30-06 custom solids

[Nhoro]

I had a further thought on the 30-06. I shot an impala last year. Offhand at around 30 to 50 yards offhand. I had walked past it so was twisted around so don't judge the marksmanship!
I hits behind the ribs and the bullet went straight through like a solid. It was a 220 gr bonded pmp soft. So close range and no bones hit, a tough lead bonded bullet doesn't expand and left a calibre sized hole through the liver and damaged the lungs. I reckon it was just as good as a solid when nothing solid was hit. Half the liver was still good to eat and I reckon an impala liver is softer than a blue duiker !

 

[coyote wacker]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a company that can load up cutting edge solids and a matching weight soft for me? I am headed back to Africa to try and finish up the tiny 10 and want to use my Rigby 30-06 takedown bolt as opposed to a 375 with solids. Was hoping to find someone that can load me up matching softs and solids in the same weight. I don't have experience reloading or equipment to reload on my own.

If you were only closer you could stop by and I could set you up proper with Cutting Edge Bullets in your 30-06. Cutting Edge Bullets has a hole line of Raptors that can be loaded eather with a plastic tip or turned over and loaded as a solid. I load the 130 gr. Raptor that way and it shoots sub-minute.

 

[375Fox]

I had a further thought on the 30-06. I shot an impala last year. Offhand at around 30 to 50 yards offhand. I had walked past it so was twisted around so don't judge the marksmanship!
I hits behind the ribs and the bullet went straight through like a solid. It was a 220 gr bonded pmp soft. So close range and no bones hit, a tough lead bonded bullet doesn't expand and left a calibre sized hole through the liver and damaged the lungs. I reckon it was just as good as a solid when nothing solid was hit. Half the liver was still good to eat and I reckon an impala liver is softer than a blue duiker !

There are very few 30 cal 220 gr hunting bullet options in US. I’m not sure there are any bonded options.

 

[Throwback]

Hendershots
Superior Ammo
John La Sala

X2 on John La Sala at Safari Arms. He can load what you are looking for.

That said, personally, I would borrow the outfitters 22 hornet if he has one (many do) or get your hands on any fast, flat shooting round, solids are fine.

Also, I shot a dik dik in Namibia last year with a 375 solid (because its the rifle I had in my hands) and it worked great, just passed right through. Little guy still ran about 10 yards too! Post some pics when you get it done!

 

[dchum]

There are very few 30 cal 220 gr hunting bullet options in US. I’m not sure there are any bonded options.

I shot some hogs with a 220 grain cor-lokt
And it made some decent sized exits. Like fist sized…. Not ideal for tinys.

Guys, if you want to 100% mount any of the tiny antelopes either use,

-300 gr round nose solids from your 375 h&h ideally below 2500fps. This works perfect if you don’t hit shoulders

- slower 22 cal. (22LR / 22 hornet) works perfect anywhere on the body.

- shot gun with a heavier bird shot

And since OP is on a PG hunt and has the chance of bumping into some awesome tinys while carrying his 30-06 he should load up some solids. The cutting edge may work but just make sure you keep it center mass. Not ideal in my mind but it makes sense for a 1 gun hunt. If you could find round nose 30 cal solids that would be better. But I think it would be easier to find cutting edge obviously.

 

[Daryl S]

Perhaps a 45gr. TSX from a Hornet would be the ticket!
With larger bullets, too much vel. with a solid will still create too much hydrostatic shock = meat and hide damage I would expect.

 

[BFaucett]

I had a further thought on the 30-06. I shot an impala last year. Offhand at around 30 to 50 yards offhand. I had walked past it so was twisted around so don't judge the marksmanship!
I hits behind the ribs and the bullet went straight through like a solid. It was a 220 gr bonded pmp soft. So close range and no bones hit, a tough lead bonded bullet doesn't expand and left a calibre sized hole through the liver and damaged the lungs. I reckon it was just as good as a solid when nothing solid was hit. Half the liver was still good to eat and I reckon an impala liver is softer than a blue duiker !

There are very few 30 cal 220 gr hunting bullet options in US. I’m not sure there are any bonded options.

There's four boxes of these sitting on my shelf. Admittedly, current availability can be spotty. Of course, it's either handload or have them custom loaded.

sources:
https://ravenrocksprecision.com/product/woodleigh-30-cal-308-bullets-50-ct-box/

https://www.reloadinginternational.com/product-detail/?id=26658

Steenbok - Limpopo Province, South Africa way back in 2002
Ruger M77 Mk II .30-06 Springfield
handload: 220 gr Woodleigh RN at 2460 fps MV

Just my two cents...

Cheers! Bob F.

 

[Daryl S]

Looks good. Most bonded bullets have pure lead cores, or vitually so. Low vel and tough jacket certainly worked.