I've shot 147gr, 150gr, 165/168gr, 175gr, 180gr and 200gr bullets from the 30-06 and it's just my opinion the 165/168gr bullet is best. IMO that bullet maintains a straighter trajectory than the heavier bullets but still has a solid punch when it gets there. Any of the bullet weights I listed above are fine but I use 165/168gr bullets for everything in a 30-06. I will change the bullet type for different applications, a match bullet for targets, a Ballistic Tip or GameKing for deer size game and a Nosler Partition or other premium bullet for big bone thick skinned game.