What grain for 30-06?

[backcountry_brad]

I recently got a Ruger American in 30-06 that I plan on using for bear this fall and don't know what grain ammo would be best for shooting out to 400-500 yds. Any advice is greatly appreciated

[capoeirajosh]

I am by no means an expert on the subject, but I am running a 180 grain through my 30-06 for bear. So far, I have shot them to 200 yards and they are working great. Going to head out whenever fire restrictions are lifted to shoot a farther distance.

[kidso]

I used 180 grain rounds for sighting in my .30-06 at 100 yards. Never shot further than about 10 yards at a bear before with that set-up.

[hunter72]

The 168gr bullet fly flat and will take any blackbear walking.I really like the accubond bullet.

[firstcoueswas80]

168 Barnes TTSX.

[STOMP442]

For the most energy possible shoot the heaviest grain bullet your gun likes. The 168 or 180s should work fine though.

[Norteno]

I used 180 grain rounds for sighting in my .30-06 at 100 yards. Never shot further than about 10 yards at a bear before with that set-up.

10 yds! You've got some Juevos Keith.

 

I use 168gr as an all around round from coues to elk in my -06 but would consider 180 for bear.

[kidso]

Not juevos, just lucky when calling. I am certainly scared to death with bears coming in that close, but I am too excited and pumped with adrenaline to process my fear until after the event.

 

Other than archery bear, I have moved up to a .300 win mag and 180 gr bullets for fall bear. Like Casey, I also prefer the Barnes TTSX line, but accubonds are great too.

[Guest akaspecials]

A 30-06 will do more than enough damage to kill a bear at that distance with anything from 150-180 grain. Just matters what shoots well out of your gun. Also, make sure you take drop into consideration. That round had terrible trajectory after a few hundred yards and my ballistic charts have always had to be home made since they don't match up wiht what the "experts" say it should be.

[ready2hunt]

180gr is your best choice. I pulled this 180gr out of the fur/shoulder of the bear in my avatar. Not the best shot but they can be tough animals. While 190gr is considered a "middle weight" bullet for the gun I wouldn't see any reason to go higher. You just ruin more meat. Good luck to you!

[452b264]

The 200 gr. Partition also works extremely well if your gun will shoot them accurately. I also like the 168 gr. TTSX, they penetrate about the same.

[Havasuhunter]

165 or 180 will kill any black bear. My 30-06 likes 180s better.

[.270]

whatever your rifle likes. bears usually aren't real big, even the biggest very seldom pass 400 lbs. they don't have real thick hide and if hit well, die quickly. i don't think any particular bullet style has any advantage over others. i wouldn't use a el 'splodo hollowpoint, but that's kinda apparant. biggest thing most folks dont understand is how a bear is built. picture a man on his hands and knees. they have a flat, broad chest like humans, not a deep narrow chest like deer, elk and goats and other animals most folks are used to to shooting. have to shoot accordingly. Lark.

[backcountry_brad]

Thanks everyone for the input. I'm gonna get some 168 and 180 grain Barnes and see which one my gun shoots better

[firstcoueswas80]

Barnes actually with the best if you step down a level... If that makes any sense... You'll privacy have better terminal results running the 168 over the 180. I've found velocity to be your friend when using Barnes bullets.