Just getting into hand loading, and am looking for a generic, vetsatile, deer killing bullet
for my 30-06. I currently shoot factory Hornady Custom 165 BTSP, but I've read where the standard SP performs better in terms of holding together and creating larger exit wounds.

Any experience on here? I'm 9 for 9 on dead deer with my current factor round ... Always recover .... Always exit ... It's just that they always run some distance unless I hit them high shoulder. Looking for a little more shock effect when lung hit (without too much sacrifice on reliable penetration).

Thoughts?

Nosler partitions work well for me on pigs and deer..
I load the 100gr for a Browning 25-06.

I use 165g SSTs for my 308.Don't count ou150g. Some guns shoot them better. My Dad's 30-06 does.

I've used the interlocks in a few clibers(.243,25-06,30-06) on deer and they all did well. I'll take 'em over core-lokts any day. Great on deer sized game.

Maybe I'll try the 150 SP grain then one day if the 165 SP doesn't work out. I'm just leery of light-for-caliber bullets.

I think the 165 BTSP does fine (it's a very predictable round), it's just that I want to reduce the distance they run on lung shots. Shoulder shots, even sharply angled ones, always exit, and I always recover the deer. My thought was that if the standard 165 SP held together better it might give better shock effect and better exit wounds/blood trails.

I've read such mixed reviews of the SST that I'm concerned about trying it. I won't lump it in completely with the Nosler Ballistic Tip, but it seems in that vein. My initial thought was to use the SST, but go higher sectional density with the 180 grain. My gun doesn't like the Superformance 180 SST though. Maybe the standard Customs, or handloads would shoot.

Thanks for the replies guys.

Do yourself a favor and load a few 165g SST's and see how accurate they can be. Then google around and see how wicked they are for killing deer.

I'm getting great results with H4350 and IMR 4007 SSC powders with them in my 06

I've killed one deer with them last week ... DRT she was at 80 yards

SSTs, Interlocks and Interbonds are all good to go...my 700 loves them...

But a Sierra Game King is a deer killing SOB also

I haven't shot the any 30 calibers but I have killed a bunch with the 140 gr BTSP out of a 270. It's a great bullet.

Only thing SPBT interloc has over the SP is will retain higher velocity at extended range. If you are shooting 300 yds. or less, I would shoot the SP over the Boat tail. Just saying.

[quote=Rocket62]Do yourself a favor and load a few 165g SST's and see how accurate they can be. Then google around and see how wicked they are for killing deer.

I'm getting great results with H4350 and IMR 4007 SSC powders with them in my 06

I've killed one deer with them last week ... DRT she was at 80 yards
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Ive just got into reloading myself and all they had was 4007ssc so thats what i got. What has worked best for 30/06 with this powder im loading for my rem 700 and a 1903 springfield ,loading low end of chart for 1903, want a little more for the 700

i have killed deer with 165 sst hornadys in 300wsm they do a really good job killing them DRT. I like barnes x better, but out off all the thounds of bullets out their 165 sst hornadys would be my number 2 choice. I wouldnt hesitate to shoot them again if i ran out of barnes x

My 30-06 likes the IMR 4007 SSC the best, hitting 3-4 inch patterns at 200 yards with this powder and SST 165g bullet

I don't think you'll see an on game difference between the SP and the BTSP. I'd shoot whichever shot best in my gun. As for other bullets, I load 165 Accubonds in my '06. Wouldn't hesitate to use SSTs, NBTs, Sierra Pro Hunters and Gamekings. At '06 velocities and deer sized game, all hunting bullets will perform well, shoot what your gun likes.