Eps 398: Is the 30-06 REALLY sliding into obsolescence or is Ron full of it?

[@jasonriley9069]

30-06 is the old lion of the cartridge family. The king

[@CanukWbyFan]

Not king. Good, but there's better.

[@CanukWbyFan]

However I don't think it's going obsolete any time soon.

[@gonepostal9101]

@@CanukWbyFanNah, it’s the King. Sure, there’s better, they’ve had a 100 years to improve, but when you take into account all the other cartridges that have been derived from it, not to mention the vast number of .30 cal bullets available to load it with, there ain’t too many others that are that versatile.

[@curly__3]

​@@CanukWbyFan... There is actually nothing better. They got it right in 1906. Everything that has come later falls short.

[@michaelcarter3004]

@@CanukWbyFansure but if you consider the range of factory ammo, possible reloading, and general availability there really isn’t anything better than

[@ItalianShooter01]

I’m 23 but I’ll never let the 30-06 down, my father introduced this cartridge to me and I don’t think I need to say anything else.

[@ChanoLeyva-l8x]

Daddy?

[@RobJamesUSMCScoutSniper]

its a known fact that the 30-06 is a dying cartridge being that those who use it are older folks are refuse consider other better options, theres a few younger die hard 30-06 dummies but its not many. these types are very stubborn "know-it-alls" even tho they couldn't be more wrong. the 300 wsm or 300 win trumps the 30-06 all day, everyday and twice on Sundays, I'd pick either over the -06. but I have 7mm rem mag so no need. the -06 is possibly the most overrated next to the 308 of course, but dont waste your time trying to educate these fanboys because they dont listen to reason or logic. it's like talking to a brick wall but worse because they'll just argue with u but they wall even without any facts to backup their standpoints much like looney liberals only care about sending poor babies back to God far too soon! the -06 is on life support at this point thanks to the diehard older guys keeping it around. the younger guys are more-so into the 6.5mm and 7mm

[@-a-strikelures1212]

7 Mag for me

[@58harwood]

“The 30-06 is never a bad choice!” Craig Boddington 🇺🇸👍🇺🇸

[@shotcaughtcrop]

Boddingtons poach sublegal Bighorn sheep FYI Not someone to look up to

[@RobJamesUSMCScoutSniper]

its a known fact that the 30-06 is a dying cartridge being that those who use it are older folks are refuse consider other better options, theres a few younger die hard 30-06 dummies but its not many. these types are very stubborn "know-it-alls" even tho they couldn't be more wrong. the 300 wsm or 300 win trumps the 30-06 all day, everyday and twice on Sundays, I'd pick either over the -06. but I have 7mm rem mag so no need. the -06 is possibly the most overrated next to the 308 of course, but dont waste your time trying to educate these fanboys because they dont listen to reason or logic. it's like talking to a brick wall but worse because they'll just argue with u but they wall even without any facts to backup their standpoints much like looney liberals only care about sending poor babies back to God far too soon! the -06 is on life support at this point thanks to the diehard older guys keeping it around. the younger guys are more-so into the 6.5mm and 7mm

[@waltershoults8803]

For the last time. The 30.06 is still busy filling freezers as you opine about its future, it’s still bringing in new generations to filling freezers . Thx

[@albundy7459]

The number of hunters is drastically decreasing nation wide and the amount of gun owners buying now are for their weird apocalypse scenarios. It’s a dying round. It will join the 220 swift within the next 20 years.

[@anti8.6]

​@@albundy7459lol, it's rare for new cartridges to last, 3006 has been around for so long 20 more years isn't going to kill it.

[@TweetyBird_Likes_Quokkas]

30-06 is overkill for whitetail deer and blacktail deer

[@anti8.6]

​@@TweetyBird_Likes_Quokkas depends on what region of the US you are hunting, southern deer are barely bigger than a dog and northern deer are basically cows

[@jacobmccandles1767]

@@TweetyBird_Likes_Quokkas but what else is as equally at home on pronghorn, big Northern deer, elk, moose, or Brown Bear? 30-06 versatility is unmatched.

[@paulmartin6895]

The 30-06 will not go away . Too many new and other cartridges compare it to the 06. Also you can do more with the 06 then any other Cartridges You can as a handloader to load down to 00 buckshot and 32 cal cast to 220 gr bullets. Tell me Ron what other cartridges can do that and been in production for over 100 years?

[@jaydunbar7538]

He didn't say it will go away. As a hand loader you can do everything you can do with a 06 with any of the other 30 cal cartridges. Nothing wrong with the old 06, but its not magical either.

[@curly__3]

​@@jaydunbar7538... It's not magical... It's a gift from God.

[@curly__3]

The 30-06 is just the best. Period. Nothing compares.

[@RuggedSportsmen]

Not even close. But it'll do anything you ask of it

[@nickb8618]

That’s wrong 😂 popular yes best hasn’t been for years and years

[@conraywest]

7 mag

[@curly__3]

@conraywest not even close.

[@timhood6970]

Ron, I had to call the Alabama EMA to notify them that wasn't an earthquake, it was just me falling out of my chair because you actually told someone to use their .308! 😆😅🤣

[@user-gu2il2fd2x]

Don't stand in front of a 30 06 at any range. Keep buying those high dollar shells and I will save my money on the 30 06

[@jaydunbar7538]

Not any difference in cost, not for the same ammunition. For all the people who say the ammo is cheaper i never see any of them actually using old surplus in their favorite hunting rifle, so the fact that it's available is not relevant in most circumstances. Sure the box can be a few dollars more or less depending on your favorite loading, 06 isn't always the cheaper one.

[@anti8.6]

When it comes to long action rifle calibers, 3006 has always been the lowest priced on the shelf that I've seen, and they have always been successful at hunting l.

[@TweetyBird_Likes_Quokkas]

More supply of 30-06 on the market means lower cost of same ammo.

