Author Topic: .30-06 for Elk...165 gr. or 180 grain Hornady? (Read 2793 times)

swecology · « **on:** August 30, 2003, 04:05:05 AM »

I was wondering what the group consensus on this one might be.

I have two different loads worked up, one for the Hornady 165 grain and one for the Hornady 180 grain bullet. The 165 grain load will provide a higher velocity with comparable terminal energy as the 180 grain, which will travel slightly slower.

The "plus" for the 180 is the extra 15 grains of weight that provide a higher sectional density and will hopefully stay together better once the bullet strikes the animal.

The "plus" for the 165 is the incredible accuracy and tightness of grouping that I am getting for the round (5 rounds in the X ring at 100 yds.), which the 180 doesn't seem to be capable of, plus a slightly reduced amount of recoil.

Granted, I could chase this in the 180, experimenting with loads and COL's, primers, etc. until I hit upon the right combination. But I got lucky from the start on the 165's and hit that all from the first test.

I like to use the Hornady bullets for their accuracy and that I can switch from a Interlock to an SST to a Interbond without having to modify my load data - COL, powder weight and type, or primer.

So, is switching from a 165 to a 180 grain bullet really worth it for a higher sectional density but a decrease in accuracy? The round will be used on Arizona Elk and (maybe) Black Bear.

What do y'all think?

tominboise · « **Reply #1 on:** August 30, 2003, 08:52:28 AM »

Well, remember that you aren't going to be shooting groups on the side of the Elk. One or two shots should hopefully do it. If the 180 shoots consistently, I'd use it. Bigger is usually always better.

Tom

SPW · « **Reply #2 on:** August 30, 2003, 11:04:36 AM »

I would go with the 165 grain bullet but there shouldn't be any problems with a 180 grain bullet if you want to use it.

jamie · « **Reply #3 on:** August 30, 2003, 08:07:07 PM »

If you were shooting whitetails then I'd say the 165's but since it's elk then I would use 180's, like Tom said you won't be shooting groups on it's side so as long as you are within a few inches of point of aim then you are waaayyy good!

Ron T. · « **Reply #4 on:** August 30, 2003, 09:24:52 PM »

Working up loads is an enjoyable thing to do... so work up a good, accurate load for the 180 grain bullets 'cause they should give you deeper penetration on an elk-sized animal.

There's no reason the 180 grain bullet shouldn't shoot well in your .30/06...

Strength & Honor...

Ron T.

Mikey · « **Reply #5 on:** September 02, 2003, 10:15:50 AM »

swecology: ya know,I've had the same problem with my 30-06. Years ago I had a P-17 by Winchester with a 3/18 barrel stamp on it and that darn rifle would shoot the heaviest, fastest load I could throw from it with incredible accuracy. Then I went and upgraded my own self to a newer Winchester Model 70 - this was in 1970 btw - and found that the new rifle preferred the lighter bullets in the 150-165 grain range and my groups with the heavier 180 grain loads were larger than I perferred - all good, mind you but larger than I preferred. Well, as long as I don't shoot anything with it where my groups would open beyond 2" I will be happy but dang, you would think gun companies would produce something with the accuracy standards of yesteryear - maybe not.

But, for my two cents, I would still go with the 180. And, if you reload, try some 190s - they are supposed to give better long range accuracy if youare going to shoot at distances. Hope this helps. Mikey.

crow_feather · « **Reply #6 on:** September 02, 2003, 11:38:44 AM »

LAST YEAR, I SAW THREE ELK SHOT WITH 30-06'S THAT RAN UP TO 70-80 YARDS WITHOUT DROPPING A BIT OF BLOOD. THE ONE THAT I DROPPED WITH MY 338 HAD A .270 150 GRAIN BULLET THROUGH ONE LUNG AND DID NOT BLEED OUTSIDE THE BODY AS THE ROUND STOPPED BEFORE EXITING.

THIS LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT ZIPPING A BULLET INTO AN ELK DON'T DO A WHOLE BUNCH EXCEPT TO GET IT STARTED RUNNING. I THINK THAT A 180 OR 200 GRAIN WELL CONSTRUCTED BULLET THAT WILL DO A LOT OF DAMAGE AND LEAVE A GOOD BLOOD TRAIL IS BEST. THEY WILL RUN, IT'S EASIER TO FIND THEM AFTER THEY DO.

Duffy · « **Reply #7 on:** September 02, 2003, 06:42:52 PM »

The 30-06 with a 180 grain bullet for Elk goes together like Beer and Pretzels!

Even if the 180 is going slower it's still going to maintain a better trajectory and have more energy once it gets there in the event you have a long shot.

eroyd · « **Reply #8 on:** September 02, 2003, 06:43:02 PM »

I've taken several moose and a 1000 lb Roosevelt Elk with the Hornady 180 gr. spire point out of a 30 06 with no problems. The only problem I had with it was when I started using it in my 300 wby. At those velocities the bullet can explode on impact at close range. I shot a moose at 30 yards and the entrance hole through the near ribs was grapefruit sized and the far ribs were a real mess. Surprising the moose took a while to go down and there was a lot of meat damage. The problem was solved by going to Nosler partitions.

Unscientific theory but in my opinion boat tail jacketed bullets don' t hold together as well as flat based ones.

todbartell · « **Reply #9 on:** September 03, 2003, 05:10:16 PM »

A friend has used the 165 gr. Interlock (flat based Spire Point) in his 30-06 for many years with great success on moose, deer, and black bears. From his experiences, I'd think it should work. But if you can get them, you might want to try the 165 gr. Interbond bullet. I have had good results on paper with it in my 30-06. It should hold up better on bone than a regular Interlock, and it's sleek shape ensures good trajectory and downrange energy.

If I were to load up a 30-06 for a elk & bear hunt, I'd try the 168 gr. Barnes Triple Shock or XLC bullet. Lots of money though. I'd shoot an elk with an Interbond 165 gr. without hesitation.