Back when I used a .30/06 for all of my deer killing, I used the 165 BTHP, at around 2850 fps. Deer killed inside of 100 yds. (which was most of them) had huge amounts of bloodshot meat, often resulting in the loss of an entire shoulder. Kills were always nearly instantaneous. Then I wised up and started loading them down to around 2500 fps and life was good, not to mention easier on the shoulder and hearing, and kills were still nearly instantaneous. Accuracy which was great initially actually improved at the lower velocity levels. I don't use a .30/06 much anymore, but the reduced load with the boat tails is still the go-to load when I do.
Note: these observations were in Eastern white tail hunting conditions. Long range shooting conditions would have probably tempered my attitude toward reduced power levels.
Last edited by gnoahhh; 01/13/12.