[@donleckrone6448]

Me too

[@RobJamesUSMCScoutSniper]

its a known fact that the 30-06 is a dying cartridge being that those who use it are older folks are refuse consider other better options, theres a few younger die hard 30-06 dummies but its not many. these types are very stubborn "know-it-alls" even tho they couldn't be more wrong. the 300 wsm or 300 win trumps the 30-06 all day, everyday and twice on Sundays, I'd pick either over the -06. but I have 7mm rem mag so no need. the -06 is possibly the most overrated next to the 308 of course, but dont waste your time trying to educate these fanboys because they dont listen to reason or logic. it's like talking to a brick wall but worse because they'll just argue with u but they wall even without any facts to backup their standpoints much like looney liberals only care about sending poor babies back to God far too soon! the -06 is on life support at this point thanks to the diehard older guys keeping it around. the younger guys are more-so into the 6.5mm and 7mm

[@HobbitHomes263]

With modern, long, heavy bullets and a faster twist rate, the 30-06 is a beast.

[@curly__3]

You don't need a fast twist rate or long bullets... 99.999999% of people that are using it for hunting are shooting a deer or elk at under 200 yards. The '06 will take a bull elk cleanly above 7,000 feet elevation out to 550 yards with just a 180 speer flat base hotcore which is well over twice the range that 95% of elk are taken at. And it will do the same out to 650 yards with a speer bt...you guys need to get a grip.

[@HobbitHomes263]

@curly__3 high BC is always an advantage in western hunting. I will agree that my 55 year old 700 BDL has taken countless elk and mules as far out as 500 yards, it doesnt have the energy to compensate for marginal hits. Over the summer I had it rebarreled with a Lilja blank 1 in 8 twist so it will now stabilize 200 grain copper. The high BC is more forgiving of ranging errors and variable crosswinds that are common in mountain hunting

[@HobbitHomes263]

@curly__3 I guided in western Montana for 20 years so I think I have a grip on the question. I want myself and my clients to go into the field with every advantage they can have. Sure you don't NEED it but high BC reduces the number of missed or poorly hit elk. As the guide it was MY job to track down wounded elk. I've seen elk hit in the hip with a Nosler Partition from a 300 mag walk 8 miles up and down steep slopes. When a client arrives at the ranch we take them straight to our range. Most guys don't get to practice at more than 100 yards. It gives them the chance to check zero and have a look at long range targets. it gives me the chance to evaluate their marksmanship and the trajectory and energy potential of their cartridge. That way I know how close I need to get them and provide accurate advise on how high to hold or what scope settings they'll need. Guys shooting high BC bullets noticeably group better because those bullets shoot flatter and mitigate the effects of variable winds and air density. I agree that many kills are 250 yds or less but if a good opportunity arises at 600 ii need to know if that client can make that shot and that I can give him or accurate advice

[@HobbitHomes263]

@curly__3 all that said, my grandma filled her elk tag every year for 30 years with a Savage M99 in 243. That's because as my grandpa said "that's the sneakiest woman I ever met". My pre hunt advice to clients is keep that familiar old 270 and spend your money in the gym. From my perch the number one cause of missed is flinching behind a brand new big time 338 Geewillker Magnum. The second cause is fitness. If you need 5 minutes of cardiac recovery before the cross hairs stop jumping around that means missed opportunities and missed shots. Practice moving thru the would quickly and quietly. Comfortable, well broken in boots are the most important piece of gear you need to hunt here. Stalk deer back home with your camera. Put in the work.

[@curly__3]

@@HobbitHomes263 ... Fair enough... But if the client is skilled enough to take a 600 yard shot, he should be fine with any rifle that has the power to do it, no matter the trajectory. The difference in trajectory of a 180 grain moving 2700 fps from a 22'' 30-06 and a 180 grain moving 2850 from a 24'' 300 mag (which i have loaded a 22'' '06 up to and beyond by the way) is about 2 inches at 400 yards if i'm not mistaken and a bit more the further you get out. Not worth even batting an eye at. I've done some long range shooting out to 600 yards. At 600, particularly in the rockies (I've lived in and hunted colorado for 30 years and in Kansas for another 8) the wind direction can easily change direction 180 degrees 4-5 times, and the wind speed can be 20 or 30 mph different in each windstream. Which is why dudes like me do not condone shooting 600 yards unless there's nearly no wind. So let's get that out of the way. There are real limitations on what you can do aside from getting lucky. Anyway, i can generally hit within the 10'' ring out to around 400ish yards with up to 25 mph cross winds using an '06 or 7mag and flat base bullets. I like to use flat base bullets because they are generally made for heavier impact and get through heavy hard impacts way better than most boat tails. That said, i have had excellent results using sst's in the past in various calibers. The slower 30-06 with the 180 gr trucking along at 2600-2750 always works. Most 180 gr bullets in 30 caliber are made to withstand the impact velocties you get from a 30-06 out to about 400 or 500 yards. The 300 mags often cause blow ups and poor penetration at closer ranges with bullets not designed for high velocities. You're not the first person, or the 2nd or the 3rd or 4th and so on that i know or have talked to that has lost an elk (or witnessed them lost) to a 300 mag. Too fast is not good. I'd rather have too slow of an impact over too fast any day. Anyway, pretty much every veteran elk hunter i know uses a 7mm-08, 270, 308, 30-06 or a 7mm rem mag, generally owns at least one rifle in two of those calibers... And i know quite a few veteran elk hunters. I know of a couple guys that get elk every year with 357 mag handguns and a couple of ex Colorado game wardens that were religious about using 243 winchesters for elk, which we have used with great success as well. None of them use 300's or 338's. I'm not saying those big mags aren't good, but you better know what kind of bullet to use in them, you better have the money to shoot them enough to overcome the inevitable flinch from the recoil and the report, you better be able to source brass and or factory ammo, which can be hard to do sometimes in those cartridges. Anyhow... Cheers... I always like talking to other elk hunters.

[@aaronsanborn4291]

There's not anything on this planet you can't put down with an 06

[@-a-strikelures1212]

Same with 7mag

[@gregwilliams5820]

I've taken multiple deer and two nice bulls with my Springfield 30-06 150 grain

[@isaiahholt6132]

Oh yeah me personally i run 180 with elk but 150 will definitely get the job done i seen a vid of a brown bear going down from a 150 grain 30-06

[@deanhoward4128]

I cant speak for anybody; but I still love my 03 A3 30-06 & my .308! I also still have my 94- 30-30 - I am not a rich guy & dont need or want any of these wildcat & fancy newer cartridges; The guns I have now will do the jobs of hunting & target shooting I do, so if other people have the money & think the newer fancy & wildcat cartridges are all the rage & got to have all the new guns & ammo- go for it, but dont condemn me for using my older 30 caliber rifles! We are all entitled to our opinions & love our 2nd amendment rights & privileges! Keep up the great work Ron! ( I wont hold your .308 opinion against you!)

