30-06 load

New here but not to reloading or hunting. However I am new to using H4350 powder. I know 30-06 may be a little too much gun for antelope but it is what I have at hand. It's a M70 one of the new ones. I'll hopefully be using it this fall in MT. Question: I'm trying the 165gr Hornady GMX bullet, Nosler BT or the Hornady SST. Hornady says you can use conventional load data for the GMX and in so doing I am getting a compressed load at the Hodgdon start load of 53grs. I've been playing with the OAL to see where it won't compress. With this charge that length is at 3.290" and 3.300" for 54gr. I do see that using a conventional bullet a max charge of 59gr is compressed. Of course the GMX bullet is alot longer than even a 180gr bullet so I am concerned about it being a compressed load with a lesser charge and that I won't be able to get the velocity I want which is 2700-2800fps. What is your experience with this?
8,227
chet
::wel

I am not a fan of monolithic bullet, so I can't offer much help.
I have heard of compressed loads pushing the bullet out some, tho I have never personally witnessed it. Maybe a slight crimp will prevent it.
case cappacity is definetly an issue, maybe try the 150gr gmx?
Antelope are pretty frail critters, I've seen some lightweight bullets make really big holes!
My personal favorite for the 30-06 is a 165gr Ballistic tip loaded with IMR4350.

good luck, and let us know how you fair. Those new M70's a really sweet!!!!!!

I'm also curious about your handle..... fellow mustang owner here :thumb
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I am leaning toward the Nosler BT but a range session on Fri. may tell the tale. Yes the new M70 us ultra sweet as is my 06 GT. What one do you have?
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chet
right now I have a 67 fastback and a 97 cobra, several others have came and went...... mostly older models.
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Chet, I got the 06 because of the 67-68 is my favorite year. Got it for fathers day in 05. Went to the dealer and ordered it from the factory.
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Snake River Marksman
Personally, I'd go with a 150gr bullet of cup and core design or maybe a ballistic tip or A-max type. As was mentioned, it doesn't take much to reach the vitals of an antelope. If you can't get the powder into the case, try using a drop tube or tapping the case with a fingernail as you fill the case. This settles the powder, giving you more room for the bullet.

You didn't ask, but I'll tell you anyway. About the best cartridge around for antelope is the 25-06.
However, I use a 250 savage loaded with 100gr Hornady interlocks.
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I only have the one rifle for this type of hunting so that is what I will use. I'm probably going with the balistic tip. I'll shoot these and see. If nothing else if the GMX shoot lights out then that can be my deer or elk load. Thanks
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DO NOT I Repeat DO NOT use the Nosler Ballistic Tip on Antelope! I shoot a .30 caliber rifle 165 grn BT and they blew massive holes in the Antelope. I literally gutted one after i shot her at 100 yards through the shoulder. That bullet is way too much for antelope. Unless all you want to eat is burger.
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"Muley Shed Freak" wrote:DO NOT I Repeat DO NOT use the Nosler Ballistic Tip on Antelope! I shoot a .30 caliber rifle 165 grn BT and they blew massive holes in the Antelope. I literally gutted one after i shot her at 100 yards through the shoulder. That bullet is way too much for antelope. Unless all you want to eat is burger.
 I agree. The only 100% complete failure on game in my life. The 150 grain 7mm at 80 yds completely blew up on the right shoulder. Zero penetration. I had to finish him off with a Sierra that I had in my backpack.
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