Can I use flat nose bullets in a 30-06

brian4161 · June 1, 2009, 02:00 PM

I'm having trouble finding bullets to use in my 30-06, but I see plenty of flat nose bullets meant for a 30-30. Is there any reason I can't use these? I figured I'd use data for the same grain weight spire point and subtract the difference in bullet length form the OAL.

Doodlebugger45 · June 1, 2009, 02:10 PM

I suppose you could do it but there might be some problems. The friction bearing surface might be different in a FP than a SP, so that could affect the pressures. Also, those bullets designed specifically for 30-30 velocities might have thinner jackets than the ones intended for 30-06 velocities, so they might not perform very well if you are hunting.

All in all, I wouldn't do it. Seems like such a waste to be pushing those flat bullets out of a 30-06 too. But you asked if you CAN do it. I'm sure you can but I'd be pretty conservative choosing a start load.

azredhawk44 · June 1, 2009, 02:20 PM

Simplest answer would be to write (email) Hornady or the bullet maker you are using and ask them for load data for their (for example) 170gr .308 flatpoint bullet in .30-06.

http://www.hornady.com/contact_us.php

Phone: 1-800-338-3220

Dannyl · June 1, 2009, 03:07 PM

Hi,
First, rather check recommended load data with the powder manufacturer, for that specific bullet in combination with your rifle.

Since you do not list the make and weight of the bullets I cannot tell for sure, but here in Africa Round nose bullets are commonly used in 30 cal rifles when shooting at close ranges, especially when one needs the heavier (200Gr and above) bullets or when one expects to have to shoot throug a bush or when the bullet may have to hit a twig ( not branches) on its way to the target.
Round nose bullets are said to be less prone to be deflected when hitting a twig.

So if these are the only bullets you have, as long as you load powder in accordance to the manufacturer specs, you should be fine.

Regards,
Danny

brian4161 · June 1, 2009, 03:16 PM

Thanks guys. A member helped me find some SP's, so it's problem solved for now.

wncchester · June 1, 2009, 05:14 PM

Sure you can use them. Simply work up a load as you would with any other bullet of the same weight. No big deal, and there's no need to email or call anyone about it. I would suggest you load them down to .30-30 speeds tho, just to keep them from disintergrating at impact.

Dannyl · June 2, 2009, 03:00 AM

Hi,
I have just checked in one of my manuals.
the 30-30 is listed as being .309 whereas the 30-06 is 0.308.

Please make sure that you check this with the manufacturer of the bullets that you have before you try and use them in your rifle.

Regards,
Danny

FlyFish · June 2, 2009, 07:38 AM

Quote:

I have just checked in one of my manuals.
the 30-30 is listed as being .309 whereas the 30-06 is 0.308.

I believe that's correct, but the operative word is "listed." Regardless of what the nominal bullet diameter may have been at one time, jacketed bullets intended for use in the .30-30 today are sized to the same diameter as bullets for other 30-caliber cartridges.

GeauxTide · June 2, 2009, 07:52 AM

Regardless of the diameter, the bullets for the 30-30 are constructed for just over 2000fps. I wouldn't push them faster.

FlyFish · June 2, 2009, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Regardless of the diameter, the bullets for the 30-30 are constructed for just over 2000fps. I wouldn't push them faster.

Yes -absolutely correct, and sorry if my remarks about diameter inadvertently implied otherwise.

Dannyl · June 2, 2009, 09:53 AM

Hi All,
With reference to comments about my previous sugestion, the main point I was trying to make is that one should ask the bullet manufacturer.

they are IMO the only people who can safely comment on whther these bullets are suitable for use in the 30-06 or not, from all aspects, diameter, construction, velocity etc.

Regards,
Danny

June 1, 2009, 02:00 PM	#1
brian4161 Member Join Date: December 24, 2008 Posts: 52	Can I use flat nose bullets in a 30-06 I'm having trouble finding bullets to use in my 30-06, but I see plenty of flat nose bullets meant for a 30-30. Is there any reason I can't use these? I figured I'd use data for the same grain weight spire point and subtract the difference in bullet length form the OAL.

June 1, 2009, 03:07 PM	#4
Dannyl Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Cape Town - South Africa Posts: 627	round nose bullets for 3006 Hi, First, rather check recommended load data with the powder manufacturer, for that specific bullet in combination with your rifle. Since you do not list the make and weight of the bullets I cannot tell for sure, but here in Africa Round nose bullets are commonly used in 30 cal rifles when shooting at close ranges, especially when one needs the heavier (200Gr and above) bullets or when one expects to have to shoot throug a bush or when the bullet may have to hit a twig ( not branches) on its way to the target. Round nose bullets are said to be less prone to be deflected when hitting a twig. So if these are the only bullets you have, as long as you load powder in accordance to the manufacturer specs, you should be fine. Regards, Danny

June 2, 2009, 03:00 AM	#7
Dannyl Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Cape Town - South Africa Posts: 627	30-30 and 308 (30-06) bullets are not the same diameter Hi, I have just checked in one of my manuals. the 30-30 is listed as being .309 whereas the 30-06 is 0.308. Please make sure that you check this with the manufacturer of the bullets that you have before you try and use them in your rifle. Regards, Danny

June 2, 2009, 09:53 AM	#11
Dannyl Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Cape Town - South Africa Posts: 627	Best play it safe, see what the manufacturer says Hi All, With reference to comments about my previous sugestion, the main point I was trying to make is that one should ask the bullet manufacturer. they are IMO the only people who can safely comment on whther these bullets are suitable for use in the 30-06 or not, from all aspects, diameter, construction, velocity etc. Regards, Danny

June 1, 2009, 02:10 PM	#2
Doodlebugger45 Senior Member Join Date: April 15, 2009 Location: Wyoming Posts: 1,717	I suppose you could do it but there might be some problems. The friction bearing surface might be different in a FP than a SP, so that could affect the pressures. Also, those bullets designed specifically for 30-30 velocities might have thinner jackets than the ones intended for 30-06 velocities, so they might not perform very well if you are hunting. All in all, I wouldn't do it. Seems like such a waste to be pushing those flat bullets out of a 30-06 too. But you asked if you CAN do it. I'm sure you can but I'd be pretty conservative choosing a start load.

June 1, 2009, 02:20 PM	#3
azredhawk44 Junior member Join Date: September 28, 2005 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 6,465	Simplest answer would be to write (email) Hornady or the bullet maker you are using and ask them for load data for their (for example) 170gr .308 flatpoint bullet in .30-06. http://www.hornady.com/contact_us.php Phone: 1-800-338-3220

June 1, 2009, 03:16 PM	#5
brian4161 Member Join Date: December 24, 2008 Posts: 52	Thanks guys. A member helped me find some SP's, so it's problem solved for now.

June 1, 2009, 05:14 PM	#6
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	Sure you can use them. Simply work up a load as you would with any other bullet of the same weight. No big deal, and there's no need to email or call anyone about it. I would suggest you load them down to .30-30 speeds tho, just to keep them from disintergrating at impact.

June 2, 2009, 07:52 AM	#9
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,423	Regardless of the diameter, the bullets for the 30-30 are constructed for just over 2000fps. I wouldn't push them faster.