[@sandych33ks1]

In Northern Ny everyone in our hunting gang uses 3006 or 308 , leaning more towards 3006 .We use the pump action 7600 Remington rifles or the 7400..It's truly sad they will never make either of these guns again..

[@MichaelLucas-c6u]

A 30-06 was my first rifle my brother gave it to me for Christmas with five boxes of federal 150 grs and a 3x 9 scope

[@ericpettyfishing]

it's too prevalent in our country to ever die. everyone has a 30-06

[@RobJamesUSMCScoutSniper]

I dont...... so not everyone.. its a known fact that the 30-06 is a dying cartridge being that those who use it are older folks who refuse consider other better options, theres a few younger die hard 30-06 dummies but its not many. these types are very stubborn "know-it-alls" even tho they couldn't be more wrong. the 300 wsm or 300 win trumps the 30-06 all day, everyday and twice on Sundays, I'd pick either over the -06. but I have 7mm rem mag so no need. the -06 is possibly the most overrated next to the 308 of course, but dont waste your time trying to educate these fanboys because they dont listen to reason or logic. it's like talking to a brick wall but worse because they'll just argue with u but they wall even without any facts to backup their standpoints much like looney liberals only care about sending poor babies back to God far too soon! the -06 is on life support at this point thanks to the diehard older guys keeping it around. the younger guys are more-so into the 6.5mm and 7mm

[@no_regerts5176]

@@RobJamesUSMCScoutSniper logistics trump ballistics for the vast majority of hunters. The 30-06 will live on, based on that alone.

[@RobJamesUSMCScoutSniper]

@@no_regerts5176 lol you're delusional, -06 is 100% a dying cartridge. your logic is asinine. also do you know what happens when you assume?.. that alone proves my point

[@RobJamesUSMCScoutSniper]

​@@no_regerts5176 the 308 is more popular than the -06 and its also a dying cartridge. the younger folks are mostly taking the newer cartridges like the 6.5 prc. 6.5 creed', 7mm prc, 6mm arc, 6mm creed', 28 nosler, 30 nosler, and so on... hell even 7mm wsm is more popular than -06. its mostly older diehard fanboys of the -06 who are too stupid, too stubborn to see the entire picture long list of benefits to most newer cartridges/ I'm n my 40's never owned a -06, never will. because my 7mm rem mag is far better of course. why marry an ugly woman who cook when you dont have to... its not rocket science. meaning why select an inferior cartridge when theres so many better options. I'd take a 270 win over a -06

[@RobJamesUSMCScoutSniper]

@@no_regerts5176 you're delusional, do you know what happens when you assume, that alone proves my point. the -06 is 100% a dying cartridge. its a known fact. because those who still keep it around are mostly older foolish, stubborn who refuse to see the entire long list of better options and the benefits of upgrading. its capable but not ideal.

[@RobMcqueen-t5t]

Here is question for you Ron or anyone else. Looking back at all the big game you have killed with other calipers what % of them could you of had the same results with the 30-06 ? I am going to guess 95% to 100% of them.

[@Helfirearms]

Since no one has answered I will throw one out there. You’re right the 30-06 would have gotten the same job done in every one of my large game hunting shots. I could say the same for 223 and 300wm, they also would have gotten the job done. For me it is more about picking what is the most ideal for me. The 30-06 is a great cartridge but I would rather shoot American large game with my 6.5 Grendel, creedmoor or PRC. If I was at a gun shop looking for a new whitetail rifle and 30-06 and 308 were sitting there I would choose the 308 because it will do the same job with less recoil and even more ammo available. The 30-06 is versatile and a “jack of all” but that isn’t what I’m after. Everyone has their own preferences and desires. Hunt honest and shoot straight, God bless.

[@DaSeeAir]

30-06 is eternal.🎉 Im a hand loader one of the widest range of loadings and combinations. of any cartridge. is can be very accurate. unless your trying to shoot the stripes of a scud missile 30-06 won't let you down

[@davidlaney8254]

Any negativity towards any of the longstanding calibers is usually driven by those looking to brag about owning the latest to others who don't. I don't own a 30-06 but that doesn't keep me from recognizing its continued success as a very versatile hunting cartridge.

[@Godfryness]

Just built a 30-06AI this year for hunting. Shooting Barnes 175LRX 2900

[@rogerw71]

I think 30-06 is really popular with older hunters, as is the .243. They already have their guns and know what ammo works. Every manufacturer has multiple options for factory ammo available, and every brand of brass is available. They aren’t using it for long range target practice as much, and there aren’t tens of thousands of new rifles being sold in it, so people aren’t scrambling to buy up brass, bullets and the latest (and limited) loaded rounds as soon as they are released. They are buying a box or two a year to stay stocked up. There is also lots of common powders that work well in the 30-06, unlike the 3 or 4 magnum powders that are popular in almost every PRC, 6.8 Western, 7 RM, 300 WM,and all the Wetherby magnums. I have several modern cartridges that are great, but will always have a 30-06, and .243 in my safe. I just built a custom 284 Winchester and find it to be a perfect balance for just about everything I’m going to do, so that won’t ever be sold either.

[@theredflannelchannel7820]

I have shot a 7mm rem mag in Colorado for 30 years because that’s what my dad always shot. A couple years ago I acquired a 1955 Winchester model 70 in 30-06. I am instantly a huge fan! It gets the job done and my shoulder likes it way better!

[@boygirlandadad5814]

Ron, please don't start a campaign against the '06 like you did with the .308. The '06 is a fine cartridge it's just not something new, hyped up and promoted because it's not something new but just the same old, tried and true fabulous cartridge. Maybe they should reinvent it somehow and name it the 30 Creedmoor or the 30 Yapmoor, after you, of course.😂

[@randyjohnson6845]

That's deep......the only negative I have ever seen in 45 years of hunting was when I was very young I didn't use good quality bullets..my bullets almost exploded on contact ..now my 165 fusion and 180 grain swift A frame are almost perfect

[@maxkurland6413]

Appreciate the advice Ron :) I’ll definitely be careful with reduced loads if and when I get into reloading.

