Why would anyone still want a 30-06?

[@altrujillo3566]

I'm 67 and have owned several 30/06's and taken a lot of big game with them. The deer, elk, antelope and bear that I have taken with them all have one thing in common - none of the animals I took with a 30/06 ever stood up and complained one way or another.

[@Chris_at_Home]

I live in Alaska and for years I hunted Sitka Blacktail Deer where some of the biggest Brown Bear are in the state and I always used a 30:06. Most of the guys I hunted with over the years used something bigger, except one guy that carried a 44 mag. He always got the most deer.

[@JamesSchrader-i7o]

I have one. I never have to worry about having to shoot an elk or deer. It is going down.

[@Chris_at_Home]

@@JamesSchrader-i7o I shoot with both eyes open with a scope and get a better picture of a deer going down. We always tried for head shots as we were not trophy hunting and this causes less damage to the meat. I’ve seen the hit with a deer looking at me and when his head whipped around all 4 feet came off the ground. We were allowed 5 a year then and could shoot does after the end of October. The season ran from August to the end of the year.

[@blainclatworthy5423]

Amen!!!

[@fredhaferkamp7224]

I used one for several years hunting coyotes. A CZ550 American. Great rifle. Came with a canjar single set trigger. Hammer forged barrel. Walnut stock. And if you want fast bullets use Remington's Accelerator rounds. They are a sabot round. 55 grain bullet

[@bckmstr9849]

When I turned 16 my mom asked me what I wanted for Xmas and I told her a 30-06, she laughed and said what else I told her a car!😊 I got a 30-06!

[@zed332l]

smart choice....

[@timherrera363]

Good story!!

[@teresasego6844]

Now that’s an AMERICAN CHRISTMAS!!!!

[@Coffeeeveryday89]

Well played 😂

[@212caboose]

Even in hard times, I was always able to find 30-06. 30-06 can take every game animal on the North American continent.

[@iamthelizardking6239]

Yes sir! And most game in Africa!

[@DavidMScott-cs8pp]

@@iamthelizardking6239 As did the 303 British which was a standby for big game hunting guides as the standby to their clients big Holland and Holland 455 doubles

[@douglarson432]

Damn right. The world record brown bear was taken with a 30-06.

[@kevinbernstein835]

@@DavidMScott-cs8pp 303 British was my first deer rifle

[@fortheloveofnoise]

​@@iamthelizardking6239All their as well, with well placed shots

[@ninowalker4221]

30/60 full of versatility with nothing but ability 😂 ❤

[@user-sq3es5js6d]

My grandpa was a super gun collector, reloader, and gunsmith. I asked him when i was 8yo what his favorite caliber was, he said 3006 because it can do anything and he went on to tell me why on the long trip we had ahead. Awesome information.

[@clydehoppers6375]

Thank you for not cutting the 30/06 down . The history behind it is great. It's been reliable in war and putting food on the table for a long time. It's just as reliable today as it ever was. My dad was a gunsmith , I got home from work one Saturday night and said follow me. We went down to the gun room and he started handing me parts by the following Tuesday I had my model '98 Mauser 30/06. I'm still hunting with it today, that was 50 years ago this month. Thanks dad.😊

[@fredhaferkamp7224]

Nice nice rifle.

[@petebard]

Also the 270 was an outgrowth of the 30:06 and that was an early long range rifle that got used for mountain goats and sheep.

[@garysmcdermott]

@@fredhaferkamp7224 Trad-Rife

[@wiregrassga]

My primary hunting rifle is a Ruger M77 I purchased 42 years ago. With my favorite hunting load, 150 gr Nosler BT over 52 gr IMR 4064, will keep 3 shots in just over a half inch if I do my part. I'm in my 70's and I've had four rifles in .30-06 and loved them all. I find the recoil not at all a bother and certainly never notice it when shooting game. Best all round cartridge in the world in my opinion.

