[Arcene]

It's been over 40 years since I've been deer hunting, but I am looking forward to a trip to Arkansas this fall to hunt, and I am looking for some advice on what grain round is best suited for whitetail deer. I have always thought that "bigger is better", but is there any significant differences with a .30-06 150, 165 or 180 grain round when hunting deer?

 

[rdrader2002]

Best advice I can give you is to get a box of each (and maybe in a couple of different manufacturers) and find out what works best in your rifle. Remember, it's not what you like, it's what your rifle likes to shoot -- and yes, there is a difference!

Don't own a .30-06 so I can't help you with that particular caliber. I shoot .270, and my Savage Model 111 likes Remington Core-Lokt in 150 grain better than the 130 grain.

My $.02 worth. . . .
RR

 

[Hunting Man]

If it's only whitetails your going after then I agree hit the range with some 150 and 165 gr bullets and see what your rifle likes. I like bullets constructed with Nosler partition bullets. You pay a bit more but their reputation is outstanding. Remington still sell their premier line which are top shelf stuff. Winchester supreme line also.

 

[Karl.Luhr]

I agree with huntingman's weight recommendations..

I use and love the 30-06. The old rule of thumb is for Deer 150gr or 165gr. I don't load 180gr unless I am going out west for Elk. The Nosler partitions and other controlled expansion bullets are wonderful, but not required for Deer. They aren't that hard to kill with a bullet in the boiler room. If you are not a reloader I would recommend either Remington green box core-locs in 150gr or 165gr, second manufacturer I would try in my rifle is the new Federal Fusion loads also in 150gr and 165gr. The new Fusion bullets are suppose to hold together better than there old standard bullet, the core-locs from Remington have always had a good rep for that. As was said in an earlier post I would get both weights from both companies and see what your rifle says you should use. Make sure the bore is clean and everything is nice and tight. Have fun, and welcome back to hunting.....

Karl

 

[jkm97]

Either 150 or 165 is perfect. Whichever one shoots best. For deer I have usually shot 150s with a .30-06.

 

[Scorpion8]

The deer doesn't care, and won't argue with you as long as shot placement is done right.

 

[DVW]

The deer doesn't care, and won't argue with you as long as shot placement is done right.

LOL, I don't know if I'd say that they don't care. Mine never really seemed very happy about it. :wink: I know what you mean and agree with you. It just struck me funny when I first read it.

 

[rdrader2002]

The deer doesn't care, and won't argue with you as long as shot placement is done right.

When shot placement was correct, mine seemed to just lie down and take a very long nap. But I'll have to agree with DVW that it was funny when first reading it.

RR

 

[Arcene]

Thanks guys, your insights were very helpful. I've now got 4 different boxes of premium ammo coming from Cabela's, and looking forward to taking them to the range to see which shoots best from my rifle.

 

[Scorpion8]

I've now got 4 different boxes of premium ammo coming from Cabela's, and looking forward to taking them to the range to see which shoots best from my rifle.

That's the right way to go about it. Every gun including ones made right next to each other will like a different ammo better than another. Shoot 3-shot groups and let the barrel cool between switching ammo brands so everybody is starting at the same point. A fun day at the range!