Lighter bullets for the .30-'06

[DeadFlies]

This is related to another thread I started so please, bear with me on this one. I thought about combining these two threads but, I think the two issues are different enough to merit separate threads.

On to the issue at hand...

I want to use some Sierra 125 grain JHP/FN bullets in my Savage Axis (22" barrel, 1:10 twist) .30-'06 rifle. The plan is to push them to about 3000fps for deer hunting and maybe some 100 yard paper-punching.

Is this bullets too light for said velocity? Will I lose accuracy going so light?

Also, I know these bullets are designed for tubular mags but, is the bullet also constructed to expand at 30-30 velocities?

Thanks

 

[Woolecox]

This is related to another thread I started so please, bear with me on this one. I thought about combining these two threads but, I think the two issues are different enough to merit separate threads.

On to the issue at hand...

I want to use some Sierra 125 grain JHP/FN bullets in my Savage Axis (22" barrel, 1:10 twist) .30-'06 rifle. The plan is to push them to about 3000fps for deer hunting and maybe some 100 yard paper-punching.

Is this bullets too light for said velocity? Will I lose accuracy going so light?

Also, I know these bullets are designed for tubular mags but, is the bullet also constructed to expand at 30-30 velocities?

Thanks

Well the only way to know for sure is to work up some loads and test them at the range. In general, I have gotten the best accuracy and long range performance out of my 308's using 175 Berger VLDH for hunting and SMK 175 for match. Around 2700 fps from a 26" barrel.

I would think pushing a bullet that much faster is going to cause barrel to foul sooner and life to decrease. How much? Who knows?

Why do you want to use these light bullets?

 

[dmazur]

My Sierra Manual shows 3000 fps for several different powders with a 125 gr SPT. Varget is listed as an accuracy load at 3100 fps.

It doesn't show anything about expansion, so without a specific answer from Sierra, I'd probably use the #2120 bullet instead of the #2020 bullet.

The BC isn't listed either, but the SPT has to be better than the HP/FN.

Any particular reason for choosing the #2020? (Like, already have a couple hundred...)

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I shoot 110 V-Max, bullets at a conservative 3000 fps in a .06. My workup groups well and does a number on groundhogs with modest recoil....Of course, they aren't good for deer like the OP wants.

 

[rcmodel]

You would be better served with a 125-130 grain spitzer or HP designed for that kind of velocity.

I have killed a ton of coyotes with the Sierra and Hornady HP spitzers in that weight.

Your 30-06 1/10 twist will accurately handle 110 HP to 220 RN bullets.

But a Spitzer SP or HP designed for varmints and small deer will handle the velocity better then a light 30-30 bullet designed to perform at 500+ less velocity on small varmints.

rc

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I loaded up 5 different 30-06 loads using a 110gr bullet a few years back before I bought a 223 bolt action rifle. I never did shoot those rounds but I wish I did so I could share the information. I think I made 10 or 12 of each with different powders and charge weights. I really should dig them out and send them downrange and over a chrono.

 

[rcmodel]

Back in the day my only varmint rifle was a two-groove barrel 03a3 Springfield sporter I built myself in 1962.

According to my records?
It would put 110 grain Sierra HP's in 1" 5-shot groups.

125 Sierra's in 1 1/4".

150 Sierra 30-30 bullets went about 1 1/2".

rc

 

[41 Mag]

Many years ago we played around a little with some lighter bullets in our 03A3's. We found that around the 130gr marks was about as light as we could get with good accuracy.

Around 10 years or so back I went through a similar test with my Ruger in .308 looking for something the grandson could use. After shooting up several different 110 and 125gr bullets I found similar results in the 130's worked out the best.

You might get much better performance than I did driving them faster. We weren't running them much over 2500fps as they were simply going to be used for small game, and shots on hogs not exceeding 50yds.

 

[DeadFlies]

My Sierra Manual shows 3000 fps for several different powders with a 125 gr SPT. Varget is listed as an accuracy load at 3100 fps.

It doesn't show anything about expansion, so without a specific answer from Sierra, I'd probably use the #2120 bullet instead of the #2020 bullet.

The BC isn't listed either, but the SPT has to be better than the HP/FN.

Any particular reason for choosing the #2020? (Like, already have a couple hundred...)

I want to use the 2020s because I have some (80) and, jacketed bullets at a sane price are unavailable right now. They're aren't ideal but they are what I have on hand.

Thanks for the advice all.

Sounds like accuracy won't suffer much, if any.

 

[critter]

I have a couple of experiences that may be of interest to you.

I use 125 gr Nosler BT's in my super 14" Contender in 30-30 for a deer load. I have taken deer from 5 yards to 175 yards with it and it does REALLY well. Plenty of penetration and lots of expansion.

I have used 150 gr flat nosed (for the 30-30) bullet out of my 30-06 at 'full speed'. They work like varmint bullets and will absolutely explode lil critters.

I would venture that the flat nosed bullets at your lower velocities would work quite well as that is likely near the velocity for which they were designed.

