Has anyone loaded 30-06 with light bullets for short range?

[Chuck97]

Best groups I’ve gotten out of my 30-06 Bergara have been with 150 grain Speer hotcor flat base bullets over top 54.5 gr. IMR- 4451 seated long. I average 3/4” groups at 100 on sandbags.
They’re reasonably priced and actually do quite well on game. Bagged a 200 pound Alabama cull buck with that load last season.

I believe IMR discontinued that powder but it’s very similar to h-4350. Hanging on to my last pound just for use on game. If it was still available that would be my combination of choice for target shooting as well.

 

[MrK.]

Years ago.. like 50, I knew a guy that shot 110 grain hollow points for deer. I'm talking about the ones for 30 carbine. I was just a teenager and thought it was dumb.

 

[searcher]

Trying to get a good result at 100yds for a friend. His only rifle is a Rem 700, 30-06, with 10twist. The bullets I have on hand are 168gr.bt SMK, and 115gr. Berger target FB. Using Bergers twist rate calculator they both will stabilize very well. Getting close with the 168, two touching, third half inch away but on the same plane. He's learning but doesn't have wind flags yet and it's not a target rifle. Would a load worked up with the 115gr bullet do any better? He has a Sinclair Competition front rest and a forearm adaptor and a rear bag and a Sightron 42x scope. He's a retired welder which left his eyes a little wore out. He'll be getting a proper bench rest rifle in the spring. Just want to get him to have fun learning Anybody have any experience with light bullets?

Those 115-125 grain bullets would do him well at 100 yards. The reduced recoil is a plus. Makes it a bit more enjoyable getting in a lot of trigger time.

 

[smithpa68]

Another kudo for the Speer 125 TNT. I use them in my 30-06 Garand and they work pretty good and are not expensive. Light recoil too.

 

[SGT. Slaughter]

3006, load 54.0 grains of IMR 4064 with a 130 grain Speer HP and a 210M is a tac driver not to mention it's a deer killing machine. You won't be disappointed.