Author Topic: What factory ammo for a Vanguard .30-06? (Read 895 times)

itgoesboom · « **on:** December 06, 2005, 03:19:11 PM »

Just purchased a new Weatherby Vanguard, and I need to start figuring out what loads I should use for it. I don't reload, so I need to stick with factory ammo.

Game I will be going after is Elk, Mule Deer, and Black Bear, so I am looking at 165gr and 180gr loads.

Can anyone with one of these rifles in .30-06 let me know what shoots well in their rifle?

I.G.B.

Ramrod · « **Reply #1 on:** December 06, 2005, 03:26:44 PM »

What shoots well in one rifle may not shoot at all in another. For the game you mentioned, 165 grain bullets are a good weight for deer and bear, but 180 is probably better for elk. You will have to try a couple of different brands to find out what your rifle likes best.

tscott · « **Reply #2 on:** December 06, 2005, 05:02:46 PM »

I have owned one since the summer of 87. It shoots 220 corelok terrific!

Slamfire · « **Reply #3 on:** December 06, 2005, 07:05:15 PM »

I like the CoreLokts best for in meat performance, but some other might be more accurate in your rifle. There really ain't no bad 180s, as they've had over 100 years to work out the construction. :wink:

Zachary · « **Reply #4 on:** December 07, 2005, 02:39:13 AM »

I would strongly look at the following ammo:

1. Federal Premium 180 Barnes TSX
2. Federal Premium 180 Nosler Partition
3. Federal Premium 180 Trophy Bonded

The Barnes TSX is at the top of my list. They hold up extremely well and can out penetrate both sides of Fort Knox.

The Partition is an excellent bullet in that it can act as a soft point and cause expansion early, yet act as a solid and penetrate thereafter. The Trophy Bonded is also an excellent bullet, but it does not have the greatest BC.

Notice that all of my recommendations are for 180 grainers. When talking about mule deer and black bear, then I can recommend conventional 165s for the mule deer and premium 165s for Black Bear. However, when you are talking about elk, then premium 180s is the way to go.

Zachary

beemanbeme · « **Reply #5 on:** December 07, 2005, 11:18:23 AM »

Altho I've shot only a few 180's thru my 30-06, with the spread of game you suggest, I would suggest using Rem Core Lokts in 180 on the deer and bear and going to a premium 180 for the elk.
On deer the core lokts will give you pass thru shots at any reasonable angle (I've never shot a deer in the ass so I don't know about that) and, in truth, using the premium bullets on elk is just to make you feel better.

One hint, in case you didn't know, when you buy your hunting ammo, get several boxes of the same lot. Store bought ammo can vary from lot to lot.

clattin · « **Reply #6 on:** December 09, 2005, 01:23:14 AM »

My brother-in-law has a Vanguard in .30-06 and while I can't speak about heavier bullet weights, it shoots awesome groups with Hornady Light Mag Ammo in 150gr SST (ballistic tip). He was shooting 1" groups at 200 yards this fall. He's only used it for whitetails so far, so hasn't needed to shoot heavier bullets.

chris

PEPAW · « **Reply #7 on:** December 09, 2005, 02:23:27 AM »

Because I don't like recoil, I would try the Remingtons for hunting and their Reduced Recoil Loads for practice. In my 7 mag, it is roughly the same point of impact at 100. The .270 Recoil Managed loads are less recoil than my .243. I intend on using them at close range for doe culling this year.

pepaw

SuperstitionCoues · « **Reply #8 on:** December 09, 2005, 03:46:09 AM »

Short answer: Anything that you, your wallet, and your rifle like.

My Model 70 prefers 165's, and so does my wallet when I reload.
:grin:
Matt

CEJ1895 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 09, 2005, 04:32:53 AM »

itgoesboom - Pick up a couple of different brands and see how they shoot in your rifle. Take your time and keep notes. I've always picked one all around load for my rifles and stuck with that load in them . The 150's and 165's are good weights but I prefer to use heavier for caliber bullets like the 180's, you never know what you may run into in the woods. If cost is a factor you can practice with a cheaper brand of 180's and then switch over to the better stuff when you go hunting. Just my two cents, your results may vary... CEJ.

Savage .250 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 09, 2005, 04:55:30 AM »

What Ramrod said is true, not all rifles "like" the same diet.
That being said, if it were me i`d try different brands of ammo all in the same type and weight,if possible. (what ever you decide) one it`s cheaper and the results will be the same. Once your sighted in your go to go.

" The best part of the hunt is not the harvest but in the experience."

