30-06 hunting and lead free reload options

[Dradian]

I am thinking about reloading some lead free 30-06 ammo for deer season this year. I'll be using an old FN mauser that belonged to my late grandfather. In the past I have had decent accuracy with the federal 165gr trophy copper bullets in this rifle.

I was curious if anyone had any experiences with Barnes TTSX (maybe 165gr) or the Hornady GMX line of bullets in 30-06. Anyone try Varget or H4895?

Other suggestions are always welcome beyond Hornady and Barnes.

Thanks.

 

[hv55maxx]

Barnes TTSX 165gr over 49.8gr IMR 4064 with CCI 200 is my load. I forget the OAL off hand, but its the Barnes recommendation. all one hole and i don't usually shoot like that YMMV. Winchester Model 70 Featherweight.

Hit a 151lb dressed two years ago from 75 yards and it made it 15 yards.

In an older Mauser i personally would probably shy away from an almost max load like that. I did find a good one somewhere around 47 gr in the ladder, but opted for the faster load as i have a potential 350+yd shot in VT.

 

[NavelOfficer]

There's always the Sinterfire frangible bullet and the M160 bakelite (I believe) bullet. Can't say how they will work as a hunting bullet, since I don't hunt.
A couple articles below...
The Benefits of Frangible Bullets
Centerfire Rifle

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh3QAvy1_uo


I should have both loaded in .30-06, but I doubt you'll ever be down in my neck of the woods to shoot in my backyard 100-meter range.

 

[NavelOfficer]

Now, here's a radical idea...18g plastic riot bullets.
Odds are they won't drop a deer, but for small varmints, they'd be deadly, I'd think. Here's what they do to a water-filled can (7.62x51mm, load data unavailable/forgotten):