30-06 load questions

[cadams8257]

I will be going on my first South African Hunt next spring (Plains Game). I will be taking a Ruger American 30-06 (22 in barrel, 1:10 twist). My main load for that gun is 165 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip (average 2500 FPS). My question is this satisfactory round to take. I am currently looking at Blue Wildebeest, Impala, and Warthog. Might add more, depending on money.

I also have a box of Hornady 178 gr ELD-X. I have thought about developing a load using this round, but I only have IMR 4895 and Varget for powders. I have checked my Hornady 9th and 10th edition books, but cannot find a Min/Max for either of these powders. Can someone help me with that information? Also, will this round be satisfactory (as long as my gun likes it).

Thanks in advance,

Chris

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

If you were hunting Coues deer that we have here in AZ, the 165gr BT would be a good choice. For Africa and larger game, it would not be my choice. Just too fragile for larger tougher game.

 

[postoak]

I would not use the ballistic tip on the game you mentioned. I'd recommend something like the Barnes TTSX.

 

[cadams8257]

I would not use the ballistic tip on the game you mentioned. I'd recommend something like the Barnes TTSX.

I apologize in advance, I have a couple of follow up questions. Isn't the Barnes TTSX a ballistic tip bullet? What grain do you recommend?

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I apologize in advance, I have a couple of follow up questions. Isn't the Barnes TTSX a ballistic tip bullet? What grain do you recommend?

It is a ballistic tip bullet, but behind the tip it’s VERY different. It will hold together and typically not blow up like a Nosler BT.

The Nosler would be fine on impala, but not so much on a Blue WB, kudu, waterbuck or anything of that size.

 

[fourfive8]

^^ Heed the recommendations in the above posts. I've seen it too often with the Nosler Ballistic Tip. They can be very very accurate but are not good hunting bullets. They tend to fracture lengthwise and make erratic turns during penetration thus may not penetrate well or in a straight line. Use a tougher, proven bullet. Barnes TSX or TTSX, Swift A-Frame, TBBC or even the Nosler Partition would be better. Right now you may have to shell out more money for good bullets but the cost of success vs failure has to be considered. Don't know enough about the ELD-X to say one way or the other.

As to the TTSX compared to the Nosler Ballistic Tip? No comparison...two different critters... apples to oranges. The Nosler Ballistic Tip is simply their old Solid Base renamed. It is a simple non-bonded, cup and core bullet with a thin tapered jacket up front with a plastic tip and solid base. The Barnes TTSX is a solid copper banded monolithic bullet with a hollow point that has a plastic tip inserted.

 

[cadams8257]

It is a ballistic tip bullet, but behind the tip it’s VERY different. It will hold together and typically not blow up like a Nosler BT.

The Nosler would be fine on impala, but not so much on a Blue WB, kudu, waterbuck or anything of that size.

Thank you for the information. I have been reloading for a while, but I am pretty naive when it comes to loading new/different rounds.

 

[C.W. Richter]

Nosler partitions or swift-a-frames would be perfect and the partitions are just fine on non-dangerous game. As stated above use a heavier bullet with a higher SD like a 180 200 or even 220 grain. The lower SD 165 is a great bullet for thinner skin deer and antelope at longer range. The tried and trusted IMR 4350 generally shows the greatest consistency in the 06 case. My son and I have used 200 to 220 grain partitions on combined deer and black bear hunts as well as on plains game. Thinner jacketed lighter low SD long range quasi-target bullets are not ideal for modest range PG shots in Africa.

 

[flatwater bill]

When I was a kid, loads for the 165 grainer often listed 49.0 and even 49.5 grains of IMR 4895. I always found them too hot for my rifles. Even though I much prefer 4350 for bullets heavier than 150 grains, 47.0 grains of IMR 4895 always proved safe, and accurate for Sierra 165 GK's.......Be cautious................FWB

 

[JimP]

I would look to see if I could find some 165 or 168 grain Barnes TTSX Bullets. Being a monolithic bullet they will hit like 180-200 grain cup and core bullets.

Those Hornady ELD-X bullets will work but you may have fun finding the powder to go with them. Hopefully things will change as far as supply of bullets and powder in the near future but I wouldn't bet on it.

 

[mark-hunter]

Dont use ballistic tip for tough game. Ballistic tip is rapid expansion and low penetration.
TTSX is good choice, as it is mentioned above. Also - Nosler partitions, and swift a frame.
All those are known as "premium" bullets, specific technology for the bullet to keep controlled expansion and penetration.

