30-06 Ammo

[Tbag]

Hey guys just wondering on the best type of ammo you would recommend for a 30-06 for hunting season?

 

[Vamptepes]

For commercial ammo I just been using remington core lokt in whatever grain your gun likes. I use 180gr in personally since I don't reload for it yet.

 

[nascarfantoo]

I personally like Federal Premium Vital-Shok with Nosler Partition bullets.

 

[oldpink]

It all depends on exactly what game you're hunting and at what distance.
If you're after deer (Mule or Whitetail), you'll probably do your best using loads with 150 grain to 165 grain bullets
If you're after elk or black bear, you're probably better served with 180 grain bullets, preferably premium bullets the likes of the Nosler Partition, Nosler Accubond, Remington Core Lokt Bonded, or Barnes TSX/TTSX, since these bullets are designed to hold together better on heavier game, where penetration is more important than with smaller game.
If you're in search of moose, a 180 grain bullet would probably be okay, but it just might be worth it to use a 200 grain or even 220 grain bullet, again all being premium bullets, since moose can get up beyond 1000 pounds in exceptional cases.
Whatever you're hunting and whatever bullet you're using, you'll be best served with spitzer (sharp pointed) bullets to maximize ballistic performance, especially at longer range.
As for brands, it's all about preference, with the already mentioned Remington Core Lokt having a long and honored track record, but the selection and quality of factory ammo have never been better, with the likes of Federal, Winchester, Hornady, and now even Nosler and Barnes now selling factory ammo both with conventional bullets and with premium bullets.

 

[Mark 1911]

I choose based on which one performs the best out of my rifle at the range. If you ask 10 different guys you will probably get 10 different answers. So buy two or three different brands. They don't have to be expensive. Federal Fusion is very affordable and gets very positive reviews, but it was designed primarily for deer. For elk, you may go with the Nosler Partiions or Accubonds. I took a real nice buck up in Wisconsin last November with Federal Fusion 180 grain.

I chose the Federal Fusion based on the groups I was getting with it out of my rifle. Maybe your rifle likes Federal blue box or Remington Core Lokts better. Federal Premiums with Nosler Partion bullets are a good pick, but you pay a little more for those. Honestly, if you hit a deer or an elk in the sweet spot with any one of those brands, its going down. So find the one your rifle likes best and go with it.

 

[oldpink]

I choose based on which one performs the best out of my rifle at the range. If you ask 10 different guys you will probably get 10 different answers. So buy two or three different brands. They don't have to be expensive. Federal Fusion is very affordable and gets very positive reviews, but it was designed primarily for deer. For elk, you may go with the Nosler Partiions or Accubonds. I took a real nice buck up in Wisconsin last November with Federal Fusion 180 grain.

I chose the Federal Fusion based on the groups I was getting with it out of my rifle. Maybe your rifle likes Federal blue box or Remington Core Lokts better. Federal Premiums with Nosler Partion bullets are a good pick, but you pay a little more for those. Honestly, if you hit a deer or an elk in the sweet spot with any one of those brands, its going down. So find the one your rifle likes best and go with it.

Right on there.
The best advice is, as you mentioned, select the proper type bullet for your game that gives the best or at least acceptable groups out of your specific rifle.
You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Mark 1911 again.

 

[PGRChaplain]

Buy 2 boxes of the Ammo your going to use. Use one to see how it performs in your Rifle. This is Info passed on to me nearly 50 years ago, by a very Wise Old Hunter.

 

[sloughfoot]

I use 150 grain fmjbt for hunting season. Good for crows, groundhogs, rabbits, and squirrels. I only had one limp away after being shot. I chased after it and finished it off with a knife. It was kinda hairy for a while. I had the head mounted....

 

[Stang51d]

I use 150 grain fmjbt for hunting season. Good for crows, groundhogs, rabbits, and squirrels. I only had one limp away after being shot. I chased after it and finished it off with a knife. It was kinda hairy for a while. I had the head mounted....

Was that the squirrel, or the rabbit?