[@caileanmacanndraigh8580]

Hi Ron. Cailean here from Scotland. Though I feel you have and made some good points regarding the popularity of the 30.06 you may be a little presumptive in saying it’s beginning the decline that some cartridges do. Remember how the 45-70 nearly vanished and now it’s popular in ways no one could have predicted. Here in the uk and many places in Europe. The 30.06 is still popular and still as versatile and effective in ways the 6.5 needsmore and many of its like cannot attain. I enjoy your podcasts and listen to you without fail. What I think is happening with the plethora of new 6.5’s and others will be a passing fad. Yes the 308 is very popular and useful it is not however as useful as the 30.06 just be patient and watch you will in all likelihood find at the end of the day the 30.06 will still be standing tall. I am still using the 30.06 after 50 years it’s still my go to. When my 458 is just to much. Please keep up your great work my day is not complete without one of your videos

[@Zer0Edits00]

I mean cmon.. if we are gonna keep praising the 1911 for winning 2 world wars, we have to praise the 30-06 for being the go to cartridge of both world wars as well..

[@isaiahholt6132]

We may not have a saying for it as we do have for 45 acp but no 30-06 isn’t going anywhere its still issued for belt fed in the military which means military surplus isn’t going away anytime soon. I got nothing against ron he knows much more than me about firearms but it does appear he doesn’t know amerca’s gun community very well

[@440capnhook]

@@isaiahholt6132 umm what belt fed gun still uses 06?

[@RobJamesUSMCScoutSniper]

@@isaiahholt6132 its a known fact that the 30-06 is a dying cartridge being that those who use it are older folks are refuse consider other better options, theres a few younger die hard 30-06 dummies but its not many. these types are very stubborn "know-it-alls" even tho they couldn't be more wrong. the 300 wsm or 300 win trumps the 30-06 all day, everyday and twice on Sundays, I'd pick either over the -06. but I have 7mm rem mag so no need. the -06 is possibly the most overrated next to the 308 of course, but dont waste your time trying to educate these fanboys because they dont listen to reason or logic. it's like talking to a brick wall but worse because they'll just argue with u but they wall even without any facts to backup their standpoints much like looney liberals only care about sending poor babies back to God far too soon! the -06 is on life support at this point thanks to the diehard older guys keeping it around. the younger guys are more-so into the 6.5mm and 7mm

[@MrTacklebury]

Light loads are easy, if you use proper powders for doing them. The powder I use for light loads is primarily Alliant Unique. Red dot is also great. Basically, fast pistol powders work well. I load .308 subsonics with HS-6 powder also. These powders are fast burning and don't allow for the cavitation and secondary ignition cases. I load .45-70 with a .459 round ball for small game dispatching and it's accurate enough in my gun to take ground hogs at 100 yards or so. You can do the same thing with .308 or .30-06 and .310 buckshot. Just run them through a bullet sizer for .308 diameter. The main issue with reduced loads is that when you are starting out developing one, you need to keep a good solid range rod and a dead blow hammer available to remove stuck bullets. I run the rod down the barrel after every shot I take, if I don't see an impact for sure.

[@justinschmidt9180]

The 30 06 is the do all ,and it has done all. It out performs the beloved 6.5 needmore . Well mine does with my hand loads go 3000fps with 150gr accubonds

[@ChanoLeyva-l8x]

I’m getting the same performance in my 308 handloads

[@glockfan87]

I get about 3000 fps with 150gr Hornady SSTs and IMR 4064. My 165gr a little over 2900 fps

[@rogerbartels5223]

Hello, Ron. If you want a description of what happens in a reduced load where the powder can pile up in 2 different areas of the case, it will act something like a detonation in a gasoline engine. The higher the pressure gets in a gasoline engine or in a cartridge, the faster the propellant burns. Either gasoline or gunpowder will detonate once a critical pressure has been exceeded, causing the gasoline or the gunpowder to instantly burn at a very high burn rate. If a large enough amount of gunpowder detonates, it will cause extreme pressures in the firearm. This is creating a very dangerous situation and can explode the firearm. A significantly reduced charge in a cartridge can be just as dangerous as an excess charge in the cartridge. Cartridge cases should always be filled to approximately 80% of the capacity of the case to be safe and have a consistent burn rate of the gunpowder. You can find this type of information in some loading manuals. Shoot straight and hunt honestly. Have a great day.

[@gabriellindig]

D&B supply clearanced out their Hornady 30-06 reloading dies so I picked up a set for 28 bucks as a backup for my RCBS dies

[@michaelm9211]

Smoked two doe on Saturday with a 1948 Winchester model 70 in 30-06. I used a 150 grain Remington core lokt. Both shot seconds from each other at about 75-100 yards. Bullet blew through both shoulders on both deer. It also broke the impact side shoulder on both deer. First time hunting with that rifle.

[@dylanwatterson4369]

Speaking of concussions from big rifles… I was once the owner of a .50 BMG with and enormous brake. The recoil was totally manageable but the concussion from the thing was a fast track to a headache. After 5 rounds I’d have to push my teeth back into the sockets! 😂 thanks for the content!

[@WillyG3234]

30-06, 30-30, 270, and 243 will still be my favorites. As a 28 year old, I'll certainly never put my 270 down

[@JeremyThomas-s9e]

I am interested in purchasing a used 30-06 for deer hunting. Any suggestions for what years and manufacture to look for? Thanks

[@leoncolwin8645]

Look for a Sako L61 from the 1970s. Or try to find a FN 98 Mauser action from the 1950s--specifically a Husqvarna 640. The Parker Hale rifles from England were highly under-rated. Of course there's also the pre-64 Winchester

[@CheeseBurgerXJ]

If you're looking for a different style 30-06 I'd look for a model 7600 or model 6 Remington pump action. Me, my grandpa and dad have been using them to hunt whitetail for the the last 30 years, very quick follow up shots plus 5 rnd detachable magazine.

[@JeremyThomas-s9e]

@ My dad has my grandfather’s Remington 742 Woodsmaster in 30-06. How does that compare with the 7600?

