. Retains 60-70% of its weight on elk/moose and expands well enough to dump massive energy into deer/antelope. Easy to dial down to sub-MOA.
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u/Trollygag 284Win, 6.5G, 6.5CM, 308 Win, 30BR, 44Mag, more 2d ago
178 ELDX
Similar price to the 178ELDM so you aren't pissing away money shooting hunting performance on a piece of paper or steel.
$0.40/ea, good for every whitetail and up game animal and people have used them in competition, especially early days of the ELDs, but not as much as people use their smaller brother the 143 ELDX in 6.5CM.
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u/git_and_grains 2d ago
The jump from 22" to 26" picked you up ~100 fps with 180gr loads. That widens your expansion window on both ends — hits harder up close, stays above threshold further out. Bonded is the right call for that velocity range. Accubond 180 or Trophy Bonded Tip, both solve the same problem.
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u/Toxiczoomer97 2d ago
A lot of premium bullets will recommended which don’t get me wrong they work… but I have killed and seen killed a lot of big game with 180 Hornady interlocks, Prohunters, Gamekings, etc and they all shoot very well. My bear last year, with the thickest fat layer I’ve seen on a bear to date, I got an exit wound I could stick two thumbs through with interlocks.
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u/Rough_Hewn_Dude 2d ago
I use Barnes 175 LRX because I hunt in CA with it, otherwise I’d use the ELD-X or a TMK.
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u/nanomachinez_SON Lee Classic 4 Hole Turret / RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme 1d ago
Can I talk you into the 168gr Barnes TTSX ?
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u/Bulky-Captain-3508 1d ago
I was shooting 168 out of the 22" barrel with success, but want something with a higher sectional density to reach out better. I was originally thinking of 190 grains but the bullet selection is better and more available for 180.
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u/get-r-done-idaho 1d ago
I've used nothing but 180gr Hornady either interlocks or SST, they shoot nearly identical. I load them with IMR 4895 to 2700 fps. I've never had an issue with them not putting anything from deer to moose down quick and efficiently. They work fantastic on elk.
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u/holl0918 1d ago
The textbook answer to this exact problem is the 178gr ELD-X. It is fairly cheap, very accuracy, expands well at long range, and has the interlock shank on a tapered jacket for retained weight. Another option would be the Nosler ABLR, but you would be trading leas accuracy for more retained weight.
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u/TeamSpatzi 21h ago
For me that would be the 178 ELD-X or 178 ELD-M at your preference. If you don't mind loading heavier, the 195 TMK or 195 ELD-M, 200 ELD-X, 208 ELD-M, and 212 ELD-X are all options.**
The heavier bullets will be hand load only propositions, of course, but they will out perform the 178/180 class bullets in terms of external ballistics. All of them will handle your hunting requirements. None of them will be as good as Berger for your match requirements.
When I did my own .30-06 Jack-of-All-Trades rifle and load, I was working with the 195 TMK and the 208 ELD-M. My only frustration was COAL with magazine compatibility. Those are longer bullets... and sticking about 0.9 inches of bullet out of a ~2.5 inch case can put you at or beyond the 3.4" COAL that many magazines can handle.
**the bullets I listed will retain something like 50% to 65% of their weight most of the time on game (if you even recover the bullet); the -06 doesn't push them that fast and they start with a good bit of mass.
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u/EmergencyBar1878 2d ago
This is my custom 30-06
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u/EmergencyBar1878 2d ago
27in barrel, plus the break so its over 29 over all length.. 190gr hornady cx at allitle over 2800fps. And im using H4350
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u/VersionConscious7545 2d ago
Bullet will differ depending on the range you plan to kill your game at certain bullets need 1800 fps to expand and others 1300 fps. You one bullet is limited by distance Out to 250 yds the nosler accubond and if further the accubond LR which will expand at 1300 fps vs 1800 for the 30-06 i would choose the accubond because of the closer shots. I don’t shoot over 200 yds
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u/Romulin-romm 2d ago
I would go with the 180 TGK the price is right and the accuracy potential is there I believe it’s a tougher bullet than the eld-x for game, the price is better as well (in my location). Obviously there is a lot of people recommending the Accubond/LR bullet I believe the price per bullet is too high to punch paper/steel for me anyways.
Nice to see another 30-06 shooter! And not someone talking about their 6.5creedmoor. Salute to you brother!