Namibia and a 30-06....Which bullet?

[Pheroze]

The goal is to hunt Namibia in 2018 so it's time to start planning! I am going to take my '06 this time. The largest animals will be Zebra and Gemsbok and the smallest will be Springbok. I love Woodleighs and have a nice 180 gr load @ 2730. However, I am thinking of trying the 150 gr GS Customs with an anticipated speed of just under 3000 fps in my 22" barrel. Problem is I keep hesitating to develop this load....Would you folks forgo the Woodleigh for the GS Customs for the distances and game we can expect in Namibia (assuming acceptable accuracy)?

 

[Mr. 16 gauge]

For game as large as zebra and gemsbok, I'd stick with the 180 grain and forgo the 150.......just my 2 cents.

 

[Divernhunter]

I would use 165gr Swift A-Frames. or 150gr Barnes TTSX.
I had 150gr TTSX bullets in my Ruger Ultra lite with a 20" barrel at 2936FPS with 60grs H-414 and a mag primer. Would put 5 shot into one hole almost even with the pencil thin barrel.

You do not need to worry about a 150 gr bullet if you use a premium bullet and can place your shots well.
My daughter used a 257Roberts with 120gr Swift A-Frames and put quite a number of animals down with one shot and no tracking at ranges of 135 to 410 rangefinder yards. This included a Zebra, Red Hartebeest, Kudu, a couple of Impalas, 6-8 wart hogs, Blue Wildebeest and such all spot and stalk off sticks. The PH had a concern before the 1st animal. After that one went Bang-flop at 135 yards he was not worried and kept giving shots at increasing long ranges. She never missed or needed a second shot. Asked later he said just wanted to put a bit more challenge into the hunt for us.

I say this because if you have a load you are good with there is no need to change since you are using an excellent bullet. "I personally" would opt for a lighter bullet in the 30-06 and get a bit more speed. But I would use a premium bullet like you are talking about.
I have never used a GS Customs bullet but have heard good things about them. Swift A-Frames are great. Barnes TTSX are also very good and we have taken a number of animals here in the USA with them

 

[Pheroze]

I really should load up these GS Customs and have faith in the positive reports...It's just that there is something comforting with a 180 gr bonded lead core expanding bullet .

 

[Divernhunter]

If you trust them then I say use them. They are a good bullet. It is not like you are shooting junk/crap bullets.
Just place the bullets into the right spot and you will have your animal.
My PH said to forget all the charts on the internet. Just shoot so the bullet hit at least one shoulder and we will get the animal. He was correct. Also shoot a bit lower than animals here in North America because the vitals are a bit lower and more forward on the plains game.

 

[Mekaniks]

GS Customs and Woodleighs are both good bullets. If your looking for something else why not try Nosler Partions and Swift A frames. I used 210g partitions in my .338 fed in SA with very good success.

Since you have some time, load up some A Frames and Partitions and see what your rifle likes

 

[Ray B]

I prefer a copper jacket and bonded lead core for everything except solids. I like lead if for no other reason than the government is trying to do away with it (along with the rest of us).

 

[sestoppelman]

Because eland is on my list for Namibia this year I have worked up a good shooting load using the 200 gr Nosler Partition. If I need something flatter shooting I can grab my boys .284 Win with 140gr TSX at over 3000fps, a known flattener of African game up to wildebeest.

 

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Because eland is on my list for Namibia this year I have worked up a good shooting load using the 200 gr Nosler Partition. If I need something flatter shooting I can grab my boys .284 Win with 140gr TSX at over 3000fps, a known flattener of African game up to wildebeest.

The 200 grain Nosler partition has always been a good bullet in my .30-06......got a box by accident 30 years ago at a gun show and decided to work up some loads for it; got one using H414 that shoots 1/4" groups at 100 yards. Bought another box when planning my trip to Africa in 2014; still shot 1/4" groups, so that bullet/caliber got to go on the trip. Long story short: took 4 of my 5 animals with that caliber, and all but one was a one shot kill; farthest shot was 250 yards.

 

[bassasdaindia]

Use a faster and lighter bullet , most of your quarry should be at longer distances . Ensure that you use a premium bullet .

 

[Red Leg]

Truth in lending, I love 180's in an '06 - particularly when gemsbok, zebra, and wildebeest are on the dance card. You already have a perfect load for anything you will encounter at any reasonable range - say 275 on in. If your rifle is happy, stay with it and have a great trip. I would say, save that 150 work for deer season, but when I use an '06, I use 180's for everything.

 

[Bos Javanicus]

Swift A Frames or Barnes TSX. Both bullets are proven to be excellent performers. Why take a chance on anything else. I would use the above over Woodleigh any day of the week in a 30 06. I'll use Woodies in the nitro calibre's, but in the smaller calibre's, there are better bullets.

 

[Pheroze]

Swift A Frames or Barnes TSX. Both bullets are proven to be excellent performers. Why take a chance on anything else. I would use the above over Woodleigh any day of the week in a 30 06. I'll use Woodies in the nitro calibre's, but in the smaller calibre's, there are better bullets.

I seriously considered the Barnes 165gr. But, if I go monometal then I have these GS Customs, hence the dilemma . I like the way the Woodleigh bullets performed in my 375, do you see a difference once we drop down to the 30 cal?

 

[cpr0312]

I'd say the 180 grain you already use will do!

 

[Shawn.54]

I would not be afraid to 150gr GS Custom if I can get 22" of penetration on a whitetail deer with a 40gr at 170+ yards the 150s should do fine and extra speed will flatten out the trajectory as a bonus.
I know that there are people on here using 130gr GS Customs in .308/30-06 for plains game.
Shawn

 

[lcq]

I just purchased a Weatherby Vanguard in 3006 (my first 06). I will try and see how it shoots with the 190gr ABLR once the weather climbs above -15 so the chrono will work

 

[BWH]

I use/used the Barnes 168gr TTSX on 16 animals in africa..... from Springbok to Eland, and a lot in between. From 30 yards to 300 yards.

 

[lcq]

I use/used the Barnes 168gr TTSX on 16 animals in africa..... from Springbok to Eland, and a lot in between. From 30 yards to 300 yards.

what kind of penetration did you get on Eland and how far was it?

Thanks

 

[BWH]

The Eland was the most difficult & most challenging...... It was on the move at 300 yards. Took 3 shots. I know that sounds like a bulls#i+ story.... But it's true. My PH's were @AAA Africa Serapa Safaris & @Hartzview Hunting Safaris, they can attest. Had it been still, with it well placed in the boiler room. 1 would have done the trick.

 

[sheephunterab]

We've used a 30-06 a couple times in Africa for the plains game you list and we quite pleased with the 165-grain GMX.