Choosing ammo questions: T3 LSS 30-06sprg

[84jeepj10]

 I've been breaking myself in on the rifle with Korean 165grn FMJ just to get the feel of the rifle and plink, actually can get some pretty good groups out of it, but I need to choose some hunting ammunition soon to work with and sight in. Here's what I got:

Tikka T3 Light Stainless Left-Hand 30-06sprg
  Weaver Classic V-10 in 2-10x38mm scope on factory aluminum rings
  Limbsaver recoil pad

 I've been told that this rifle generally likes 165grn the best across the board, what's you're opinion? With this rifle specifically, what are your experiences with different factory loads? I'm looking for an all around game load, not larger than mule deer, cheap (about $20.00 or less a box in store), readily available, consistant reliable and accurate performance. I stalk hunt, don't like sitting still long. I hunt in heavily wooded areas but come across lots of long open areas and fields, but I'm not counting on pushing out past 300yds if I can help it.

 I've considered Federal Fusion, Winchester Super-X, Sellier and Bellot with Sierra GameKing (would have to mail-order though), all in 165grn. Was I told wrong or right in your experience about the 165grn thing? What bullet(s) do you like best in your rifle (T3 LSS 30-06sprg)?

[Zachary]

Factory premium or semi-premium ammo for under $20 a box?  Your asking for a lot.  You get get conventional loads for about that price, but not much more.

Close to that price, I would recommend Hornady loads with the interlock bullet.  They are conventional bullets with an interlock ring, so I and others consider this bullet to be "better" than a standard conventional bullet like the remington core-lokt and winchester power points.  I must say that I am also a fan of the 165 grain Sierra GameKing too.

Your best bullet would probably be the good ole Nosler Partition.  Out of the premium loads, this bullet is the least expensive, and I know that Federal offers it in 165 grain.

You may also want to take a look at PMC ammo with the 165 grain Barnes X bullet (although now it may be the TSX bullet).  It's one heck of a tough bullet.

There are other premium choices: trophy bonded, swift-a-frame, nosler accubond, Hornady Inter-Bond, etc., but they are also going to be noticeably more expensive than $20 a box.

Zachary

[Rev Buck]

I have a T3 Hunter in .30-06 and have tried a variety of factory loads.  Mine does seem to like the 165 grain loads the best and shoots very well with several different loads.  The Federal Premium Nosler Partition is a great load but you can't get it for less than $20.  Believe it or not one of my favorite loads is the Winchester silver box 165 grain sp.  This will shoot cloverleaf groups at 50, less than one inch at 100, and is available over the counter almost everywhere for a reasonable price.  I shot a buck with it last December and the results were very impressive.  For deer-sized game I am very satisfied with this.  For larger game I have decided on the Federal Premium High Energy load which shoots a 180 grain Nosler at 2880 fps.  Hope this helps.
Blessings,
Rev

[Old English]

Well I don't own a Tikka in 30-06 but..... A big green product in the same caliber. Mine shoots 165gr better than any other weight of bullet. The many, many reviews of many makes of rifle in 30-06 , all seem to find 165gr is the most accurate. But..... Do yourself a big favor, start reloading!!! Basic reloading gear is inexpensive and you will very soon save yourself a lot of $$$$$. I put it off for years and I wish I hadn't. It is not difficult, gives better performance and you will save a fortune.

[84jeepj10]

Thanks for the help. I want to start reloading, and I know right now Lee has their Anniversary reloading starter kit for under $70. But I'm having a hard time convincing the wife of it's practicality and that I'll save alot of money down the road. I'm hoping that after she lets me buy 2-3 box's of ammo, each being about $20 or more she'll start to see things my way .

Still nobody knows anything about Sellier and Bellot? I can find their 165grn loads in Barnes TSX (Triple-X) in the US but I'm not sure if anyone carries their 165grn Sierra GameKing ammo. Prices for those loads from my research says they're about $15.00 or less a box! But are hard to find and usually have to special order through a dealer. First hand info would be helpful.

[tiecampdeerslayer]

I have the T3 with the laminated stock.  30-06 and mine loves the 165 gr. Federal Fusion.  They are extremely accurate.  I took a 7 pt. and a 205 lb 6 pt. this past season with great results from this bullet.  I would definitely try this ammo first.....

[Buckfever]

I have a T3 Laminate in 30-06 and it shoots 180gr Barnes TSX , Federal Premiums like match ammunition.  If you find you need a Elk bullet or large Canadian Whitetails you will be amazed if it shoots like mine!   Thanks   Bob

[Tikkabuck]

 My 06' seems to do the best with 165 gr,handloads  store bought it don't seem to matter it just likes 165's for some reason.

[84jeepj10]

My research says that the 1 in 11" twist rate in 30-06sprg Tikka's and Sako's is designed specifically for 165grn rounds, or bullets with a muzzle velocity of around 2700 fps. It has to do with the overall length of the bullet, so a 1 in 11" twist on a 165grn bullet traveling about 2700 fps gives the bullet optimal RPM to stabilize it.

[A.J.]

Just my own 2 cents. I just bought a Tikka T3 Lite in .308 but haven't shot it yet. If you're considering reloading, it is a lot of fun and gives you a sense of satisfaction making your own ammo...BUT...You need to give serious consideration to how much you actually shoot before investing a lot of money in reloading equipment. I reloaded for awhile, then realized I just don't shoot that much. A box of ammo will last me 15 years or more. As for factory ammo, in 30-06 caliber 165 grain bullets, you'll find the lower priced core-lokt and winchester power point bullets are not only very accurate, but will perform just fine for what you're wanting to use it for. Of course if I was investing a lot of money to go hunt Elk, it would be worth the money for premium barnes-X's or something similar (180 gr)....Just my 2 cents.

[longwinters]

If you are looking for ammo at $20.00 or less a box, you'd better make up your mind and buy soon.  I was told at one of my favorite sporting goods (hunting/fishing) stores that they have been told by the company they buy all of their ammo and reloading supplies from that factory ammo will be going up as much as 50%.  Just look at the jump in reloading supplies and I think they were not jerking my chain.

Long

[84jeepj10]

Thanks. Started reloading and hit the right load right off the bat! Got lucky.

Load: 30-06 Sprg
165grn Nosler Solid Base Ballistic-tip Boattail
Remington new case only neck sized and chamferred/deburred
Federal #210m Bench Rest primer
H4350 @54.5grn
Cartrige overall length: 3.310"

Rifle: Tikka T3 Light Stainless LH 30-06 Sprg

Target distance 50 meters, about 54.5 yards (wasn't able to go out to 100 meters, about 109 yards, because it was a military base range and it wasn't cleared out to that distance during the weekdays).
My measurement from center left hole to center right hole is 3/16" which would be 3/8" at 100 meters. I know I still have some refining to do as there were problems with some of my other loads, but this is very promising.