What's the Most Accurate .30-06 Ammo Out There?

Ammunition & Reloading
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Seeking the Best Accuracy with .30-06 Ammo

I’ve been doing some research on .30-06 ammunition, particularly for hunting purposes, and I’m looking for insights from fellow shooters and hunters about which brands and bullet types they have found to be the most accurate.

What I’m Looking For:

  • Types of Ammo: I’d love to hear what types of ammo you all use. Do you prefer soft point, hollow point, or something else?
  • Bullet Weights: I’m particularly curious about what bullet weights seem to perform best for accuracy in .30-06. Is there a weight that stands out for you?
  • Brand Recommendations: Are there any specific brands that you trust over others for reliable performance and accuracy?
  • Factory vs. Handloading: Do you find factory ammunition sufficient for your needs, or do you handload your rounds for improved performance?

A Bit of Background:

I’ve been using .30-06 for a couple of seasons now and while I’ve had some decent results, I feel like there’s a lot of potential to improve my accuracy. I’ve heard mixed reviews about different types of ammunition and I want to avoid wasting money on options that don’t deliver.

I’d appreciate any advice on what you’ve found works best in terms of accuracy at various ranges, and any experiences you have with specific loads. Thanks in advance for your help!

6 Likes
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I’m glad you brought this up! For precision shooting, I’ve found that the Federal Gold Medal Match ammunition consistently delivers tight groups. The 168 grain BTHP is particularly notable.

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I’ve used that ammo too, and it really shines at the range! For hunting, though, I’ve had good results with Nosler Partition for its stopping power.

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I prefer the 180 grain Hornady SST for hunting purposes. It’s a soft point, which expands nicely on impact and ensures good terminal performance on larger game.

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That’s a solid choice! The Hornady GMX line is another excellent option. It’s designed for deep penetration and expansion, which is vital for reliability.

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What do you all think about lead-free options? I’ve heard some states are enforcing non-lead ammo for hunting.

2 Likes
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That’s true! The Barnes TSX is a fantastic non-lead choice. It offers great accuracy and performance, especially if you’re considering hunting in restricted areas.

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I’ve been experimenting with off-brand ammo recently, and while some of it fails the reliability test, others performed surprisingly well. Anyone tried the PPU ammo?

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I have! It’s decent for the price, but I wouldn’t rely on it for serious precision shooting. Good for plinking, though.

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Exactly! When it comes to serious hunting or tactical applications, I always stick with trusted brands. What do you think of the 150 grain vs. 180 grain debate for deer hunting?

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I typically go with 180 grain for my hunts. It offers more knockdown power. But I can see the appeal of lighter bullets for flatter trajectories and less recoil.

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I lean towards the 150 grain myself; it allows me to reach out further. Have you noticed a big difference at longer distances?

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Definitely! The drop difference at 300 yards can be significant. But it often comes down to the individual rifle’s preferences too.

4 Likes
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Good point! Each rifle can behave differently. I’ve found that tweaking my scope settings makes a world of difference in my accuracy, regardless of bullet type.

7 Likes
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So true! I had a misaligned scope once, and it was a disaster. Better to double-check before heading out!

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I can’t be the only one who loves blasting away at the range just to test my favorites, can I? Ammo comparisons should be an Olympic sport!

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Haha, I agree! Though I think I’d come in dead last with my fine-tuning techniques. But hey, it’s always a fun day at the range regardless!

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What would be an ultimate combination of ammo and rifle for precision shooting in .30-06? Any recommendations from the pros?

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I’m really interested in this too! Testing .30-06 ammo can be tricky, but I find that consistency in your shooting environment is key. What methods do you all suggest for accuracy testing?

3 Likes
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I usually shoot groups at 100 yards and try a few different loads. It’s amazing how much your rifle’s preferences can vary!