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Old September 30, 2012, 06:39 PM   #1
BobCat45
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Reality check please

Am I out of touch with the modern world or is the following a little unreasonable?

Looking for a 150 grain .308 cal soft-point hunting bullet for 30-06, found one from a major bullet maker at one of my favorite online reloading supply companies, ordered a box, and all was well until I opened the box to find a printed warning to use only the reloading recipes on their web site.

Their web site does not list this bullet for the 30-06, only for 30-30. Called "tech services" and was told it was intended only for 30-30, "you'll over-drive it in the 06" and not to use it.

Now, I understand targeting a product to a specialized application. Many heavy-for-caliber .223 bullets intended for Highpower 600 yard shooting are marked with the required barrel twist (69 g Sierra Matchkings are marked 7"-8" barrels only, and the 80 grain ones are marked 7"-8" only) - but they are marked on the box, and in the online advertising as well. If you read, and know your barrel twist, you will not wind up buying bullets that won't work in your rifle.

So am I unreasonable to expect that a 150 grain .308 bullet ought to be usable in 30-06, not just in 30-30, unless it is specifically marked and marketed as meant only for the 30-30?

I will find someone who loads for the 30-30 and offer him these bullets, and find another brand for 30-06 for hogs, but I need some input on whether I"m just out-of-touch, out-of-date, and out-of-line being irritated, or not.

Thanks in advance for you comments.

Regards,
Andrew
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Old September 30, 2012, 06:43 PM   #2
Brian Pfleuger
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What company is this?
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Old September 30, 2012, 06:50 PM   #3
GP100man
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The 30-30 only bullets have a thinner jacket meant to work/expand at lower speeds .

I myself use em ,as I`m not loading to the highest end possible.
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Old September 30, 2012, 07:23 PM   #4
chiefr
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Concur Brian, who is the manufacturer? It seems the manufacturer would have mentioned that the bullets were intended for 30-30 only.

The OP did however bring up an interesting point with barrel twist which is extremely relevant. Without dwelling on the physics of rifle twist and projectiles, one should always use bullets designed for the rifle including the correct weight for the barrels twist. Especially if MOA accuracy is the goal.

I have reloaded for & shot many different milsurps. I have found that shooting bullets of the same weight and design of the original milspec ammo tightens groups substantially.
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Old September 30, 2012, 07:57 PM   #5
Marco Califo
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Yes, the demands and requirements of the two calibers require different bullets

Quote:
So am I unreasonable to expect that a 150 grain .308 bullet ought to be usable in 30-06, not just in 30-30, unless it is specifically marked and marketed as meant only for the 30-30?
Yes, the demands and requirements of the two calibers require different bullets. In general, the intended use of the bullet is included in the full product name. If not, you should read the description. Flat-nose is a reliable indicator of 30-30 application.

I buy 30 caliber bullets for my 308 and have never mistakenly bought 30-30 bullets. If I buy roundnose they will be 180 - 220 gr. IMO 30-06 is a lot of cartridge for a 150 gr. projectile. But then, I love shooting 110 gr Sierra Varminter in 308!
Midway carries these 150 gr 308 caliber 30-30 bullets (labeled as such):
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/468...ing-box-of-100
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/382...ose-box-of-100
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/139...se-power-point
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/160...ain-soft-point
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/388...free-box-of-50

These are labeled, IF you read the description:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/772...ose-box-of-100
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/348...nose-box-of-50

These are not labeled (but appear to be 30-30 intended):
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/133...ose-box-of-100
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/161...ose-box-of-100

Here is the one you should have bought as reviews say it meets your described expectations.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/229...ose-box-of-100
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Old September 30, 2012, 08:24 PM   #6
BobCat45
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Thanks!

First, thanks I learned something - flat nose indicates 30-30 (or, I suppose, tubular magazine).

Brian, Marco hit the nail on the head, it was Speer Deep Curl. I hesitated to name the company since I do not want to be "bashing" them, I've loaded their bullets since 1971 and been very happy with them. I shoot their 125 grain TNT varmint bullets in the Garand match - recoil is non-existent and, at 200 yards, they hold the 10 ring every shot that I don't pull or jerk.

Marco also directed me to the 150 grain Sierra Pro-hunter bullets that I'll buy for this application. Thanks!

Anyway, a learning experience about flat nose and about reading all there is to read before "assuming".

Regards,
Andrew
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