[@NELLY-jg2rx]

Just purchased my first M77, 338 WM, great rifles

[@warrengreen3217]

If you hunt elk and moose a lot but 338win mag is a lil bit of over kill even on the biggest muleys and whitetails

[@kaic9712]

@@NELLY-jg2rxI have one too in .338 WM and man I believe I’m going to take than one too the grave, it’s extremely accurate and reliable and just handles so well for me.

[@kaic9712]

@@warrengreen3217I know you weren’t talking to me but I live in Alaska so that’s about all I hunt is moose, and this season (i go out in two weeks) I’m going to try my best to get a brown bear.

[@warrengreen3217]

@@kaic9712 hope you get a good one im from western Pennsylvania so I spend all my time hunting big whitetails mid 140inch or better

[@reloadnorth7722]

I don't own a 30-06 (I have a 308 Win and 300 Win Mag), but I do give it the respect it deserves. Tried and true, it has and will knock down anything in North America. Ammunition is available anywhere. You can reload very light to very heavy and be rest assured it will perform well and not let you down. When all the latest fad cartridges come and go, the 30-06 will still be around. Stay safe and happy shooting.

[@puggins1]

well said 👍

[@Svensk7119]

Amen. Hunt honest, shoot straight. Thanks for the mantra, Ron. Great adage, it is.

[@peternorton5648]

Agreed.

[@jackdundon2261]

I am willing to bet, if somebody in your hunting party forgot ammunition for his deer rifle, somebody else in your party would have spare 30-06, and if not, SOMEBODY in another deer camp would have a few spare 06 rounds to help a fellow hunter out. Try that withe your PRC, or Short mag, or latest MM round.

[@rossbabcock3790]

It's the GOAT round! Sort of up there with 45 Colt, 45 ACP, 30-30 and 45-70. There still here and popular.

[@derekkline8359]

30-06 Savage Axis Gen I, my first rifle, still one of my favorites with a Vortex Diamondback scope!

[@javamanV3]

Thanks for this great update on a great cartridge! I am quite old and my first reaction to the titular question was "Me". I was at the transition of rifles in the Army. I hated the new rifles (M14?)that were forced on us in around 1960. I had very little range time with it as well. But the M1 was very much loved and trusted. We had tons of ammo to shoot, left over from Korea, and could get quite comfortable with our M1s. I don't believe the rifle ever failed me while shooting literally thousands of rounds. I certainly defer to all of the hunters who have had more recent experience. Ar my age(81), however, if I ever buy another rifle it will be a 30-06.

[@Plumcraziness]

For the woodlands of northern Ontario, the .30-06 is all the rifle I need. It covers everything from coyote to black bear and moose, and everything in between. Not to mention something that's been stated a billion times, yet has so much merit: the .30-06 is just so incredibly versatile. Factory ammo can be bought anywhere, the amount of handload components available are endless (literally over 500 combinations of bullet types, brands, sizes, etc. alone), and with modern bullets its ballistics are now much better at longer ranges than what many people would ever give it credit for. Ultimate Reloader just did a recent video featuring the same 212 grain Hornady ELD-X bullets mentioned here, and with 56.3 grains of Superformance powder it shot 2,590 fps at the muzzle, produced 1,627 ft.-lbs. and 1,859 fps at 600 yds., AND has literally identical wind drift numbers right across the board as a 6.5 Creedmoor shooting 143 grain ELD-X, due to the 212 grain ELD-X's even higher BC of .663 (using Hornady's ballistics calculator). All this equals sure death to ANY elk shot at sane distances out west. With modern bullets, and especially handloaded, the "old" .30-06 ain't the same round grandad shot back in the day. With modern components it's an even more capable round than it ever has been, and is CERTAINLY far from being "obsolete" or "irrelevant". Modern bullet design is breathing new life into the .30-06, and I just think it's going to take a bit of time for some people to realize that the .30-06 is just as relevant now as it has ever been. Long live the .30-06!