Depending what your rifle will like, try to find bullet as heavy as possible of these three. 18o grains is gold standard for 30-06, but if you can find heavier, with good accuracy, it will be even better

 

[RockSlinger404]

I have to respectfully disagree with the above. I currently shoot 168gr TTSX out of my 30-06 and will likely migrate to the 165gr Nosler BT. The TTSX performs well, however I have always had a lack of blood trail. Shot placement is more important than bullet construction. You definitely don’t need a premium bullet for impala and wharthog. Wildebeest are tough.

 

[shark_za]

I have to respectfully disagree with the above. I currently shoot 168gr TTSX out of my 30-06 and will likely migrate to the 165gr Nosler BT. The TTSX performs well, however I have always had a lack of blood trail. Shot placement is more important than bullet construction. You definitely don’t need a premium bullet for impala and wharthog. Wildebeest are tough.

Not if you dont intend to eat what you shoot.
Nosler Ballistic Tips are not hunting bullets, they are varmint rounds. Even if they market them as "hunting". Hunting Deer, where you can reliably slip them in behind the shoulders, maybe.
Quatering Impala in thick bush at 60m. No thanks.

 

[PARA45]

Like others have said, don't use Nosler BT in Africa, specially if you are hunting some of the bigger antelopes. I used 180 grs Accubonds in Africa and worked wonderfully. I developed my load for my 06 with IMR 4350.

 

[Ryan]

You'd be much better off if you can find either a 165/168 monometal bullet such as the Barnes TTSX (my choice in my 30-06 for two hunts to Namibia) or a bonded 180 grain bullet such as the Nosler Accubond or Swift Scirocco 2. All of those will perform well with either of those powders and for those species mentioned. The tough part is finding them right now. Thankfully you already have two good powders on hand.

 

[shootist~]

Just got back last night from PG hunt with a 22" Tikka 30-06. 180 grain Swift A-Frames at 2,750 worked well. See pics below. Nine animals and only two required a finisher. Kudu quartering slightly to me was 225 Yds and bullet went through low shoulder / heart and was a pass thru behind shoulder on off side. Ran 30 Yds.

One of our PHs really likes the 165 Barnes in a 308W at about the same (2500 ish FPS) you get.

Top bullet is My 180 AF, Frontal Chest Shot - a little left of center on a BWB at ~60 Yards at last light. Did not run far, but still standing. (But took us a while to find him.)
Retained weight 169.5 grains = 94.2%.
Two quick finishers (guide took these after dark thirty with a 375) from very close range. Guess he did not want to take a chance of....something.....even though I was right there.

Zebra :Bottom bullet recovered against offside skin after a hit behind the shoulder and a little high as he spun 180* to vacate the area. Ran 200 Yds and dead. Lung shot, but not a perfect hit. Retained 176.6 grains = 98.1%

Edit: These are my reloads using H-4350.

IMHO the 165 Barnes or the 180 A-Frame are two top choices.

 

[Bert the Turtle]

You'd be much better off if you can find either a 165/168 monometal bullet such as the Barnes TTSX (my choice in my 30-06 for two hunts to Namibia) or a bonded 180 grain bullet such as the Nosler Accubond or Swift Scirocco 2. All of those will perform well with either of those powders and for those species mentioned. The tough part is finding them right now. Thankfully you already have two good powders on hand.

Check midway. I saw a bunch of good bullets available in stock last night. Some even on sale!

If they are already sold out and you get in a bind, I have a few boxes of 168g TSX (not tipped- have had them a while) I’ll let you have for pre-Covid price.

 

[gordon kings langley]

Hi
Shoot over 300 cull animals is Sa. Have only used Barnes TSX 180 gn good.
Even better Nosler partition 200 gn

 

[IvW]

I will be going on my first South African Hunt next spring (Plains Game). I will be taking a Ruger American 30-06 (22 in barrel, 1:10 twist). My main load for that gun is 165 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip (average 2500 FPS). My question is this satisfactory round to take. I am currently looking at Blue Wildebeest, Impala, and Warthog. Might add more, depending on money.

I also have a box of Hornady 178 gr ELD-X. I have thought about developing a load using this round, but I only have IMR 4895 and Varget for powders. I have checked my Hornady 9th and 10th edition books, but cannot find a Min/Max for either of these powders. Can someone help me with that information? Also, will this round be satisfactory (as long as my gun likes it).

Thanks in advance,

Chris

Bad idea rather look for a 180gr Swift A frame load.....using what you want on BWB, in the scope might well be the last time you see it....

 

[JimP]

Midway has some 30 caliber 165 grain Barnes TTSX available right now

Barnes Tipped Triple-Shock X (TTSX) Bullets 30 Cal (308 Diameter) 165

The Tipped TSX features a 100-percent copper body with rings cut into the shank. A polymer tip boosts the ballistic coefficient, improves long-range...

www.midwayusa.com