Hornady Custom Lite .30-06 Springfield 125-grain SST ammunition (part no. 81066) is built for hunters and shooters who want a genuine .30-06 hunting round with meaningfully less recoil than a standard-weight load. Hornady pairs a lighter 125-grain bullet with a reduced-recoil powder charge in the Custom Lite line, cutting felt recoil substantially compared to the caliber’s traditional 150 to 180-grain loads. The Super Shock Tip initiates expansion instantly on impact while its secant ogive profile keeps the bullet flying flat despite the reduced velocity. In rifle ammunition for new, younger, or recoil-sensitive hunters, this is a genuinely lighter-shooting .30-06.

Key Specifications

• The chambering is .30-06 Springfield, one of the most versatile and widely available big-game cartridges.
• The bullet weighs 125 grains, lighter than standard .30-06 loads specifically to reduce felt recoil.
• The bullet uses a Super Shock Tip (SST), initiating instant expansion on impact.
• The load is built to Hornady’s Custom Lite reduced-recoil specification, cutting felt recoil substantially versus standard .30-06 loads.
• The cases are brass, and each box holds 20 rounds, shipped 10 boxes to the case.
• Cost runs about $1.31 per round for a purpose-built reduced-recoil hunting load.
• A full box ships at approximately 1.1 lb, lighter than a standard-weight .30-06 hunting load.
• This load is built for bolt-action rifles chambered in .30-06 Springfield.
• The reduced powder charge also extends barrel life slightly compared to full-power .30-06 loads.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much less recoil does Custom Lite generate? The lighter bullet and reduced powder charge combine to cut felt recoil substantially compared to a standard-weight .30-06 hunting load.

Is a reduced-recoil load still effective on deer-sized game? Yes, the SST’s controlled expansion still delivers reliable performance on deer-sized game, just with a noticeably softer shooting experience.

Buy Hornady Custom Lite .30-06 Springfield 125gr

Recoil sensitivity should never keep a hunter out of the field, and Custom Lite gives a proven .30-06 a genuinely softer shooting experience. Load up before the season starts. Order from our Lubbock, Texas gun shop and it ships fast to your door.