[@thomaswaddell9012]

An old friend of mine was the big bore team member in the 60s. Tom Bagnall was his name.

[@hanc37]

The most versatile cartridge.

[@BrianEthridge-wg6ko]

Brother, you can dance me to keep one of them already and I have three. I did not know it was that versatile. I had no idea. I'm getting into this because I inherited a lot of guns. I have two black belts and always been fighting with my body and it's not. That's my profession. But now I've retired and have a lot of weapons to manage and get to know. Thank you for that statement

[@redwoodsredick6740]

This guy here👍👍

[@highplainsdrifter9631]

Could not agree more 👏 🙌

[@guypehaim1080]

What's nice about the 30-06 is that it is very versatile. It can be loaded to hunt everything from squirrels to Kodiak bears.

[@finaloption...]

Squirrel puree?

[@msquared9605]

30-06 hasn’t impressed me very much with squirrels, not enough mush, ya know what I mean? I would much rather bring a .338 bolt or 45-70 when I feel like toting a lever

[@RH-xr8ms]

I was thinking you can hunt anything from grasshoppers to Mig 23 !

[@linkbond08]

​@standupnow-bo3lrnot factory loads 😂😂😂😂 It can be loaded down with 2.5 to 3gr of shotgun powder and a 100gr plinker bullet at around 1100fps for critters.

[@peternorton5648]

Definitely squirrel pâté. 😂😂 shot one with a 12 guage at fairly close range once, we found his tail and a few odd pieces.

[@wdb3110]

Thank you very much for this factual presentation of the 30-06. I have hunted for 55 years with this caliber, and it has never let me down!

[@victoryengineer]

30/06 is a great round and deserves all the accolades it gets. I'm a 308 guy because it does anything and everything I want. I chamber it in several different weapons weather bolt action or a semi-auto variant. I like keeping all my rifles one caliber that happens to be incredibly ubiquitous i.e. 308/7.62x51. It makes stocking up much easier ;)

[@vincef5832]

That’s a smart view. I tried that decades ago and somehow got myself sucked in to buying rifles chambered in other cartridges as well. I wonder how I deviated? 30-06 is the best.

[@jamesperkins5468]

My first rifle was a 30-06 that my grandfather bought for me over 30 years ago. Remington 760 pump action 30-06. It's unique enough that I'll never get rid of it.

[@randyjohnson6845]

I got the short pump and I think I wore it out...1996 I had the money to spend and its best bullet was a federal high energy 165 grain trophy bonded and high energy 180 swift A frame....it's got close to 300 win mag numbers ...and its accuracy was the best

[@justinross7469]

Nice my dad bought me a 7600 30.06 for my ninth Christmas. That too was 30 years ago. And that's why 30.06 will always be king. Thx pops. 👍

[@wileywalker5845]

The 30-06 was my first big game rifle and I still have it. I am in central MS and rarely see game over 150 yards away. I have used the 150 grain Nosler partition for years. It has never failed to have complete pass through and usually have DRT results. I don't use it much any more as the rifle kicks like a mule to my 75 year old bones but it simply gets the job done.

[@zed332l]

I am 71 and have not seen anything hit right with the 30-06 get up again.

[@beenstork]

My first "deer rifle" was a Rem 700 .30-06 (80s vintage) given to me by my now deceased Grandfather and it has taken many whitetails for the last 20+ years. I have changed some stuff on it to bring it to the modern era... got the muzzle threaded, put a modern scope on it, added a better squishier recoil pad, put a leather shell holder with some padding under the cheek area to get myself a better cheek weld. I still love this rifle very much and it still retains most of the original essence that means so much to me. I'm taking it to Colorado elk hunting this fall and if I get an elk with it, it will probably become a bit of a safe queen... But one thing I know for sure is that I will NEVER get rid of it

[@danielburke8350]

My first deer rifle also was a Remington 700 BDL .30-06. I bought it new as a teenager with my Dad's help in 1976, and took my first deer with it. It hasn't gotten a lot of use over the years since - too many other rifles competing for time - but it holds a special place in my heart and it will never leave my possession.

