125 grain 30-06

[BBDartCA]

I've been doing some varmint hunting with 165grain 30-06. 200 - 300 yards out. Damage to the vermin is extensive of course.

Would like to try a flatter shooting combo for '06 that's not quite so destructive. Have not spent much time with 125 grain spitzers but, looking at trajectory charts, they seem pretty flat shooting. But I've heard consistency is not the greatest with the light bullets in the '06 compared to 150 - 180 grain.

Anybody have any good loads for 125 grain? Thanks!

 

[Slamfire]

I shot deer with 125's in the 30-06 and it does the job. I don't know anything about inconsistency with 125's. I used IMR 4064 and got excellent results with 125’s and 130’s. My data indicates I was pushing 130’s at 3185 fps in a 24” barrel, which is very fast.

I have buds who shoot the 125’s in their M1a’s at 200 yards standing and sitting rapid fire. Their results are excellent, they are shooting 308’s, but so what.

 

[rcmodel]

But I've heard consistency is not the greatest with the light bullets in the '06 compared to 150 - 180 grain.

Not true.

My old 03 Springfield sporter 1/10 two-groove barrel will shoot Sierra 110 grain HP into 1 MOA all day long.

With Sierra 125 grain SP it does 1 1/4" groups.

However, if you think 165 deer bullets are destructive on varmints?
You ain't seen nothing yet till you shoot one with a lighter varmint bullet going way faster.

A pink mist and flying body parts will be the result with either one.

rc

 

[30Cal]

I usually shoot the 125TNT through my M1A for short range. Can't help you on loads; I put them on the same powder/charge I use for the 168. They're going pretty slow (2480fps)--goal is low recoil. I've got a 1:12" and they hammer. In fact, I've never found a load where they weren't at least very good to excellent.

10rds, prone, 100yds, iron sights. 125gr TNT

 

[T Bran]

I load Speer 110 gr SP in 30-06 for my Rem 760 on a regular basis.
A slightly below starting charge of H4895 still has plenty of wallop on hogs out past 100 yards. They will shoot cute little clover leaf groups over and over although in hands steadier than mine.
This is my novice load for the youngsters and it does a great job. Amazing what some one who has never been hurt by a rifle can do with one.
I would not hesitate to load 125 grain for hunting anything in my state as long as it groups well.
T

 

[Slamfire]

Excellent group 30Cal! and you did it the right way, prone with sling.

What is your load? I can't read the small print on your target.

 

[R.W.Dale]

I have shot some of the most outstanding groups from my ruger 3006 using 125 grain bullets

 

[Mykey]

I don't own a 30.06 anymore but when i did i always had good luck with the lighter bullets. I killed lots of deer using the Hornady 130gr sp and IMR4064. I also had good results on paper with the Sierra 125gr PH and 4064 but never shot a deer with that load. Back in 07 i worked up a load with the Barnes 130gr tsx and RL15 and killed some nice deer with that load. The lighter bullets kick up the velocity and really flatten out the 30.06.

 

[30Cal]

125gr TNT, 2.75"
41.0gr surplus 4895
LC90 brass, WLR primer

Really good day for me.

 

[hdbiker]

My Rem. 7600 30-06 shoots a inch or so at 100 yds with 150-165 grain bullets.I tried the 110's,125's,and 130's,and my groupes opened up to 3 inches or so. biker

 

[Slamfire]

30Cal: Thanks for the data.

Really good day for me.

Shush, your supposed to say, "I do that all the time"...

 

[jim243]

You ain't seen nothing yet till you shoot one with a lighter varmint bullet going way faster.

Rcmodel is correct, you are going to vaporize them with light fast moving bullets. Try a 22 rimfire or 22 mag if you want to keep them whole.

Jim

 

[788Ham]

If one is shooting varmints to get rid of them, who cares how big of a {w}hole that have?

 

[Chief 101]

u can always experiment with 22 cal sabots for 30 cal.