30-06 loads/ Hornady BTHP for deer?

Jim1187

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 7, 2020
Location
New Brunswick, Canada
Picked up a 30-06 model 70 extreme weather for an excellent deal and looking for some load advice. Any of the Hornady bthp worth it as a cheap range/hunting option? The .243 105 is a good performer from my experience. Same question regarding Barnes match burners.

Possible bonus of factory primed brass being available to me, saving my precious large rifle primer stash since they're still sporadically available at best.
 
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Great cartridge, just don't overthink it. Get some practice bullets of your choice and zero with the hunting bullet before heading to the field.
 
I have the model 70 extreme tungsten in 06 and have had good luck with hornady 180 gn interlocks using 54.0 gn of rl-17, sub 1" group .030 off the lands..
 
You've edited the original post? You were asking about other bullets and hoping to use gold dots for moose. At this point my response doesn't make much sense after the edit.

Good luck!
 
IMR 4350 and Berger 168 gr. Classic Hunter for a do all load. Same powder and Hammer 165 gr. for deep penetration if that's your need.
 
You've edited the original post? You were asking about other bullets and hoping to use gold dots for moose. At this point my response doesn't make much sense after the edit.

Good luck!
I realized from your post I had included too much information. My main hope is to establish if the .30 cal Hornady bthp have any merit as a hunting projectile from the '06. I Know the .243 105 is a pretty good deer bullet as well as a reasonably priced range projectile.
I have enough moose and federal fusion experience to be comfortable with the 165 or 168 goldot from the old warhorse for moose, assuming that accuracy is there.
 
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I realized from your post I had included too much information. My main hope is to establish if the .30 cal Hornady bthp have any merit as a hunting projectile from the '06. I Know the .243 105 is a pretty good deer bullet as well as a reasonably priced range projectile.
I have enough moose and federal fusion experience to be comfortable with the 165 or 168 goldot from the old warhorse for moose, assuming that accuracy is there.
I have a m70 extreme weather in 30-06, I’ve shot a lot of 180 and 165g nosler bullets through it with good success.
 
A lot of good powders for the round. I have used IMR4895, IMR4350, RL19, Varget and some others. I like the 168gr Sierra MK and Hornady BTHP for plinking. Cheap and easy to make accurate loads.
 
I've not been shy about mono's. Superb results and allow hard angle shots.

130 TTSX at top loading manual speed is flat shooting and devastating on the receiving end from pronghorn to elk. At elk hunting elevation it carries 2200 fps out past 520 yds.
 
IMR 4350 and any bullet your barrel likes so try a few. 150 Sierra spitzer for open ground or 180 Sierra round nose for the woods for deer.
 
IMR4350 or H4350

165 gr. Nosler Accubond - Partition
Use the 165 gr. Ballistic Tip as your practice round. Not too bad on game in it's own right. I just prefer the Accubond or the Partition.

168 gr. E-tip if you want a great mono bullet.
 
W760 and 150 gr Sierra Pro Hunter at about 2,900 fps.

I've got a mid-80's Model 70 SS and plastic version that absolutely loves the above load.
 
I have a newer model 70 supergrade and it's been the hardest thing for me to load. The best I've got are 165gr accubonds with 53.5gr of H4350. Have a couple 0.5" groups but its not consistent. That's such a weak load for that rifle I'm not pursing it any longer. It wouldn't shoot factory ammo for shit either.

It's my life's goal to find somerhing it likes at this point.
 


I use 180 Partitions and Hunter.
 
I would say the 30-06 is one of my favorite hunting rounds just due to it working so well. Honestly I'd be looking into some Speer 165ish HotCor or BTSP if you're looking to shoot inexpensive bullets. Economical and has worked for longer than I've been alive.

If you're dead set on using a target bullet for deer then just load and test it! Sounds like your set on the bthp, so give it a go. Bergers aren't far off from a standard 168. Make sure you clean and open all the HP and shoot straight. Deer aren't tanks. Shot placement matters more with a 30-06 then bullets, as long as a modicum of common sense is used. (30-06 with 55gr accelerator isn't gonna cut it!)
 
Lol, I don't know how many people around here remember the 55 grain accelerator...

I enjoy eating the animals, not trimming away bloodshot and unedible tissue in large amounts. Also want the option of harder angle shots when they are presented. As such the hollow point/frangible bullet on live game isn't my cup of tea.

They are great for those who don't mind trimming bloodshot meat and are okay with limiting shot angles in the field on animals that don't always present a good angle.
 
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