I hand load. Bullets don't seem to matter. The powder seems to be the most crutial factor. My favorite bullets are the Speer 125TNT, Sierra 165 Boattail, and the Nosler 180. With the 125s I can hit a clay target at 300 yards all day. With the 165s I can hit it at 500 yards consistantly. I have a Sheppard 6X18 scope on this Handi 30-06.