.30-06 or .243 for Deer Hunt

[wolfpup]

Here is my situation and what I am thinking. I have a second season bull tag in Unit 551 and a second season buck tag in Unit 54. I am going to 54 opening weekend for the deer and I think I will load my .243 in a 100 grain softpoint for the occasion, but I will be toting my .30-06 loaded in a 180 softpoint for the elk. Another caveat is that I will be hunting antelope Oct 1 and won't have any time in between to go to the range and work up another load. I like the 180 grain for elk for closer distances, but have more comfort in a 165 grain bullet for the mid range shooting out to 300 yds. Would you stick with the .243 for the Deer and keep the .30-06 as backup, or just go with the tried and true .30-06? I handload all my rounds, so factory ammo is not a limitation. Any opinions are welcome and thanks in advance!

 

[MThuntr]

won't have any time in between to go to the range and work up another load

why not work up loads right now?

 

[N2TRKYS]

I would load that 30-06 with 165 grain Accubonds or Partitions and not give it a second thought.

 

[Bambistew]

I'd take the 06 with 180 or 165s and call it good. The difference in trajectory and terminal performance is very minor if even noticeable. Hard to argue the performace of a 165-180gr 30 cal.

 

[JohnCushman]

My 30-06 shoots 165 grain bullets very well and have killed elk and deer both with excellent results past 300 yards.

 

[Ben Lamb]

Do you want an amp that only goes to 10 when you can have one that goes to 11?

30-06 for me as well.

 

[6mm Remington]

Great to have two rifles along with one as a backup so I would take both. Use the 243 with a 100 gr. Partition or 90 gr. Accubond for the antelope/deer, and use the 30-06 with a 165 or 180 gr. Accubond or Partition for the elk. I use 165 gr. Accubonds or Partitions for everything in mine!

David

 

[Rooster52]

I have taken several deer withboth.In this situation I go with the 30-06.

 

[wolfpup]

Thanks for the reassurance .. I think your right with the 06.. It has never let me down.. I get super busy with work ( I am a CPA ) between 9/1 and 10/15 so my range time is limited .. I think I will just get some .243 loaded up for antelope and keep it as a spare for the deer / elk .. I have shot ever big game animal with my 06 since I was 14 years old so it is kind of sentimental but I won this .243 at the elk foundation dinner and I was looking forward to using it. I love the 06 .. Thanks for setting me straight!

 

[Southwind]

Take them both

 

[sbhooper]

I would load that 30-06 with 165 grain Accubonds or Partitions and not give it a second thought.

This. Out to 300 yards, there is very little difference in trajectory between the .243 and 30-06. Just know what the ballistics are for your load and go hunting. The .243 will work fine for deer, but I would depend on the 06 and take the .243 as a backup rifle.

 

[JMG]

I shoot a 30-.06 w/ 180 grain bullet. A 165 grain bullet will kill a deer and it will kill an elk, a 180 grain will kill a deer and it will kill an elk . . . . . . I would stay with one bullet weight for both deer or elk. I've shot my .06 for many years and I just have a feel for where it shoots at various distances. Again, pick a bullet and keep shooting it. IMO, you are over thinking it.

 

[wolfpup]

JMG I think your right .. The 180 grain just drops so much past 200 yards which is why I am shy to load with it after last years antelope season. I didn't have time to go to the range and I did not have a range finder .. I am going to load up some 165 grain and head for the hills!

 

[opslt79]

I think You've made the choice that I was leaning toward. A quality 165 grain load will do the job on all three animals. If you're dialed in and confident on making the shots, I'd stick with what you know!

 

[mtmuley]

I have a load for the Berger 168 grain Classic Hunter that is pretty dang flat shooting. Puts the hurt on deer, never used it on elk. Lots have though. mtmuley

 

[wolfpup]

mtmuley, care to share the load? I was loading a sierra gamking 180 gr BTSP with IMR 4350.

 

[mtmuley]

I'll check my notes and send you a PM. Just printed some drops with Sierra Infinity. Zero range is about 275 yards sighted 3 inches high at 100. mtmuley

 

[Wulffhunter]

Just bring the 06 and use it for it all, worrying about the gun should be minimal cuz you have too much invested in the hunt.. That's what I would do at least.

 

[Tjay]

That Sierra 180 SBT sighted in 2" high at 100 will be dead on at 200, 8" low at 300 and 23" low at 400.
A 165 Nosler AB will be 1.6 high at 100. dead on 200, 7" low 300 and 20" low 400.

These will vary a little depending on FPS and altitude.