Projectile Recommendations for 30-06 Long-ish range Hunting

[Varminterror]

I’d be very surprised if a TSX expands at all at 1500 fps.

Agreed - What they do below 1700-1800 certainly can’t be called “expansion.”

 

[Varminterror]

I have no idea what caliber he s shooting in that picture.
Probably not a 06 though

I’d assume not an ‘06 at 1200 either. Probably not 20yrs ago, but certainly not recently. But no doubt there are a lot of folks which can get it done ethically and responsibly.

I’ve not breached 800 on big game, only on coyotes, but 600-800 have been within my wheelhouse on deer, elk, and hogs for a long time. I don’t remember shooting pronghorn past 600, and only once I recall at 500, but it’s been several years since I drew a rifle tag in KS, and I usually get closer out of state. I’m certainly not special among marksmen, not part of any “elite few with mystical capabilities.” Just trained, practiced, and equipped for the task. 800-1000, or 1200 are a different wrinkle, but I go into most out of state hunts prepared to make 600-800 yard shots if presented.

 

[Varminterror]

I would assume that by the time a fellow has the experience and skill to drive a 300+ mph car, he wouldn't need to ask for the public's advice regarding tires.

My point was rather that a lot of folks who enjoy specific pursuits enjoy talking about their respective pursuits. The racer might not walk up to a soccer mom in her grocery getter to solicit an opinion, but for better or worse, folks of all walks can read a question and choose to answer on an online forum.

 

[Hugger-4641]

We're are you guys finding those for sale? Internet links would be helpful for OP. Ive looked locally for a month and all i could find is 165gr spitzer and hornady 178gr bthp.

Well, the O.P. asked for recommendations for bullets, he didn't ask where to find them. When he decides what he wants to try, then he can start hunting for them. As for the recommendation I made, I've got 178 ELDX on order from Optics Planet. They don't have them at the moment but they won't let you order if they aren't expecting a shipment. I bought some 200 ELDx the same way a few months ago and it was about a month before they shipped.
I have also bought them and Barnes TSSX from Midway.
If the O.P. does just a little of his own keyboard work he'll probably also discover Everglades, Palmetto State Armory, Brownells, Powder Valley, Natchez, Mid South Shooters, and others. Any one of them is subject to have what he is looking for at any given time.
He also might be able to find a member here who can help him find what he needs. I was fortunate enough to find a member here who was willing to sell me some of his extra stock of Eld-x.

 

[LNK]

Why do you assume demonstrated performance beyond your skill the best of an inconsistent distribution, or dumb luck? Why do you assume that others well versed in the skill would not be aware of the mathematical “challenges” you’ve presented in this thread?

Have you considered the possibility other folks already know these things, already have developed these skills, and already have consistently demonstrated their ability?

I assume you drive a car frequently, but if a drag racer asked publicly which tires would be best for his sled, would you intervene to recommend against driving 300+ mph because the stopping distance would be proportionately and “excessively” longer than that of a passenger vehicle at 55mph?

Easy does it varminterror. You are taking this way too personal. Nobody is imposing their beliefs on anybody here. This is a forum, where information is shared, and the fat is chewed. As a former member of uncle sam's misguided children, I am pretty comfortable behind a rifle. I assume you are a varmint hunter, probably prairie dogs. There is a certain amount of shooting practice both target, and practical involved. It is a skill set developed over time.

That said, I too question whether someone "should" be shooting deer size or larger game at 800+ yards. I don't say the can't, but I question why it is even asked about. You-all do what you think is right, but allow others to question it. That is why we are all hear, to learn and ask questions.

Sorry OP, back to the original topic, I don't know what projectile you should use, but am interested in learning.

 

[Varminterror]

You-all do what you think is right, but allow others to question it.

Allow others to be frustrated when you-all waste time and energy implying the ethics of others are in question.

 

[RockPile]

I’d be very surprised if a TSX expands at all at 1500 fps. Based on my experience with them and comments from other posters here, I wouldn’t count on expansion below 2000 fps

I've got a box of newspapers I'm going to soak and shoot at 560 yds to find out –and to have some fun. I have no plans to try to hit an animal at that range.

As I said, that's what the ballistic tech at Barnes told me.

Tony

 

[LNK]

Allow others to be frustrated when you-all waste time and energy implying the ethics of others are in question.

Doesn't take much to get you frustrated does it? Sorry for trying to help you see the light. Not sure how anyone is wasting your time, you do choose to read the replies. Have a great day.

 

[Swampman]

Yes,
The guy asked for recommendations on a bullet for the task, not for a sermon on ballistic data tables - especially something as silly as inches of drop and drift.

Please help me to understand your position.

Are you saying that ballistics, bullet drop and wind drift aren't important factors when trying to shoot game animals at 800 yards?

Is it your belief that those factors are irrelevant to selecting a proper bullet for the job?

'Cause they seem pretty damn important to me...