[@brianklamer3328]

That's called respect to your Grandfather and you are a fine man for doing so.

[@Plumcraziness]

@beenstork Rifles like that were not only meant to be cherished, but used. Take it out hunting and use it as much as any other. By doing so you'll be honouring your grandad's memory and his history of using it, all the while creating your own history with it as well. By doing so, I guarantee you'll feel an even stronger connection to him while using it. 🙂 Cheers and straight shootin'!

[@bigdaddyleroy1915]

i started to type your exact comment, except the part about the elk hunt. and uve been hunting with my REM 700 30 06 for 40 years. ever since i was in fourth grade.

[@Plumcraziness]

​@@bigdaddyleroy1915 That's awesome, and .30-06 is a just a fantastic round. Not to mention Rem 700s are great rifles. I've been wondering about the new ones since Rem Arms got acquired. It does seem that they are now committed to higher quality again, and I do like some of the minor changes they have made, but I'm still a little wait and see about it all.

[@archinsoni1254]

3006 is the best cartridge ever made.

[@Airplane_Stuff]

So true!

[@jonbott2926]

Good but best? Lol

[@jaydunbar7538]

That’s just factually incorrect, nothing against it but it’s not the best at anything.

[@JW...-oj5iw]

Nomenclature: .30-'06. Thirty caliber adopted for standard military usage in calendar year 1906. Nominal bullet diameter .308"

[@danielcurtis1434]

That doesn’t hold water in any way!!! Yes it’s inexpensive and available. However the .308 does 90% what a .30-06 can do but it’s cheaper and not available. Then there’s the short action advantage. So I feel bad but the .30-06 is just obsolescent at this point… It’s still a good cartridge. However the .308 is closer to the “greatest” concept.

[@johnjoe2989]

It worked for great grandpa, it worked for grandpa, and it worked for dad. I’m just keeping up with tradition.

[@JT-py9lv]

Joseph, I bought my first .30-06 from Z.C.M.I. in Ogden, UT back in the day. A Ruger M77R. I've had many over the years. I still have 3 at home. I just gave one way to my little brother. As you, I've taken many UT Mule Deer, and a number of Elk in the Monte Cristo range. Thanks again for reminding me of better days gone past.

[@johnt34aus]

Hallelujah! Someone actually values smooth feeding in case design! To say a 30-06 feeds smoothly is an understatement! Smoother than Snot!😮

[@TheMachinist-k9n]

Slicker than owl shit!

[@mattbrown5511]

Over 50 years old and still using the 30-06 my grandfather gave me upon graduating basic training. In my opinion, it is one of the best all-around hunting cartridges still available. And as the gunslingers said, "Beware the man that trains with one gun.".

[@mattbrown5511]

Wow, did you ever miss the point.@@Buck-kf6xq I'm VERY good with that 30-06. And yes, I have other rifles, shotguns and pistols/revolvers.

[@kirbyjoe7484]

Unless it breaks.

[@michaelc4060]

​@@kirbyjoe7484 That's the point, silly. A 30-06 never breaks. But if your still ah-feared, buy a backup 30-06. It is God's chosen caliber.

[@timk4502]

🙄

[@michaelc4060]

@@timk4502 That's right. Divert your eyes towards Heaven and behold..... the 30-06!

[@afk9handler]

The .30-06 is the best all around caliber for big game for any typical hunter. Ammo is usually easy to find and in a wide variety of loads. I'll take it and its 117 year history and performance over any modern day cartridge. Our great grandfathers and grandfathers got this one right.

