Difference in 15 grains!

[lapadat]

Will a 15 grain difference in bullet weight make a difference in terminal ballistics? Ie. Will a moose, goat, deer, black bear notice?

I'm shooting factory Federal Premium ammo out of my 30-06, with 21" barrel. According to Federal's latest Ballistic Chart:
165 grain TSX energy at 100 yards: 2515 ft lbs
180 grain TSX energy at 100 yards: 2575 ft lbs

Will a difference of 60 ft-lbs make a significant difference in kill potential on big game?

The reason I ask is because my Finnlight shoots 165 grainers better than 180's.

Thanks in advance

lap

[Maxx]

No difference at all, use the one that shoots better in your rifle.

Are you using the 165's, or the 168's?

[Steeleco]

Agreed with Maxx 100%. Put the bullet in the right spot and ask the animal!!!
I went down to 165's in my .06 last year from 180's and got better accuracy at a greater distance (homeloads!) and two animals so far to show for it.

[todbartell]

shoot the 165, dont worry about downrange power, you'll have lots of top notch terminal performance on anything up to the size of elk and moose out to 1/4 mile, with the TSX

have fun hunting and keep the wind in your face 8)

[Caveman]

I have used 185gr, 165gr & 150gr Federal premium in my 30.06 and definatly no difference, dead is dead. Shoot whatever load performs the best up to 200yds after that it's probably not the bullet anyways, if you have a problem. Any of those will also reach out much futher but why shoot outside your comfort zone. I personally like the lighter grains in my own as well, and on occasion shoot between 300 & 400 yds with great success. Good Luck!