Lawdog · « **Reply #11 on:** December 09, 2005, 12:55:00 PM »

Quote from: Zachary

I would strongly look at the following ammo:

1. Federal Premium 180 Barnes TSX
2. Federal Premium 180 Nosler Partition
3. Federal Premium 180 Trophy Bonded

The Barnes TSX is at the top of my list. They hold up extremely well and can out penetrate both sides of Fort Knox.

The Partition is an excellent bullet in that it can act as a soft point and cause expansion early, yet act as a solid and penetrate thereafter. The Trophy Bonded is also an excellent bullet, but it does not have the greatest BC.

Notice that all of my recommendations are for 180 grainers. When talking about mule deer and black bear, then I can recommend conventional 165s for the mule deer and premium 165s for Black Bear. However, when you are talking about elk, then premium 180s is the way to go.

Zachary

AMEN!!!

Lawdog
:-D

UtahMike · « **Reply #12 on:** December 09, 2005, 01:03:21 PM »

One tip before you start banging away....... Take the time to break the barrel in. You will never be sorry. Good instructions are available in a number of places. Usually a shoot once, clean... shoot once, clean 10 times, then a couple of shots and clean, repeat ten times. Then 5 shots followed by cleaning, 4 times. (50rnds) Clean each time, not just a patch....
Chances are you'll end up with a great shooting barrel that will last a life time... Just my thoughts....

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 09, 2005, 01:05:21 PM »

Quote from: Lawdog

Quote from: Zachary
I would strongly look at the following ammo:

1. Federal Premium 180 Barnes TSX
2. Federal Premium 180 Nosler Partition
3. Federal Premium 180 Trophy Bonded

The Barnes TSX is at the top of my list. They hold up extremely well and can out penetrate both sides of Fort Knox.

The Partition is an excellent bullet in that it can act as a soft point and cause expansion early, yet act as a solid and penetrate thereafter. The Trophy Bonded is also an excellent bullet, but it does not have the greatest BC.

Notice that all of my recommendations are for 180 grainers. When talking about mule deer and black bear, then I can recommend conventional 165s for the mule deer and premium 165s for Black Bear. However, when you are talking about elk, then premium 180s is the way to go.

Zachary

AMEN!!! Lawdog
:-D

Lawdog, I knew you would like that once I read it.

:-D

Ramrod · « **Reply #14 on:** December 09, 2005, 02:30:16 PM »

Quote from: Slamfire

I like the CoreLokts best for in meat performance, but some other might be more accurate in your rifle. There really ain't no bad 180s, as they've had over 100 years to work out the construction. :wink:

When it comes to game larger than deer or black bear, I would have to agree, even though some of the "experts" here would like you to believe that all North American game has somehow evolved some new kind of body armor under their hide. This tough new plate can't be penetrated by anything but bullets that cost a at least buck a piece. :wink:

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #15 on:** December 09, 2005, 07:28:26 PM »

Quote from: Ramrod

Quote from: Slamfire
I like the CoreLokts best for in meat performance, but some other might be more accurate in your rifle. There really ain't no bad 180s, as they've had over 100 years to work out the construction. :wink:

When it comes to game larger than deer or black bear, I would have to agree, even though some of the "experts" here would like you to believe that all North American game has somehow evolved some new kind of body armor under their hide. This tough new plate can't be penetrated by anything but bullets that cost a at least buck a piece. :wink:

Yes in deed you should listen to Ramrod. He has the best advice of all of us "experts". :roll:

jro45 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 10, 2005, 01:59:29 AM »

If you have any accuracy problems with Barnes there are alot of others to choose from.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #17 on:** December 10, 2005, 02:58:32 AM »

Quote from: jro45

If you have any accuracy problems with Barnes there are alot of others to choose from.

You need to get past the old Barnes X and Barnes original bullet problems. The new TSX are a different breed.

itgoesboom
Yes, there are a lot of choices out there and a lot work well in the performance department. Most 180 gr. bullet will work just fine.
Your best bet is to try several different ones and see how they work for you particular gun. JMHO.

itgoesboom · « **Reply #18 on:** December 15, 2005, 05:37:04 PM »

Thanks everyone.

I think I will try some of the 180gr loads, probably a couple federal rounds and a remington load as well.

I.G.B.

jvs · « **Reply #19 on:** December 15, 2005, 10:41:28 PM »

My MR-7 '06 likes just about any 165. Lighter or heavier get a little wiggly at extra distance.

A friend of mine has a Savage that likes 150's, mostly generic. Or at least he buys what he can afford.

Another friend of mine has a BDL that likes 180 RN CoreLokt's, which is one load that will probably cover the spectrum of game you ask about.

Generally speaking, if you don't insist on MOA then CoreLokt's are an affordable hard hitter. Any weight out of your new rifle should end up in a 4 inch circle, which to some people is 'good enough'.