It's been nine months, but I have finally gotten around to getting the scope base and rings for the scope I want to put on my 30-06 Mauser.  I didn't want to work on load development with the old 4x scope, so it hasn't been fired since last September (discussed here: https://wethearmed.com/index.php/topic,5455.0.html).

Previously I was working with 150 grain flat based bullets and IMR 4895 powder.

My father recently gave me a couple hundred 180 grain bullets he had left from back when he was loading for his '06.  I also still have about 30-40 150 grainers.

So, my question today is this:  Should I work up loads for the 180s, or stick to the 150s?  My main prey will be Western Oregon blacktails.  For those of you not familiar, think 90-130# for does, with a big buck going 160-180# on the hoof.  It's doubtful I'll ever get around to chasing elk again.  Then again . . . ?

If going to the 180s, what are good powders to consider?  I recall from the previous thread that the 4895 I have is a bit too fast for 180s, but just about perfect for the 150s.

I don't want to be switching back and forth between the two and messing with the scope each time, so if I move to 180s for the 30-06, I'll probably save the 150s for the .308.

Note - all bullets above are spire point, though I'm not sure if the 180s are flat base or boat-tail, since I'm not where I can go look right now.

Thanks for the response Randy.  Actually, before my dad gave me the 180s, I was thinking about 165s/168s.

I'm just trying to use what he gave me.  Otherwise, I probably would go that route.

What 180's?  Most likely overkill for small deer like that.  As for powder behind them, try H or IMR 4350.  Those powders usually work well with that slug weight in '06.  Your 4895 will work adequately behind them, it's just too fast to be optimum is all.

Agree on all counts.  150's and 4895 for you situation.

Nope.  I'd shoot 'em.  If for nothing else than learning what my rifle will do with those particular slugs.  I'd be grabbing a pound of 4350 and a few manuals off the shelf and get after it.

Personally, since I have only strong bolt action '06s, I run H4350 almost exclusively, as well as a 165 grain slug.  When my intended target needs change, I just change slug type, not weight, and adjust the powder charge a bit.  This keeps the POA/POI thing from varying much, as well as keeping things simple for me.

Just remember to keep Garand(if you own one) and bolt gun ammo separate, 4350 makes for bent op rods in a hurry.

Why the 165 thing you may ask?  Way back when, I read in a few articles, books and on the web that the 30-06 generally shows a preference for a 165 grain pill.  After much powder burned and slugs downrange in several 06s, I have to agree with that. 

In my guns, roughly half.  In my best '06, 165 core-lockts are one ragged hole, and most 180's hold right around an inch at 100 if  do my part.

H4831 will get you withing 100 fps of the max load velocity of H3450, but at a far lower pressure.  This may be beneficial to group size.  Or it may not, depends on your gun.

I run lots of H4831 through my Garand, but before the Norseman prosecutes me for op-rod abuse, I only use it under 200 grain hardcast lead bullets, and about an 80% charge at that (42 grains).  Gives me a nice 2100 fps load that cycles and is accurate, and costs me only about $0.15 /shot.  Delivers enough port pressure to reliably cycle the gun, great groups, and no leading. 

Norseman is right, slow powders and heavy jacketed bullets are a ticket to an op-rod repair in the Garand, unless you have an adjustable gas plug.

Haven't loaded for one extensively, not currently own one.  BUT-

I do know that Hornadys two volume set includes a section on loading specifically for the Garand, as do a few other manuals.