In 30-06, 180-gr. Winchester XP3 worked perfectly for an elk, so should I change ammunition for smaller game?

Question

I am thinking of going to 150-grains for deer sized game (either Hornady SST, Remington Sciroccos or even Accutip, Winchester Supreme, or Federal Fusion)...they won't be as expensive

Answer 1

Yeah, probably need a different round, buddy, but not necessarily smaller.
When dealing with the higher-end ammo, companies design each type of round they make to penetrate so many inches and expand so much, based on what type of animal the round is designed for...a deer load exands fairly quickly in a deer, while, in an elk, they tend to exand, too quickly, and not penetrate quite like they should. On the other hand, a elk load in a deer will likely blow right through and never expand.

If you're gonna stick with top-shelf ammo, I personally LOVE the Hornady SST, but Federal Premium-not the fusion-makes a great, consistant round.

Answer 2

Winchester Xp3 30-06

Answer 3

You should have shells left right. If you're worried about the money just use those. But it depends on how long your shot will typically be for deer where you are. Here in WI, MOST whitetail overall are taken between 50-80 yards and the 180 grain load would be perfect due to a bit more knockdown on the energy scale. If you plan on hunting big fields or corridors, like in Texas you may want a smaller load (150 to 168 grain) for better, flatter performance. I'd stick with the 180. If you're taking smart shots and hitting the vitals, it shouldn't matter. I've used Rem Accutips in 168 grain in .30-06 since they came out. Winchester's Ballistic Silvertips are good too.

Answer 4

The XP3 bullet is a controlled expansion bullet intended for larger or thick skinned animals. it would not be appropriate in any weight for a white tail deer. Such a bullet would not expand properly and most likely would completely penetrate the deer and exit without expanding. This will reslut in injuured and lost game. Not what an ethical hunter would want. You will be fine with a 150 grain bullet but choose a more rapidly expanding design such as one of the Hornady ballistic tips. There is a foumula for calculating the most accurate bullet weight for your particular rifle based upon the twist rqte of the barrel. In general, most rifles in .30-06 caliber shoot a 162 grain bullet most accurately. Unfortunately, not many bullet manufacturers make a hunting bullet weighing 162 grains. The bullet weight closest to it is the 150 grain bullet. Therefore, my advice is to use 150 grain ballistic tip ammo when hunting deer sized game.

Answer 5

If the rifle is hitting where you are aiming with the 180 grain load there's no reason to change ammo for deer. The heavier bullet will cause less meat damage and the deer will be just as dead.

Answer 6

I would not change it if you lower your grain and at one point you spot a deer at a further distance you will be hitting yourself on the head saying why did I change ammo.30-06 180-gr has good velocity with good stopping power good for 200yards plus

Answer 7

I stay in "Heavy" hide interior the Northeast and prefer the a hundred and eighty grain gentle center loc bullets. I dont take any photos over one hundred yards, so a lighter bullet doesnt help with bullet drop. there's a chart that shows what animals the XP3 must be used on and that i think of its the ideal for "easy" skinned animals. Shoot em' up.

Answer 8

a 150 gr bullet won't mushroom as much as the 180 gr bullet; who wants to shoot a deer and blow away half the meat on the other side? happy hunting!

Answer 9

YOU PICKED THE PERFECT CALIBER FOR ANYTHING IN NORTH AMERICA. THE 180 GR. WOULD BE OVERKILL ON WHITETAIL DEER. THE FEDERAL FUSION IS A GREAT ECONOMICAL ROUND. JUST REMEMBER, YOU WILL HAVE TO RE-SIGHT THE GUN IN FOR THE LIGHTER BULLET.

Answer 10

I use 180gr. for deer. There is little tracking to do.