Need help choosing a lead free pill

[SBsasquatch]

With the lead ban in effect, soon to be state wide. I'm looking to get helpful info from the guru's of CG nation.

I'm currently hand loading for my grandfather's Sears model 50 chambered in 30/06 Spr.


I'm finding it really likes the 150gr. Fmj-bt by Hornady
I'm using IMR 4064 @ 50.5gr.

Hunting being the sole purpose for this, I'm not familiar with the performance of copper. Where should I start, and what can you tell me about Barnes, E-tip, etc. And copper in general. I've used the search button, but felt the need to start my own thread. THANK YOU ALL.

[MongooseV8]

Nosler ETip is my choice. All the lead free bullets suck compared to a lead bullet, but the Noslers suck the least.

[Russ661]

Barnes bullets work well but they like to be driven fast so I don't know how well they might work in your '06. At speeds over 3000fps out of my 270 they are easily moa bullets. I wanted something a bit easier on the rifle and tried the E-Tips. They seem to work well although I've only used them on targets so far, not game. A large part of the enjoyment I get from shooting is trying new loads so working to find one that my rifle will shoot well is a lot of fun for me. You should try it.

[JMP]

Check out Cutting Edge; they have quite a few offerings.

http://site.cuttingedgebullets.com/pages/rifle_bullets

[jdubrr]

I haven't tried yet, but the Hornady GMX is supposed to be able to use traditional loading data. Think it even says it on the box

[Cody Lightfoot]

I've been very happy with a Hornady GMX 165gr and imr4895 in my '06. 2 pigs and a deer so far.

[glockman19]

I'm shooting and reloading Barnes TSX.

[Gasman]

TTSX's and TSX's, GMX's, and E-tips all perform fairly similarly on game, with some subtle differences.

Tipped bullets expand more reliably than non-tipped.

Barnes have the best reputation for accuracy. OTOH, it's difficult to get E-tips to shoot well in some rifles.

The biggest complaint about lead-free bullets is that they don't always expand. As another poster mentioned, monolithic bullets expand more reliably when driven fast. Choose a load that gets you as close to a MV of 3000 fps as possible.

For your '06, a 165 or 168 grain bullet driven hard at 2900+ fps would be a good choice. A 150 is another option. I'd avoid 180's, both for their lower MV and because they're long. Your rifle might not be twisted fast enough to stabilize them.

ETA: Lead-free bullets typically like a lot of jump. A lot of handloaders start them at 0.050" off the lands, sometimes working back to as much as 0.100" off the lands (or even more) in the quest for best accuracy.



I would try out several of these bullets and pick the one that shoots best out of your rifle.

[pacrat]

Lead free all copper buzzard proof bullets. Are longer for weight than lead core bullets. This decreases case capacity and increases bearing surface in the bore. Both cause increased pressure levels with same powder charge compared to lead core.

Also a factor is that some [E-tips] for example are made smooth sided like lead core bullets. Which causes higher operating pressures than [Barnes TSX] for example which have driving band grooves which decrease bore contact.

The only way to decide what is best for you and your rifle is to try several different ones.

ALWAYS start at the "start load" of published data and work up in small increments..........especially with buzzard proof bullets. Pressure spikes happen in a much smaller load increase range than lead core.

My preferred buzzard proof bullets are the Barnes TSX. Increased pressure and poorer accuracy with the E-tips. Haven't tried the GMX.

JM2c

[SBsasquatch]

I think I'm going to bump down to a 130grn ttsx, and stick with the power I've been using. Anybody think the 110 would be too light? Barnes bullets seem to always be in stock @basspro.

Factory barrel- 1:10 twist chrome lined.

[Gasman]

Anybody think the 110 would be too light?

Yes.

[snowdog650]

I use 180-grain Barnes TTSX for my 30-06, a 1960's Rem 700. They work well for me at sub-MOA.

[Divernhunter]

Barnes 130 or 150 grain TTSX(NOT TSX) is what we have used in the 30-06 with excellent results. Be sure to use Barnes data as it is different than other bullets.
Yes push them fast for excellent results on game.
If you want some load data we have used/tested PM me.

[edwardm]

With the lead ban in effect, soon to be state wide. I'm looking to get helpful info from the guru's of CG nation.

Hunting being the sole purpose for this, I'm not familiar with the performance of copper. Where should I start, and what can you tell me about Barnes, E-tip, etc. And copper in general. I've used the search button, but felt the need to start my own thread. THANK YOU ALL.

AB711 is really pissing me off</cartman>

I just finally found the sweet spot for my 30-06 R700 using Sierra ProHunter 150gr bullets and IMR4350. If I do my part, holes touch or overlap at 100 yards for 3 and 5 round groups.

Now I gotta go burn time and money on testing a bunch of ScavengerSafeItsForTheChilllllldren bullets with my preferred powder. And if THAT doesn't work, then I have to go find YetAnotherPowder that does work. I like reloading, but this Legislative Act of Stupidity is taking me away from my preferred pet project - working up an accurate load with old 1930's M1 match pulled bullets (173gr) for distance shooting.

FWIW, the 150gr TSX (at least in commercial ammo) has done well for me in taking big game. Good expansion and weight retention, nice big holes in vital organs.

[SBsasquatch]

Imr 4064 was listed as their more accurate powders used. And I already have that in stock. So far that's been my go to powder. 3030&3006.