[@JeremyThomas-s9e]

@ Anything from the 70s or 80s? Maybe the Savage 110 or Remington BDL. I have an ADL in 7mm mag with synthetic stock, but I really like the walnut stock and the blued barrels on the older models

[@waltershoults8803]

Remington Woodsmaster or Gamemaster 30.06

[@baggageboy68]

Hi Ron, I listen to your videos most every week and enjoy the down to earth gun hunting and gun talk. You remind me often of my late father who was a hunter to the bone and a bit of a gun nut. He was always intrigued by the more unique cartridges whether they were wildcats, or factory chambering that fell by the wayside. You recently did a video on the 21 Sharp that got me and my brother into a bit of a debate. Where we live in Arizona lead free ammunition isn't required for hunting, but I personally only hunt with lead free (I have a very health conscious wife who makes sure of that). So I was excited by the idea of the new 21 Sharp. It is a clever solution to a real problem that shouldn't cost a lot IF THEY CAN GET TO REAL PRODUCTION NUMBERS. My brother on the other hand took the opposite position, "meh, lead free 22lr is available, this is dumb". Which as things currently stand I have to admit is true. But I shoot the lead free 22lr ammo and several of my guns really can't shoot it worth a darn. My point is that the 21 Sharp has great potential. I just hope others will see that and we can get to production numbers that will make the potential cost advantage (and accuracy) real. Too many good rounds die in the cradle because people wont try something new!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcast]

You've analyzed it correctly. The 21 Sharps with copper bullets can match the trajectory and energy performance of the traditional 40-gr 22 LR ammo out to about 75 yards, so it is a solution if you must shoot copper. But getting to "critical mass" is yet to be decided.

[@baggageboy68]

@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcast Exactly. It's a real advantage in design and SHOULD be an advantage in production, but the gears of industry turn slowly, and changing minds isn't easily done. Particularly when there ARE alternatives that right now are competitively priced, and don't require an upfront investment in a new gun. Oh heck, several new guns, we know no one only has one 22lr lol.

[@musicmanhunter1]

well i did order a few of the candles for the Cave. lol Thanks Ron..... the wife is Happy

[@ronladuke7235]

I have a relatively light 340 Weatherby mag built on a rem 700 and when working up loads with 250 grain bullets at up to 3000 fps I would often have 30 rounds to shoot off the bench and I would always get a headache.😊

[@redbeard123]

Im with you on the open sights mr ron and im only 42 lol

[@bigbore4498]

Here’s the truth. Bullet and gun companies have to sell new inventory. Best way to do that today is invent new cartridges and rifles. None of them are groundbreaking, but are marketed as such. Many of the hunters today know this. So the companies have switched to marketing to long range target and hunting. They give you the illusion that you can shoot deer and elk at 700-1000 yards with this rifle/cartridge out west. 99.5% of hunters will never take that shot. But because they are sold that they “can”, they think it must be better at the distances they normally hunt. They aren’t. Dead is dead. A 7mm PRC doesn’t kill an elk at 200 yards better than a 270. A 6.5 Creed won’t kill better than a 6.5x55 or 260. The old cartridges like the ‘06, 308, 270, 30-30, 45-70, are just as good, and even better today, than they were 30 years ago. The rifles today might be lighter. They might be more consistent (accurate) today. But if you’re having to shoot 700-1000 yards today to kill an animal, maybe the problem isn’t the rifle or the cartridge. If you want the latest and greatest, fine. More power to you. And I mean that. But to be sold that you NEED a particular rifle/cartridge to be successful is no different than the snake oil salesmen of 100 years ago. The 30-06 may not be the “king”. Or it might. But who here actually thinks these new cartridges will be around in 120 years? If you do, I’ve got some old snake oil for sale.

[@hrmIwonder]

They way you hear people talk nowadays you'd think the bullets from these older cartridges practically bounce off of game lol...besides, inside 300 yards, there's not all that much difference ballistically between most rifle cartridges (30-06, 7rm, 7 prc, 270 etc).. now if 1000 yard bench rest shooting is your thing, maybe the new fangled stuff is worth it. But at ethical hunting distances, what are we talking, an inch difference in drop and wind drift?

[@bigbore4498]

@ To be completely objective, it can be more than an inch in some cases. High BC bullets do have less wind drift. They do carry momentum better. But people have to realize that these tests are performed in controlled environments. They aren’t real world tests. And I suppose it depends on what you consider ethical hunting distances. For me, that’s 300 tops. And inside 300 yards, the wind drift isn’t much unless you’re shooting the lowest BC 30-06 bullet vs the highest BC 7 PRC. Apples to apples it’s minimal. Not even worth the turret adjustment. I’ve spent far too much time studying, handloading and testing, to believe the hype coming from gun/cartridge companies. But again, to be completely objective, I’m not a LR shooter, unless you consider coyotes. I’m a hunter. And where I hunt, I harvest (most) of my animals at 50-100 yards. Even most coyotes. Can I harvest further? Absolutely. But I don’t need to. So like I said, if someone’s wants the newest, and “greatest”, more power to them. I’m all for keeping gun companies in business. We need them for sure. But potential buyers would do well to spend the time to actually study and compare these cartridges with the old classics. And then compare that to where and what they are going to hunt. And if they do, 99% of the time, it’s just snake oil for real world application. And don’t even get me started on the “new” straight wall cartridges like the Legend and HammR. Why anyone not from a northern restrictive state, would choose one of those, is beyond me.

[@glockfan87]

Well said

[@allthingsconsidered3211]

for recoil. shoot standing. get a "limb saver" recoil pad. and double up your ear pro

[@markseay4930]

Gary should make a candle that smells like Hoppe's #9.

[@chrisowen5497]

Great podcast and lots of good questions/ comments. All of your 30-06 videos have convinced me that I need another one. I’ve been eyeing that Ruger Hawkeye Hunter, now I gotta have it…. in 30-06, of course.

[@larryzink4708]

I’ve got a couple of 22 HighPower rifles and haven’t had that much trouble finding ammo. That is still a popular caliber in Europe but they call it 5.6/52R. Sellier and Bellot makes it and I have purchased it from SGA Ammo in Stillwater Ok. Fun old guns to shoot . Really enjoy your podcasts!

[@chrisdenem2542]

Love you Ron, The 308 win popularity is a trend of late, like it was in the 1960s. Much literature was being put out with claims of it being the same as the .06. pushing advantages of the shorter bolt throw, etc. Better accuracy? Comparing both, the 30.06 has a good advantage of over 100 fps in all bullet heights. Doesnt sound like much but in energy and trajectory, it is considerable giving the .06 th advantage. It sells very well and manufacturers who dropped production are learning the hard way and offering it once again. .06s never last very long on online gun stores. The 308 seems to hang a while.