[@griggbaylee5808]

Yes, one great thing about the 30-06 is that at least in my neck of the woods it’s easy to find a box of those shells You could be out in the back of beyond and still find a box of shells in a very small town hardware store. 👍

[@Theofiilus2978]

Have you tried 338 Lapua magnum? Don't worry, not arguing here, only bullets i've shot are 22lr and 7.62x39 and those were just to targets, no hunting. I'm just asking because Lapua is a local producer for me, i'm heavily patriotic and wanted to ask for fun. I've heard lot of praises about 338 from you foreigners.

[@EagleTwo758]

​​@@Theofiilus2978It's fine just harder to find ammo here in my area than 30-06

[@pepepepito623]

And the 50 grain always ignored. ...

[@David-m7l8c]

Once again, just can't beat the 30-06 Springfield, simply the best.

[@bigjermanprepared3164]

Just bought a 300 prc ,but I was looking hard at 06 ,had several of them,and always loved it.

[@joethearcticfox]

A very strong argument can be made for the 30-06 simply based on the fact that many people already own one. No rifle in a cartridge that is effective and available needs to be replaced without a good reason. I "replaced" my 30-06 with a 7mm-08 as my primary hunting rifle because I got tired of recoil as i got older. I don't regret buying a 30-06 at all, it killed a bunch of elk and other critters for me.

[@wsieber89]

I would have chose the .308 just because the ammo is much more available. The 7mm-08 and .308 are almost the exact same ballistics. Why do I have this opinion? Because I too chose to go from 30-06 to 7mm-08 and pay double the price for 7mm-08 over .308

[@joethearcticfox]

@@wsieber89 Understandable. I haven't shot an animal with factory ammunition in many years, so ammunition availability and price isn't as big a factor for me. Everyone must decide which compromises are most important to them individually.

[@wsieber89]

@@joethearcticfox agreed. Happy shooting

[@PassivePortfolios]

The 30-06 started as a military round in bolt action rifles which weighted about 9-10 lbs, with the Garrand rifle coming during WW2. These heavy rifles helped absorb the 30-06 recoil. However in the lighter hunting rifles, the 30-06 recoil can be punishing. That's why rounds like the 243, 7-08, and 6.5 CM have become popular - less recoil but still do the job of dispatching deer.

[@Mortablunt]

I view 30-06 as my utility cartidge. If it doesn't need a specialist solution, such as a rimfire, dedicated long range caliber, shot pellets, shot slugs, rapid fire, or armor penetration, 30-06 will suffice. The huge reason I use it is because of the versatility and economy. No other full power centerfire cartridge with a choice of firearms -- apologies to x54R for only coming in about 4 guns -- can get the job done at 75 cents a shot, meaning plenty of ammo budget is always available for proper skill development and maintenance, but also for fun stuff at the range when you aren't practicing, which leads to more practice, which leads to higher attainment, which leads to better results at practical employment.

[@danlevecque7203]

The reason myself and many others own a 30:06 is that it used to be easy to find the ammo everywhere. Some of the other popular calibers available today were ridiculously hard to find.

[@nawookies]

And I can still reload for less than a dollar a round for match grade hunting ammo.

[@joshuamaxwell8376]

Happened to the .30-30 as well so I ended up selling my lever action and bought .308 for my semi auto.

[@tracker1673]

35 Remington ring a bell? Like finding hens teeth.

[@joshuamaxwell8376]

@@tracker1673 I work at Bass Pro in Nashville. We actually have a box as of yesterday. Not sure if it's still there. Lol

[@jackchitty2401]

@@joshuamaxwell8376 You are awesome! I live in Arkansas and could go there! 700 miles for a box of ammo! Not out of the question! Thanks again!

[@north61]

For me the 30-06 is all about balance. Reasonable, availability, recoil, trajectory and hitting power. All in a package with an appealing history. My favourite cartridge here in the Yukon, though I do move up for Bison usually.

[@jdizzle6324]

I watched a guy stand on a tractors tire and shoot a hollow point 45-70 straight into a bisons head and it just bounced off. Shoots again with similar effect. Bison is pissed and Rams the tractor. Ranch hand accompanying the shooter puts his 270 win mag to the dome and drops Mr.Bison. 45-70 was shooting a bear load apparently. That buffalo was 900 some odd pounds gutted and skinned hanging at the butchers.

