Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Deer Hunting 30-06 and factory ammo

I have found Federal blue box often shoots better, and in multiple cartridges, than handloads, and would NOT hesitate to use it on deer/antelope near or far.

Also FWIW, all the Federal blue box, as well as Premium, chronographs right at advertised velocities.

Hornady American Whitetail not so much, routinely slower by up to 150 fps.

I'd try some of them shiny chrome and black Winchesters

There isn't a mule deer alive that any .30-06 cup and core 150 grain hunting bullet from any of the major ammunition companies wouldn't kill, when placed properly placed. Find one that your rifle likes, put it just behind the deer's shoulder, and enjoy your venison. Don't over think it.

That is for sure buffybr!!

That is for sure buffybr!!

you do not say what rifle. I have several 30-06s. I doubt you can find one that shoots better than this ammo. https://thecmp.org/cmp-offers-high-quality-30-06-ammo-from-creedmoor-sports/ . the scenar has been praised in other threads. only way 6o know is to try it . but any 165 grain game bullet is a great one. ron

I used that for years in .30-06 also and killed deer very well with it out to 300+ yards, but also have had really good accuracy out of Hornady factory loads, and believe it or not Remington Corlokt, all in 165 grain. Of late I've taken to using 180 SST or Speer Hotcor 180 RN handloads with 58.5 grains of H4831. We were running into some pretty hefty hogs on our rounds and I just stepped up a little in bullet weight. Probably wasn't necessary.

Looks like they don't offer that any more. Too bad, I'd try a couple of hundred rounds.


Okie John

Okie John - Darn I do not see it for sale now. RickyBobby- I have quite few 30-06s. some are accurate enough to shoot a mule deer at 400 . with the load they like. I use lapua brass, 210m, and varget with several 165, 167 and 168 hunting bullets. very liitle experience with factory ammo.

That has been the most consistent factory ammo in several different 30-06s for me over the years. Taken whitetail from 20-200 yards (very few true long shots where I hunt) with it and bullet performance has been great.

Dude I've been preaching Game Kings for years and so many people up their nose at it like they're the plague. Forty years of one shot DRT kills tells me different. Whether they're store bought loads or out of my own loading kitchen, they're killers of Deer.

No it probably wasn't. Whatever kills a deer is more than deadly enough for hogs. Around here the .223 rules for hogs. They die rather easily. Hit 'em in the neck dude!

No truer words were ever spoken or typed. And I've found that to be extra true with Game Kings.

165gr gamekings are my go to deer bullet in 30 caliber as well. Worked wonders in my 308s and 30-06s over the years.

Factory fodder from my 3006 subalpine. High foul shot 3 well under MOA at 100 yards.

Maybe this is better. I use the sling on the bench, as you see here, it really helps me control the “jump.”

This.

A five shot group with each into 400 yard targets and most likely they will no longer be equal. Probably far from equal.

The best thing about the 30-06 for deer is it is powerful enough that proper shot placement doesn't matter nearly as much. it doesn't matter the bullet either which is a huge plus! there is zero reason to use anything smaller on deer sized game. period. One need only look at the .223/.243 for deer threads to verify these facts.

You may be under estimating shot placement.

I’ve seen a WT run a long way, blasted by a 26 Nosler. (Not mine, my bud’s).

Can’t buy your premise, bullets don’t matter as much.

Respectfully disagree on both accounts, although I think I understand what you’re trying to say.

DF

factory ammo for me shoots ok, but as a loony this year i will reload some 30-06 ammo to bear hunt with this fall in my pre 64 model 70 Winchester that i inherited from a dear old friend who killed plenty deer in the old days with this neat old rifle,probably load 180 gr. Nosler Partitions for the bear hunt.