[@duck-n-cover477]

Shot many times a Remington 700 chambered .223 Rem with a 24" sporter profile barrell 1:14 twist, and it stabilizes 55 gr and lighter bullets great...higher velocity too :)

[@danieldougherty5144]

First deer I ever took was taken by the great 30-06. Still remember looking through the scope seeing the buck drop right in the very spot. No question it is an all around choice with no disappointments for sure.

[@MarvinTurner-oc4ml]

Ron, in reference to the .30-06 slipping in popularity I have recently encountered young men ( 20-25 years old ) at the range who were sighting in their just acquired .30-06 rifles. They were preparing for the SC deer season in hopes of bagging that fabulous buck to put on the wall. This has happened three times at different ranges with different young shooters. As far as click-bait video titles, I only consider them click-bait if the headline has no relevance to the content. I have been watching a lot of your content but cannot say any of your titles truly constitute click-bait. Ignore the complaints about the advertising - I hate the ads myself but I know there is nothing I can do about it except pay KZbin for the privilege of not seeing them or subscribing to your RSO-TV content. I'm not irritated enough to spend that cup of coffee money (yet). Keep up the great content!

[@jaredw289]

Little late to be preparing for deer season in South Carolina. 3 weeks left.

[@MarvinTurner-oc4ml]

@@jaredw289 When I said "recently" I meant in the last three months or so. By now they all have taken a deer or decided they don't really like hunting as much as they thought they would.

[@lmbear]

I really like your blue bird painting. Oh, and yes the 30-06 is still the king. New video please..

[@Brandansquests]

Reduce with bullet weight is always better than with charge

[@crawlingrocket116]

Fun fact: The 6.5x55 Swedish offers outstanding accuracy and performance on par with 6.5 Creedmoor, while predating the 30-30. The only thing holding it back are some lackluster factory loads because the Norwegians chose to chamber it in a weak Krag-Jorgenssen action, while Sweden opted for the much stronger Mauser action. Of course it does require a long action, but if you're buying something like a Tikka, they only come in one size anyway. Greetings from Sweden!

[@Moxie-Smith]

Yugo k98 is a German made k98 receiver built by Yugoslavia when they took the factory back from the Germans. It's a full length Mauser receiver made of German steel. The limit is in the mag well at a cartridge over all length of 3.29 which is big enough for the 7mm Rem Mag, but 30-06 shows a COAL of 3.3. So you may need to modify the mag well or put in a Mauser 30-06 mag well.

[@jasonweishaupt1828]

We hear the voice of the invisible Boss! 😊

[@troycrittle9809]

The 30/06 is still popular in Australia. Personally I’ve taken tahr bulls, buffalo, red and fallow deer and heaps of other critters. But these days I grab a sako 308 more often. Honestly I think that there are far more important variables in being successful than calibre. Like optics, fitness and a positive attitude. To me it’s like arguing one camo pattern over another, when the reality is that deer are colour blind.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I keep guns that I know ammo will be avalible if SHTF. It’s not just about hunting. If all else failed and all I could get my hands on was an old deer rifle in 30-06 then I know I can find some ammo for it. And that same principle applies to most all the classics. For example I always wanted a 204 Ruger rifle in a nice Ruger M77 with a walnut stock. But I’m afraid if things went bad I would have no use for it. People just don’t have 204 Ruger laying around. Hell the store don’t have it now most the time 🤦‍♂️. But I can always find 22LR, 223 556, 3030, 308, 30-06.

[@blueduck9409]

The 30-06 is the old reliable standard. Fads will come and go, and in the end, the 30-06 will remain a reliable game getter.

[@RobJamesUSMCScoutSniper]

its a known fact that the 30-06 is a dying cartridge being that those who use it are older folks are refuse consider other better options, theres a few younger die hard 30-06 dummies but its not many. these types are very stubborn "know-it-alls" even tho they couldn't be more wrong. the 300 wsm or 300 win trumps the 30-06 all day, everyday and twice on Sundays, I'd pick either over the -06. but I have 7mm rem mag so no need. the -06 is possibly the most overrated next to the 308 of course, but dont waste your time trying to educate these fanboys because they dont listen to reason or logic. it's like talking to a brick wall but worse because they'll just argue with u but they wall even without any facts to backup their standpoints much like looney liberals only care about sending poor babies back to God far too soon! the -06 is on life support at this point thanks to the diehard older guys keeping it around. the younger guys are more-so into the 6.5mm and 7mm

[@jasonstephenson793]

Look AR10 platforms are now becoming very popular, which are the semi autos chambered in 308,30-06, extra. & the price of them are starting to come down, with companies like Noreen Firearms BN36x3 longe range coming in at around 3000 dollars. So, as these platforms get more popular & the prices come down, 30-06 springfield is going to also get more popular. I wouldn't be surprised to see 30-06 take on these faster twist rates & higher BC projectiles in the future as people start looking for a rifle platforms like the AR10, that will work for hunting, target shooting long ranges & if shit hits the fan, self defense scenarios. Also add in the fact that the Army is now ending the 5.56 & going to 6.8/308, I have a feeling, 5.56/223 is going to go to the sidelines. As the younger generations of veterans grow up with a full sized cartridges.

[@blackie1of4]

I'm old school and don't shoot past 300 yards.. so my choice of rifles is wide open! Cause so many can get it done with no muss.. no fuss! My line up.. a little different but efficient.. 350 Legend 358 Winchester 7mm-08 Remington 35 Whelen 357 Mag carbine Yep.. I love 35 calibers ❤️ That being said.. I harvested game with.. The 303 British The 30-06 Springfield The 7mm-08 Remington The 350 Remington Mag The 350 Legend The 358 Winchester The deer never knew the difference ❤

[@chriskincaid6035]

Thank You ...

[@T410ce]

I work at a popular Canadian retail store that has a Firearms/ Hunting section. The other day I was over looking at our ammo to see what the .204 Ruger actually looked like and I realized we had no less than 2 dozen options for .30-06 ammo 😂. I own two rifles in that caliber and although I wouldn’t mind trying something different, I really have no reason to.

