Thread: Sambar load for 30 06

Hi every any ideas for a grunty load for sambar in a 30 06, looking at 180gr plus I think?
Also what about projectile ideas?

Ive only shot a couple, hind and young stag, and been around another 7-8 that were shot, they tough, muscular, have a tenacity to hang on to life, at times, that must be seen, to believe, and of course, rather big for a deer.
Id go with a heavy for cal bullet, of stout enough construction, for threw and threw penetration, the likes of a bonded, mono metal or a partion, 180gr or up.
I take my 358 win, with 225gr or a 300 win/or 300H&H 200gr, depending on the likely hood of longer shots.
Seen a few 9.3x62 and 375H&H in the hands of keen samba hunters, when I lived in Bulls,

the winchester superx factory 180s are soft and expand very well dumping energy well. they great in .308 so will be awesome in the dirty06. shot stag at 50ish yards a year ago and Ive never seen a blood trail like it from simple chest shot....it was like someone had use 4" brush and red paint on the ferns for the 10 yards it managed before dropping.

Most stout 180 gr bullets like Noslar Accubond, partition or Barnes will work well at around the 2700 fps mark. My current load with the 30 06 is the 200 gr Hornady ELD X with a charge of 55.5 grs Superformance powder for a velocity of 2660 fps. Haven't shot an animal with that load yet but I am sure it will work, I am trying to find a sambar stag so I will let you know if it comes together, and it depends if I am carrying the 30 06 or the 300.

Woodleigh projectiles are the go on the sambar! They do a 240 grainer that was designed for the 30-06 for shooting water buffalo in Auz!

Thanks for the replies, I’m looking at 190gr nosler part or Sierra hpbt as have been given some to load and try.

Originally Posted by Dytek

Woodleigh projectiles are the go on the sambar! They do a 240 grainer that was designed for the 30-06 for shooting water buffalo in Auz!

geez that's a heavy bullet for the 06.
I spose they'd be too soft in a 30 cal magnum

180 Partition be the ticket.


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Years ago I shot some. Bang flops with 7*61 and Norma 160 gn sp. MV around 2900fps. A 180 from 30-06 should be plenty

Originally Posted by csmiffy

geez that's a heavy bullet for the 06.
I spose they'd be too soft in a 30 cal magnum

They would work but they are designed to be shot at 30-06 velocities 2400-2500 muzzle. The 240 sierra SMk is our go to killing bullet in the big 30s

Well I took my 30 06 out today to try the 200gr ELD X out using 55.5 grs of Superformance and to sight the rifle in after putting new Warne rings on the rifle. It was most disappointing as the bullets jumped all over the place bit like a shotgun. That load averaged 2703 fps which was great but not accurate enough. Last time I tried it at 55.2 grs the velocity was 2660 fps average.
Lucky I took my old load the 180 gr Noslar BT/ Accubond and 57 grs AR 2209, this load averaged over 2800 fps and shot into a inch group for three shots so that is where it stayed.
The 200gr load would have been a great thumper for big deer like Sambar had it been more accurate, but in saying that in the bush it would still be ok.