Best bullet wieght for 30-06 w/1-10" twist

[Randy1911]

Like the title says, What is the best bullet wieght for a 22" barrel with a 1-10" twist rate. I am new to reloading for the '06 and wanting to save some money on trying different bullet wieghts.I am using IMR 4350 and Varget. The rifle is a Rem. 700 ADL if that matters. After firing the first time I will be just neck size the brass Thanks for the help.

 

[USSR]

The beauty of the 1-10" twist in an '06 is, there is no one best bullet weight. You will probably find the bullet your rifle likes best will have a weight of between 150 and 200 grains, but a particular bullet's design, as well as your reloading technique, will be more of an accuracy determinate than bullet weight alone. Unfortunately, there is no substitute for load development.

Don

 

[Jim Watson]

What is the target?
What is the (longest) range?

100 - 200 yards, I have had fine shooting from the 130 gr Speer JHP.
Farther, I would go straight to a 175 gr Sierra MK or something similar.

Unless for hunting and then you have to consider expansion and penetration.

 

[Randy1911]

The distance I am shooting at 99% of the time is 100 yards. I plan to go deer hunting this fall, but the average shot where I hunt is usually 60-75 yard range I just thought it might be more important like it is with my 223. I have some 165gr, Hornady BTSP that I have loaded with a couple of different powder to try out this weekend. I will see how that goes.

 

[Doug b]

Like Jim said check out the Speer 130 gr. JHP it's puts deer down real well under 300 yrds.Seems to work best for me with IMR 4064 but Varget is a close second.

 

[243winxb]

Just about any hunting style bullet will work for you at under 100 yds. The 165 gr is good. If you have to take a going away shot on a trophy buck, you want the bullet to reach the chest cavity. So, 150 gr to 180 gr will do well in a 1-10 twist. I shot one with a 110gr using an 06 , dropped the buck where he stood. Not recommended to go that light.

 

[Randy1911]

Thanks for the help. I have a friend that has shot 11 deer with the Hornady 165gr. SST. He said the one that ran the most was only about 15 yards before it dropped. I was planning on using that bullet this fall.

 

[Ifishsum]

I'll second that - the Hornady SST 165 is a great bullet IMO. Very accurate and I've taken several deer and also a couple of elk with it. One caveat - at closer ranges and high velocity it could be a little explosive, I think it would cause a lot of bloodshot if you were to hit a meaty part of the animal. I always go for a heart/lung shot and it will do a number there, I've never had an animal go more than a few yards.

 

[NCsmitty]

IMO, a good quality 165gr is the best compromise of external ballistics for all around use in the 308 Win and the 30'06.



NCsmitty

 

[Kernel]

The Bowman Twist Equation (Google it, if you're curious) predicts you should be good with any bullet up to, and including, 250 grains.

 

[Randy1911]

I went to the range today. My load was a 165 gr. Hornady BTSP with 55.0 grs. of IMR 4350. I grouped a 5 shot group at 1-1/4" at 100 yards. I think I have found my load.