180gr 30-06 on deer experience?

[DM~]

Quote from Mann:

"You can have either deep penetration or massive tissue damage, but not both."

It's obvious Mann has NEVER used Nosler Partitions!

DM

 

[Bronco72]

+1 On Nosler partitions!
I don't use them for target, except to check my zero, or plinking. So if all you do with a particular bullet is hunt, why not buy the best ???
I have personally seen a Sierra 180 gr SPBT blow up on a deer,s shoulder with no penetration. Animal went 150 to 200 yard on three legs.Still had to put it down when we got there!

+! Noslers JMHO

 

[Nature Boy]

I’ve used 180g Sierra ProHunters in 30-06 loads to good effect. Here’s my load work up:

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/30-06-hunting-load-work-up-2-0.827446/

…and here’s the pay off:

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/west-texas-8.829554/

 

[Laphroaig]

It's obvious Mann has NEVER used a Nosler Partitions!

When I was younger and hunted elk more often, I used 180 Partitions for deer at home in my -06. Probably the worst meat damage I've ever experienced was a 40 yard uphill shot at a whitetail doe. I hit her a little high and destroyed most of the front half. The front of the bullet is very soft.

 

[Chuck R.]

It's obvious Mann has NEVER used Nosler Partitions!

DM

Agree!

I've used 180 (.300WM), 200 (8x68S), 225 (.350 Rem Mag) partitions on Elk and 130 (.270) on blacktails, whitetails, mulies and you get both. the frontal does some serious damage and that lower partition just keeps going. I'd use partitions for everything, but they're $$$ and for the longer shots not quite as accurate as either the BTs or ABs.

I also believe that cup and core bullets are fine for deer, but IF you're running a fast cartridge, pick your up close shots carefully (double lung) or be prepared for a large amount of dog food.

 

[GravelRider]

A 30-06 is overkill for deer anyhow. Whether you use 150 or 180 gr, you're going to take down an animal quickly with good shot placement. Poor shot placement can result in an animal taking a long time to die, regardless of using 150 or 180 gr bullets.

I've used both 150 and 180 gr bullets, and noticed no difference at all in taking deer, so I stuck with 150 gr.

 

[Captcurt]

Most 180gr have thicker jackets and are designed for larger game. I used them back years ago and, if memory serves, they do less tissue damage than lighter bullet of the same caliber. Game usually travels a little farther than they would with a bullet that causes more trauma. My go to bullet weight for 30 cal is 165gr, but I'm shooting a 300WSM. Try a 165gr Accubond or Partition. I think that you will be pleased.

 

[armedwalleye]

When I handloaded for my Pop’s .300 Savage and my .308, both on the 99 Savage frame, I loaded both Pointed and Softpoint 180 grain Hornady Interlock bullets. We found a lot of those bullets under the hide on the opposite side of many MN and WI Whitetails and a moose, many having nearly doubled in size with weight retentions in the upper 80s% range. Never had to trail them very far either, and experienced a fair number of bang-flops.

 

[readyeddy]

I shoot 180 gr gamekings in 06 at 2700 fps and it’s been working well so far on axis deer. They almost always drop on the spot.

The higher BC gives better ballistics than the lighter bullets and the only drawback is increased recoil on the bench. From field positions I don’t feel the recoil.

when I first started hunting people told me the heavier bullet would over penetrate and go through without spending its energy in the animal. They told me I should use 150 gr. Maybe that would be the case with more modern bullet designs but with cup core bullets the expansion and fragmentation tends to leave a large wound channel but the heavier weight helps with penetration.

So there’s still a fair amount of meat loss with 180 gamekings. Is it worth switching for deer? Can’t really say, but I think it’s worth a try to see if you can anchor more deer on the small plot of land.

Just to add, I wouldn’t go much faster than 2700 especially at your close range. Bullet failure is definitely possible with CC bullets. Good luck

 

[MacAR]

I used to use Remington Core-lokt 180gr round nose bullets in my '06. I never, and do mean never had a deer walk away from one. I always shot (and still do) for the front shoulder joint; they positively cannot take it. Once I began reloading, I switched to Remington's 150gr Bronze Tip bullets (thanks again, @LoonWulf) and have had excellent accuracy and so far, good results on whitetails. But if I were in your position, I probably wouldn't switch. Given ammo scarcity and etc, you're better off staying with what you have unless you can sell your current stock for a decent profit and buy the 180's cheap. For that matter, I probably still wouldn't even if I could make a couple bucks; I wouldn't want to have to re-zero my rifle.

Mac

 

[EIB0879]

I have killed a lot of deer with 180 gr 30-06 cup and core loads. But if 150 is working for you why change. I haven't shot my 30-06 for deer in a few years but usually the ones I shot were DRT.