30-06 on deer at close range ?

If you don't shoot Bambi in the eating part, devastation is irrelevant.

I've never aimed at a deer. I've always aimed at a particular place on a deer.

I've killed several hundred deer, to include several dozen with the 150gr Hornady .308" SPT. If you lose the deer, it WASN'T the bullets fault. Either you missed, or something else was in the way.

For your application, the Hornady is unequivocally THE best bullet. I prefer them to all (including the Nosler partition) others. The Sierra's are slightly more accurate and excellent for longer ranges, but the Interloks are a superior hunting bullet.

Watch for Midsouth or MidwayUSA to run blems on sale. Buy in quantity.
I also have, and use the .284" (7mm) 140's. got a BUNCH of blems several years ago.. lifetime supply.. Also 100gr .257's, my FAVORITE deer bullet, now discontinued.

I shot a large white-tail doe last year at about 40 yards using Remington Core-lokt 130 gr. She went down like I had hit her with a sledge hammer. When we field dressed her the top half of the heart was gone. I think the concern you have is needless.

OH, I forgot to mention it was a .270.

The .30-06 is boringly reliable on deer, and if the truth be told, honestly a little overkill for Bambi. It's not like you're slinging 150gr bullets out of a 300 Whompin' Stompin' Magnum at 3600 fps. You're well within the design envelope for that bullet, shoot them in the right spot and they'll die.... Quickly.

I've never aimed at a deer. I've always aimed at a particular place on a deer

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Very well said, sir!


I would be more worried about your optics/aiming. I like to have my scope dialed in at 100 yards, and have the use of the iron sights as well, for the occasional up-close shot. Not every mount lets you do this, and not every gun has iron sights. That being said, shot placement is key. Be sure that you are able to get your bullet into the boiler room at various distances.

You really need to do your home work. Learn more about what your talking about!

No problems with cartridge now shoot well and enjoy your deer.

I have shot dozens of deer using 150 gr soft points and 165 gr bt's. Never a problem with good shot placement. Most brands expand nicely. The problem with 180 grs is that if they are built for Elk or larger game they may exit before they get a chance to expand much. Use the proper bullet. they say on box now days what size game the bullet is for.
Anyway I have shot them from about six feet away to 300 yards. No problem. Best cartridge for deer ever.

If you don't shoot Bambi in the eating part, devastation is irrelevant.

I've never aimed at a deer. I've always aimed at a particular place on a deer.

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I agree totally. Didn't intend the post to mean it would tear up a deer. Meant that it is a fantastic choice. Shoot a deer in the shoulder with anything, even a handgun and you will destroy meat. Shoot them behind the shoulder and even a 300 mag wont destroy anything but ribs.

Just to cast the opinion of a hillbilly out there. The 06 with a 220gr. Bullet makes these Mississippi whitetails lay down and stay down. I don't like to hunt the same deer twice. Personally I think the shock of the slow,heavy projectile keeps them glued in their tracks. We seldom get a shot over 100 yards anyway. 150gr. Will do the job too but at the risk of the deer running 50 yards further

Lloyd Smale said:

I agree totally. Didn't intend the post to mean it would tear up a deer. Meant that it is a fantastic choice. Shoot a deer in the shoulder with anything, even a handgun and you will destroy meat. Shoot them behind the shoulder and even a 300 mag wont destroy anything but ribs.

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Well, I shoot at the top of the part I find the tastiest, but it happens to be the best aiming point on a deer.

I have shot a lot of deer under 100 yards and several under 30 yards with a 30-06. They don't go far. Most are bang flops. I like a 180 gr bullet. Most have been Core lokts or Fusions but I'll be using SSTs this year in my new 06 since it really likes them and TSX bullets.

150gr and 180gr Core lokt, have been killing all animals in north America since they were released.

I would not worry about a bullet failure with that cartridge at those ranges on that animal.

If you want to minimize meat loss, shoot them in the neck like Art or hit ro cage only OR use a tough bonded or monolithic bullet. Always pleasantly surprised at how much less meat is destroyed on shoulder/front leg shots with good bullets

Most of my shots at deer with my 06 have been under 60 yards (one as close as 15yards) with a 180gr bullet. most drop drt some run 30-40 yards then down.