Nice project to play with. Good luck.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I've shot a lot of deer and several pigs with the 125gr FNHP from a .30/30 at ~2,500-2,600fps.
It'll hold together better than you'd think. Sierra in it's manual specifically states that it was built with a thicker jacket and harder alloy to make it a superior "big-game" bullet than typical for the specific weight in .30cal.

You didn't specify a powder; I'd recommend either IMR3031 or H4895 for your application, however, IMR4064 works really well also.

Lee and Hodgdon have some reduced loads for 125-130gr bullets, btw.
However, your stated velocities are in the range of recomended starting loads for that bullet weight in the '06.

When I've run those weights through an '06, I've always seen excellent accuracy. However, no so with the 110's. That's why they aren't available anymore.
If you can ever get some 125gr Remington PtSpt "Corlokts", they're fablous at ~3,000fps. Perform essentially same as as 150gr but slightly less recoil.

 

[R.W.Dale]

My ruger 30-06 likes the devil out of 125f Sierra pro hunter spitzers. Of which I have a 1000+.


On boiler room shots out to 200yds they're absolutely devastating to deer.

My load is appx 3100 fps over a charge of varget

 

[DeadFlies]

I've shot a lot of deer and several pigs with the 125gr FNHP from a .30/30 at ~2,500-2,600fps.
It'll hold together better than you'd think. Sierra in it's manual specifically states that it was built with a thicker jacket and harder alloy to make it a superior "big-game" bullet than typical for the specific weight in .30cal.

You didn't specify a powder; I'd recommend either IMR3031 or H4895 for your application, however, IMR4064 works really well also.

Lee and Hodgdon have some reduced loads for 125-130gr bullets, btw.
However, your stated velocities are in the range of recomended starting loads for that bullet weight in the '06.

When I've run those weights through an '06, I've always seen excellent accuracy. However, no so with the 110's. That's why they aren't available anymore.
If you can ever get some 125gr Remington PtSpt "Corlokts", they're fablous at ~3,000fps. Perform essentially same as as 150gr but slightly less recoil.

Currently these bullets are loaded over 31.5 grains (actually a 2.2cc scoop. I hate weighing charges) of H4895 for my 30-30. I'll probably take most of them apart and use both the powder and bullets for my '06.

I know they'll do fine out of the 30-30 but I want something to shoot out of my new rifle and I don't want to buy bullets and powder when I have suitable components on hand. The 30-30s (Win M94 and a Savage 340) are going to be relegated to cast-only duties anyway.

 

[DeadFlies]

My ruger 30-06 likes the devil out of 125f Sierra pro hunter spitzers. Of which I have a 1000+.


On boiler room shots out to 200yds they're absolutely devastating to deer.

My load is appx 3100 fps over a charge of varget

Sounds like a great load. I may try that combo after I shoot up all my H4895 and JHPFN bullets.

 

[floydster]

100gr. Sierra plinkers over 43 grs. Reloader 7 in my Mauser 30-06

 

[Kachok]

The most experienced deer hunter I know LOVES 125gr Sierra Pro Hunters in his 30-06. Sadly his friend who loaded them for him died and did not leave his recipe for me to mimic, I would try to work them up but I don't trust that ragged out Remington auto loader as far as I can throw it.

 

[gibble888]

H-4895 reduced recoil works great in all my 30-06's from my 10 year old sons with 125gr to my 150 sst toned down cuz of my bum shoulder.

 

[Doug b]

Every 06 I've shot liked the speer 130 gr.HP and IMR 4064.

 

[YunGun]

Straight from Sierra's website:

https://www.sierrabullets.com/store/product.cfm/sn/2020/308-dia-30-30-125-gr-HP-FN

Though designed for the 30-30 cartridge, the use of these bullets is not restricted to that cartridge. In fact, these bullets are very effective in any 30 caliber cartridge if a muzzle velocity level of 2500 to 2600 fps is not exceeded.

https://www.sierrabullets.com/store/product.cfm/sn/2120/308-dia-125-gr-SPT

https://www.sierrabullets.com/store/product.cfm/sn/2110/308-dia-110-gr-HP-30-cal

It will withstand exceptionally high velocities and can be loaded in all 30 caliber cartridges, including magnums

Sounds like the #2020 125gr FNHP isn't rated for the velocity you're going for so the #2110 110gr JHP would be a better choice if you're stuck on 3k+ fps.

 

[DeadFlies]

I'm not really stuck on any particular velocity but, I am stuck on these bullets since I have 60 of them ready to load.

That info from Sierra about appropriate velocity with the 2020 is good to know. Maybe I won't push these too hard.

 

[ssyoumans]

Check out the BC on that bullet. It is like a flying brick. I've shot them out of my 30-30 at 2500fps. Anything past 150 yards and the wind really pushes them around and they slow down really fast, so your scope settings will have to change significantly for the 80 shots.

That said, many have reported they work well on deer. I'd use them if I didn't have anything else, but they won't fly like your pointy bullets.