[@clintonlayne9253]

Ron , I had a successful West River Hunting filling both tags. No Giants but nice Whitetails. East River I got a 4x4 Whitetail buck with my GMC Sierra Pickup in Douglas County. I missed a huge bodied Buck Buck Fever or was my Scope altered after I hit the 4x4 Whitetail buck. Who knows for sure.

[@Johnny-y7j]

30-06 is the best for everything a man needs to hunt big and small game to hunt!

[@johngoodman9380]

Is Ron Spomer really sliding into obsolesce by putting down the best older cartridges?

[@rogeredson8709]

guess im just a fudd been shooting a 30-06 for 40 years the only time I leave it at home is when im beating the brush then its the 3030

[@michaelgarner4229]

30 ot 6 is the greatest cartridge of all time

[@Brian-qg9bm]

30-06 is "obsolete". Yes, it's true. Varmints to bears, or any specific application you can think of, you can choose a round that does it better. 30-06 is, in fact, outmoded ...except that there's absolutely nothing wrong with 30-06 at all. It's extremely versatile, a wide variety of 30 cal bullets for it can be found everywhere, like white cotton fibers. It runs well in bolts and semi-autos. It's less expensive to load than larger case cartridges and more effective than lower case volume rounds... on and on and on. "30 ought" is the pickup truck of the gun world. No, it's not a sports car and no, it's not a Prius either. It is, what it is - extremely useful. The old, original idea was a good idea from the very beginning, for a damn good bunch of reasons. Those reasons, those justifications for the 30-06, haven't gone anywhere.

[@Treeplanter73]

30-06 is king in Wi! My pump has dropped too many deer to count and very large bear.

[@approachingtarget.4503]

3006 sabot rounds can use much lighter bullets. You can always reduce load, but to increase load, you need the bigger case. The 3006 brass itself can be used over and over again. Trimmed down and used in a 308...over and over again. When that can't be used again. It can be trimmed down to make other shorter calibers. Smaller or shorter cases are limited to recycling.

[@RON-m8c]

😂 Can It Be Both?

[@BullseyeBenR]

I like my CZ584 12gauge/30-06 over under combo and I’m getting chamber adapter for the 12gauge for 45-70

[@MrAntuan25]

Looking to buy me another 30-06 stanless bolt action to add to my collection.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcast]

That's a distinct possibility!

[@RON-m8c]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcast 🤪 Just Trying To Be Funny! 😋

[@CB-68-westcreations]

Well, Ron, click bait Title, or not, I'm still gonna watch your videos because the content is always worth paying attention to.

[@linkbond08]

Random viewer: "your obsolete" Ron: **proceeds to absolutely roast, and grill this guy for his grammar** This is gold 😁

[@dimmuborgir1066]

The Swedes did use the 6.5x55 in combat during the Congo Crisis; they made up the bulk of the UN forces there and saw some heavy combat with their Ag m/42 Ljungman rifles 6.5x55 which can be seen Congo Crisis photos.

[@brandondavis5249]

I never liked the 30-06. I was always more into the 300 win mag. But a few years ago I spotted a beautiful FN Mauser at a pawn shop for $250 in 30-06. Refinished the stock, had the Weaver 4 power rebuilt, cleaned the barrel, and developed a load for it. Now I have to decide between a 270, a 30, or a 35 for elk hunting.

[@sambradley5981]

There's really nothing obsolete about any rifle cartridges today. If you can still by ammo off the shelf in a caliber that was made more than 50+ years ago, its still around for a reason. My shoulder snd back are going bad, and it hurts to shoot a 308 but, with these manufacturers now offering so many rifles with threaded barrels i can go buy a 7 mm rem mag, throw the right muzzle break on there and have the felt recoil of a 30-30....with the muzzle blast of friggin granade, but thats what hearing pro is for. Speaking of the 30-30 if it hasnt fallen into obsolescence since it introduction back in the late 1800s, i believe the 30-06 will stand the test of time, its already proven itself for more than 100 years. Its not the absolute best all around cartridge but, its a damn good one that will take any game in north America. What it all boils, down to is hunt with what YOU like, or what YOU need NOT WHAT SOMEONE ELSE TELL YOU THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE. If it ain't broke dont fix it. Enjoy what you do that animal doesn't know the difference from a savage or a tikka just get out there and hunt we all had a first, we'll all have a last lest enjoy while we can.

[@jacobrogers9109]

I have a Howa 1500 30-06 that shoots half inch groups at 100 yards with 150 grain Winchester Power Point and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else

[@Oldhogleg]

I agree, Ron is full of obsolescence! Just pulling your buttstock 😁 The 30-06 will never disappear because it's in that middle sweet spot of powder capacity and wide range of bullet weights for large north American big game.

[@V8anyday]

To the writer who didn’t finish the quote. Jack of all trades, master of none. I agree with Ron.

[@foxnoodles2458]

I'll do my best to single handedly keep the 30-06 alive and well.

[@sethperry1323]

The 6max is pretty impressive... im pushing a 55gr nosler at 3380fps from only a 14.5" barrel! There factory loaded 58gr vmax I was getting around 3270fps.. once my barrel gets broke in or when I get around 200rds through it im going to see what I can push those 55gr noslers to before I start seeing pressure signs ... should be easily over 3400fps.... in my 14.5" tube then probably see what the 70gr noslers can do...

[@SmartypantsMcChicken]

There was a poll the other day on a local elk group. Every caliber you could think of for what people are throwing at elk. .30-06 was ahead of everything else, .300 WM was 2nd. Out west for reference. Ron has bought into the hype.😂

[@dougkahler7152]

Long heavy high BC bullets are wasted on a 30-06. 180 grain on down to 140 grain bullets are directly in the 30-06s wheelhouse. Especially when talking today’s bonded and all copper bullets. I personally am no fan of the grand old 30-06 but admit to its effectiveness on all North American game.

[@gonepostal9101]

I’ve been itching to try some copper’s in my old Savage 110, but I’m not sure what weight to go with. This particular .30-06 has always liked bullets in the 150-165gr range better than the classic 180gr, so I’ll probably start at 165’s.

[@matthewwilson8315]

This is the internet Ron. the 30/06 is still chambered by every manufacturer. along with the 270 Winchester.

[@joeleonetti8976]

Is it the best is the wrong question. The better question: is it a good cartridge? To that the answer is yes. Many others fit the criteria as well. I wouldn’t sell one for another.

