Looking for Insights on 150 gr 30-06 Ballistics for Hunting

Ammunition & Reloading
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Introduction

I’m diving into the world of .30-06 ammunition and I’m specifically interested in understanding the ballistics of 150 grain bullets. I’ve heard this weight can be a perfect balance between trajectory and stopping power, especially for deer hunting. I’m hoping to gather some insights and personal experiences from others in the forum.

Key Considerations

When considering 150 gr .30-06 ballistics, here are some key factors I’m keen on:

  • Bullet Drop: How does the trajectory work at various distances? I’ve seen charts but I’m looking for real-world examples.
  • Energy Transfer: I’m curious about how different bullet types (ballistic tip, soft point, etc.) perform on impact.
  • Wind Drift: Given that we’re out there in various conditions, how much does the wind affect accuracy?

Comparison of Bullet Types

I’ve read some conflicting opinions online regarding different 150 grain bullet types. Does anyone have experiences with:

  • Ballistic Tip: Are they worth it for hunting? How do they compare with traditional soft points in terms of penetration and expansion?
  • Soft Point: I believe they are more forgiving in terms of performance on game, would anyone care to share their thoughts?

Real-World Experiences

It would really help to hear some first-hand experiences:

  • How do you feel about the performance of your chosen bullet at various ranges?
  • Any recommended brands or specific loads that have worked well for you?

Conclusion

In summary, I’m looking for any and all insights regarding the ballistics of 150 gr .30-06 bullets. Your experiences could help me make an informed choice for my next hunting trip. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

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I’ve been using 150 gr .30-06 for years. It offers a nice balance between velocity and stopping power, making it great for deer hunting.

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That’s great to hear! How do you feel it compares to 165 gr options in terms of recoil and effectiveness?

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150 grains is indeed versatile. However, I find 180 gr gives better penetration on larger game. But it does come with more recoil.

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That’s a valid point! But do you think the added recoil is worth it for typical deer hunting scenarios?

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It really depends on the distance. The 150 gr has an excellent flat trajectory, which is perfect for shots under 300 yards.

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I agree with wwilcox, especially for medium ranges. However, I wonder how much the grain difference actually affects long-range accuracy.

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That’s an interesting question. Generally, as weight increases, stability improves, but too much can mean a slower velocity.

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Exactly! Plus, the 150 gr seems to have less drop over distance. Makes it a joy to shoot at the range, too!

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And don’t forget about wind drift! Heavier bullets like 180 gr can be more affected by wind at distance, while 150 gr stays more predictable.

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That’s a good point! So for beginners, would you recommend starting with 150 gr?

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Definitely! Start with 150 gr. It’s forgiving and allows for effective shooting, which is perfect for learning.

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What about shooting in more challenging conditions? Would 165 gr perform better in the wind or rain?

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I’ve been using H4895 powder for my 150 gr .30-06 loads with great success. It gives a nice balance of velocity and accuracy. Anyone else had similar experiences?

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That’s awesome, avaughan! I’ve also had good results with IMR 4064. It seems to be a popular choice for .30-06 loads among hunters.

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H4895 and IMR 4064 are both solid options! Has anyone tried using Varget with 150 gr bullets? I’m curious about its performance.

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I’ve loaded Varget with 150 gr projects, and it shot well for me. The consistency in velocity was impressive!

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When it comes to accuracy, I must say that the Federal Fusion ammo in 150 gr is unparalleled in my experience. I’ve taken quite a few deer with it.

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I’ve heard good things about Fusion, but I recently had a poor experience with their brass. Any recommendations for reloading?

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For reloading, I’ve had the best luck with Nosler and Hornady bullets. Both offer excellent precision with 150 gr loads. What do you all think?