 

[Hugger-4641]

I don't get frustrated, but it is a little irritating when you can't open someone's mind to something they don't realize.
I said I wouldn't use my 30-06 more than 600yds, someone else says they've made 1200yd shots on Antelope. Who's giving correct advice?
Neither of us are if we leave out important details, cause guess what? In West TN, at 400 to 600ft elevation, a 600yd shot looses roughly the same velocity as the same bullet shot 1000yds in Colorado at 8000ft elevation. So comparing a 1000yd shot in TN to a 1000yd shot in Wyoming is not helpful to a guy in PA if he doesn't know those details.
I try to give a concise answer to a direct question first and not go overboard with details until they become relevant in the conversation. But that's just me, doesn't make me right or wrong.

 

[Varminterror]

Please help me to understand your position.

Are you saying that ballistics, bullet drop and wind drift aren't important factors when trying to shoot game animals at 800 yards?

Is it your belief that those factors are irrelevant to selecting a proper bullet for the job?

'Cause they seem pretty damn important to me...

No, I’m saying that it’s foolish for folks who aren’t familiar with long range hunting and shooting to preach ethics of long range hunting to someone who is, just because they figured out how to run a ballistic calculator.

Reiterating my original statement...

It’s often frustrating when folks which don’t do something contest so much about something they don’t do.

 

[JFrank]

I don't get frustrated, but it is a little irritating when you can't open someone's mind to something they don't realize.
I said I wouldn't use my 30-06 more than 600yds, someone else says they've made 1200yd shots on Antelope. Who's giving correct advice?
Neither of us are if we leave out important details, cause guess what? In West TN, at 400 to 600ft elevation, a 600yd shot looses roughly the same velocity as the same bullet shot 1000yds in Colorado at 8000ft elevation. So comparing a 1000yd shot in TN to a 1000yd shot in Wyoming is not helpful to a guy in PA if he doesn't know those details.
I try to give a concise answer to a direct question first and not go overboard with details until they become relevant in the conversation. But that's just me, doesn't make me right or wrong.

Probably the people that actually shoot long range, distance and difficulty are not relative or on an even curve. For example 600 yards to 1000 is 40% further yet 60% increase in difficulty/ballistics and 1200 isn't just another couple hundred yards.
I wont speak for another man or try to misrepresent a photo. I never once said Leo was using a 3006 ..thats you talk in brother.
I have deleted that picture to avoid any further confusion so there you go

 

[JFrank]

Just a reminder that the question was about a bullet not ethics.

 

[.38 Special]

No, I’m saying that it’s foolish for folks who aren’t familiar with long range hunting and shooting to preach ethics of long range hunting to someone who is...

I've never killed a big game animal with a .22 LR, and acknowledge that it has been done, yet still feel justified in claiming that trying it is unethical.

 

[Blackbeard 44]

if I was the OP I would be looking at load data for something near 200 grains, maybe a partition loaded as hot as safely and accuratley possible.

 

[wombat13]

No, I’m saying that it’s foolish for folks who aren’t familiar with long range hunting and shooting to preach ethics of long range hunting to someone who is, just because they figured out how to run a ballistic calculator.

Reiterating my original statement...

So what IS your cold bore, first shot hit percentage on 12” target at 800 yards with no wind flags? Even more relevant would be terrain with which you are unfamiliar. You keep telling us that people can do it ethically.

 

[Hugger-4641]

Probably the people that actually shoot long range, distance and difficulty are not relative or on an even curve. For example 600 yards to 1000 is 40% further yet 60% increase in difficulty/ballistics and 1200 isn't just another couple hundred yards.
I wont speak for another man or try to misrepresent a photo. I never once said Leo was using a 3006 ..thats you talk in brother.
I have deleted that picture to avoid any further confusion so there you go

I didn't have any issue with or assumptions about the photo.
I like to try to look at two sides of the coin. I agree with not telling someone not to try something just cause I haven't and I also agree with discouraging an action that is at or beyond the present limitations of either the shooter or the bullets..
Can I make an 800yd shot on a deer?
Maybe. Will it kill the deer? Maybe, but as you pointed out,, the chances at 800 vs 400 are exponentially different. And, if I have to ask what bullet to use, it is not likely that I have the skill to compensate for 200 inches of drop, wind conditions, 1 1/2 seconds of flight time, and hit the vitals.
That's why I gave OP my opinion, but also my best recommendation for what he wants to try to do. I'm not gonna lecture on ethics, too subjective, but I think the OP can benefit from the difference of opinions here and maybe research his intentions a little further, no need for anyone to take it personal or deride another.

 

[Flycaster1977]

While i personally wouldnt try to push the 30-06 to 800 yards, thats your choice. I would look at a 300 mag of some sort.
For a 30 cal bullet that will get it done from 50 to long distance on whitetail, i would look at the nosler ballistic tip or accubond. You wont need a bonded bullet at long range, but that may be your preference because it will certainly hold together better up close. That being said, its still only a whitetail, they dont have the bone structure to require something really stout. The plain old bt will certainly blow up more at close range, but should still open at the lower velocities of long range.