[@RobertSmith-xh4lx]

I got my Howa 1500 30-06 up for sale on Armslist.

[@pathfinder5804]

Not in my lifetime. 06’ is the most versatile, readily available and includes the widest range of factory loads of any caliber. Sure there are way better calibers for specific uses but not a do it all at a reasonable price for the gun and the shells. I loved my 300wsm but in the northeast where I live mom and pops all have 30-30, 308, 06’, 270, 300win mag and the occasional 45-70. Kick is same as 308, ballistics are better and we can get factory loads fairly easy from 125-220gr. I like the 300wsm and the 308 for the short action and I think a 7mm08 is a fantastic gun for deer but still every single store will have 06’ but not many will have 7-08. The newer calibers now 7prc, 6.5crdm, 280ai are all killer calibers but really have NO need to spend $65-120 for a box of shells. I have an 06’ for 99% of my hunting. I do have a .338win mag for my big gun. My 06’ is a pump rifle as I live in Northeast again and kind of a pre requisite for hunting but it does drive tacs at 300yds. My .338 is a bolt action and I have it in case I wanna shoot an adult gun once in a while. Now the shells for this gun are super expensive but it’s a limited use gun for me and I don’t count that. Use something once in a while and cost isn’t an issue. I shoot 20 boxes of ammo during summer to have some fun and I shoot plain Jane Core Lokt bullets and get them regularly for $20-30 a box. 06’ is still the go to anywhere gun!!!!!

[@brianlinville5420]

I think with interest in m1 garands, 1903, 1917, etc will kinda help keep the 30 06 alive aswell as us hunters that use it. Yes they might not sell as much but i dont see 06 dissappearing

[@owenschmidt8889]

The 30-06AI didn’t gain you much Back when but now newer powders and it’s efficient 300wm

[@jameshatfield3436]

Yes the 30-06 will remain because it's the grandad of cartridges and will live on

[@gregshuttleworth4465]

It’s almost as good as the 270 win . Lol😅

[@kevinhargrave-nd1wh]

Sellier Bellot and Norma used to make 22 hi power ammo.

[@ManitowocMan999]

A 30cal that can push pills from 125-220gr is very versatile. That same cartridge that can push 165gr pills just over 3000fps is hard to beat! 30-06 isn't going away anytime soon....

[@arnaupons5796]

here in spain its very very hard to find ammo for the new cartridge like 6'5 prc, 7prc or 300prc, and the new bergara models all come in this chamber options but not in 30-06...

[@johnnorman7708]

No to obsolete. Yes to so established that it will easily be chugging along steadily 50 years into the future.

[@jacobmccandles1767]

One cartridge, one rifle? Yeah, that could be a lot of things...but the 30-06 is still one of them.

[@smartacus88]

Over the last 50 years, many a Gun Writer, Hunting Personality, and Ammunition Maker has preached about the imminent demise of the 30/06.... They're all gone - buried (literally or figuratively) and the Mighty Thirty Ought Six remains.

[@erikmckaygunsmithing6470]

My 3006ackly is awesome in my 26"match er shaw barrel w brake this thing just can't miss. It's surgically accurate. And sends 180gr berger vld's 3033fps that's win mag territory...we shoot pop cans at 800yds and one rsgged hole at 100yds. Not obsolete in my book

[@josephmallard9053]

The buck I killed this fall with my 30-06 was wrecked on his feet. Didn't know what hit him. He didn't even know that it wasn't the Majic 6.5 Creedmoor that did him in.

[@sappysiggy2351]

The 308 was designed toooo replace the 30-06 as im told, the fact that it took a 100 years to see the results speaks of its usefulness and popularity

[@gusloader123]

Instead of Ron asking the same question after he has already made known his preferences often and distinctly.... people should get / borrow / read a book titled: "One Man, One Rifle, One Land" by J.Y. Jones, Safari Press, Inc. 2001. The man hunted about every game animal from the heat and humidity of Central America to deserts and mountains of North America to the Arctic regions. He used a bolt-action rifle chambered in .30-06 Springfield. From Jaguar to the south, and to big bears and bison up north and many other critters in between. So tired of hearing / reading the "smaller is better" crowd on this page and others and hunting & shooting periodicals (for years now), so four months ago I bought a sporterized 1918 "Enfield" Winchester. A rifle made during & for WW1. Has a leather sling and the original sights. Took it to the range and test-fired and that 106-year-old rifle put the bullets where I aimed them at. That cartridge helped win WW1, the Banana Wars, WW2, and pushed the Norks and Chicoms out of Korea in 1950. It has won trophies for many match shooters at Camp Perry over the decades and other places such as the Palma matches and Wimbledon. { I realize this a hunting channel / page, but almost all the good game cartridges got started as military cartridges. Case-in -point: the .45-70 Govt. is from 1873 and is still being used today (as a smokeless powder cartridge) by civilians, especially for large Bears and Bison and walrus, etc.. Factory ammo for the .30-06 Springfield is usually on store shelves in 150 bullet or 180 grain bullets all over the U.S.A.. If you are a Handloader/Reloader you can buy 110-grain to 220-grain bullets and load ammo for many game animals on earth. Bullet placement on/in the animal is the key thing. It is on my rack next to two other cartridges/rifles that the "modern"/"new"/"young" guys call obsolete: My Stevens Bolt-action in .30-30 Win. and my Lee-Enfield in the tried and true .303 British cartridge. Nothing "obsolete" about cartridges that have harvested thousands of game animals around the globe. If recoil is too much for you, then eat some protein foods, and wear a shoulder strapped recoil pad!

[@MichaelLucas-c6u]

You can't duplicate a factory load by reloading powder is not available as far as I know happy days ron

[@isaiahholt6132]

For America 30-06 is like the rifle version of 45 acp it is not going declining in any form of popularity anytime soon. I think the biggest problem is not actually knowing the gun community

[@claymclaren5788]

In regards to the light loads in large cartridges, could a piece of loosely packed cotton ball be used like a wad in the cartridge to prevent the collapse of the powder column? In theory it would keep the powder in a stable position and its flamability should cause the cotton wad to combust and burn up before exiting the barrel. Would it raise chamber pressure, cause too much fouling or just be plain too dangerous to attempt? just curious.

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Some people put cream of wheat cereal in on top of the powder charge to keep the powder in close contact with the primer