The barnes will work great up close, but beyond 300, wont give you the expansion you need. The ablr will blow up at close range, but will work awesome at longer ranges. The federal edge tlr and terminal ascent would work at both long and short, but theyre only available in heavier weights.
Bullet weight is really up to you. Heavier will give less speed, more drop, but better wind resistance and carry more energy.

I hunt pa and in some places where long shots are possible. I use a .264 mag and im really only comfortable to about 450 or so yards. Im shooting a barnes ttsx, 120 grain loaded to about 3200. This give me the ability to still cleanly kill out to those distances that im comfortable with. Anything in that 350 or more range is getting shot right in the shoulder, no high lung or meat saver shots.

 

[JFrank]

I didn't have any issue with or assumptions about the photo.
I like to try to look at two sides of the coin. I agree with not telling someone not to try something just cause I haven't and I also agree with discouraging an action that is at or beyond the present limitations of either the shooter or the bullets..
Can I make an 800yd shot on a deer?
Maybe. Will it kill the deer? Maybe, but as you pointed out,, the chances at 800 vs 400 are exponentially different. And, if I have to ask what bullet to use, it is not likely that I have the skill to compensate for 200 inches of drop, wind conditions, 1 1/2 seconds of flight time, and hit the vitals.
That's why I gave OP my opinion, but also my best recommendation for what he wants to try to do. I'm not gonna lecture on ethics, too subjective, but I think the OP can benefit from the difference of opinions here and maybe research his intentions a little further, no need for anyone to take it personal or deride another.

This reminds me of the commercial where folks are turning into the parents giving advice where none was asked for or required. ( like being a retired PM ) He wasn't asking if he should or shouldn't it was a bullet question not a poll. One thing I do know is that most people couldn't track an animal in the first place so all the long range talk is majority camp fire/internet banter.
Im as guilty of the same infractions.

 

[Varminterror]

So what IS your cold bore, first shot hit percentage on 12” target at 800 yards with no wind flags? Even more relevant would be terrain with which you are unfamiliar. You keep telling us that people can do it ethically.

In the conditions in which I know I can make that shot, 100%.

 

[Varminterror]

Just a reminder that the question was about a bullet not ethics.

This.

All. of. this.

 

[Varminterror]

I assume you are a varmint hunter, probably prairie dogs.

What’s the relevance with your assumption here?

 

[Varminterror]

I’d be very surprised if a TSX expands at all at 1500 fps. Based on my experience with them and comments from other posters here, I wouldn’t count on expansion below 2000 fps

I've got a box of newspapers I'm going to soak and shoot at 560 yds to find out –and to have some fun. I have no plans to try to hit an animal at that range.

As I said, that's what the ballistic tech at Barnes told me.

Tony

Monometals really don’t expand well at low impact velocity. These aren’t my bullets, but these mimic exactly what I’ve seen for 1700-1800fps impact velocity (surprising they got this much expansion at 1500). Dead is dead, and penetration is still good, but this limited expansion doesn’t produce much temporary or permanent wound cavity, and they travel. There exist better bullet options to be used.

Nosler Accubonds/ABLR’s are a much better option than monometals if a guy really wants weight retention and expansion at long distance, but a guy doesn’t really NEED a bonded bullet to get the job done. The ELD-x’s or NBT’s, or even Berger Hybrids and VLD’s (hunting or target) are all proven bullets for deer at 600-800. Elk? Sure, a NAB or ABLR are worth the squeeze. I also like Swift A-Frames, but again, they cost more than needed for deer.

 

[Alex G]

Woa Woa Woa….this thread has definitely gotten out of hand and become a giant debate. Work has been crazy the past few days and I have barely been able to read several of the comments nonetheless reply to them all. Let’s leave the topic of hunting ethics out of this-rest assured any load will be tested at various ranges before I attempt any kind of a shot, and I will put in the time and effort to know just where those limits are. That’s not what I came here for.

All I asked for was 30 caliber projectile recommendations for mid-long range hunting and simply provided the rest for context, not debate.

so, let’s try this again if possible. If you want, list the projectiles you’d recommend, and maybe 1-2 sentences why you recommend them. I’m not here for debate, just wanted to see what people have had success with. If the projectile you recommend is only ideal under 5-600 yd, say that and that’s fine. If it’s only designed for 300 yd or less, that’s fine too, just say that and let’s all be civil.

thanks guys

 

[ms6852]

In my 30-06 rifle 165 or 168 grainers shoot best. Tried lighter and heavier bullets and never achieved the results I wanted. I shot at milk jugs at 400 and 500 yards with cold bore shots successfully. Recommend that you see what your rifle likes because 100 yard shot will not group the same at 800.

I used milk jugs because I felt that it mimicked the kill zone area of a deer. Also quite effective on elk at 290 yards my longest shot.