[@Dgeppert]

Right on Ron! The old aught six is not apt to let you down. The first deer to fall for me was a 30-06 out of a 1917 Eddystone ( Montgomery Ward $19.95) with military peep sights in 1964. Carried more than one 30-06 over the years but gradually moved up to a 7mm Mag. Would go back to the old aught six in a minute with no regrets.

[@AlanFenick]

I got cheated, I paid $40.00 for my Eddystone Enfield in 1967. I did get 5 boxes of 168 gr ammo. Was in a Gun Shop in the late 70’s and was introduced to the .22 Accelerator for the 30-06. It turned my rife into a neat varmint rifle with decent accuracy out to 200-250 yards. Still have a few boxes after I found out they were being discontinued.

[@carlholttum9150]

I had three Remington Springfield , one was a 03 and two Al’s. I lost them all in a WILD fire in 2013. I miss them. My interest in them are why i klicked on this Video.

[@DCIagent]

Great video! My first center-fire rifle was a .30/06 back in the mid-1960's for deer and groundhogs. My first practice ammo was some old military-issue ball with a '38 headstamp an old family friend gave me. I still own two .30/06's. I've killed many deer, two bull elk, two black bears, coyotes, badgers, feral hogs with that caliber and never lost an animal. Most average hunters aren't good enough shots with any caliber to ethically try a shot at a big game animal over 400 yards under hunting conditions, especially in the mountains.

[@russellkeeling4387]

You're right about most hunters and long range shots. I don't believe most hunters have actually looked at any game animal that was across the 40 acre pasture without believing it to be a very long and formidable shot. The longer the distance the greater stability the rifle must have.

[@kweeks10045]

Great subject to cover. Although I have plenty of choices, my favorite rifle is my 30-06. It's an accurized Savage 110. I shoot a 165gr Barnes TTSX over 63gr of IMR-4350 in a Federal case and CCI LR primer. It shoots just a hair over 3000fps. For an all around North American load, it just works. It kicks more than my 7mm-08 and doesn't hit like the 338WM, but it's manageable to shoot and hasn't ever failed me. Not to mention you can find ammunition just about anywhere in the world they sell ammunition.

[@georgemcarthur488]

Holy cow, yeah that's definitely good for anything that walks around. I've done much testing with the Barnes TSX and they do like to be loaded hot.

[@nmelkhunter1]

Now that’s a very respectable choice. My grandad used a pre-64 Model 70 Featherweight in 30.06 shooting 165 Partitions to kill inland grizzlies, caribou and all the species of sheep in Alaska. In the lower 48 he killed many a bull elk, a Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep, and a great many mule deer and pronghorns. His 165 partitions would give him 5/8” groups at 2850 fps. My brother and I still occasionally use the rifle for deer and elk.

[@lyellclare9365]

I only use TTSX projectiles in my rifles ( with the small exception of a 156 Norma Oryx in a 280 , The 1 in 7.4 twist suits it ).

[@boblewter2829]

23:56

[@boblewter2829]

@@nmelkhunter1 23:56

[@bustabass9025]

Cut my big game teeth on an '06 back in the 60s. My Dad's sporterized Mauser action, is still in my safe today. Although I have added many other rifles since then, including a Remington semi-auto in '06, it's still a favorite. The question as I understand it, is like asking, "is the .22 rim fire still relevant?" Of course it is!

[@claytonkeates2614]

Great comment

[@joekelly4870]

I have my dad's sporterized Mauser. Just curious what model yours is. Same time frame my dad had his. Mine is a gewehr 98. My mother bought it for him. Turned down bolt and Monte Carlo stock bored in 30.06.

[@bustabass9025]

@@joekelly4870 Mauser 98, .30-06 Springfield caliber, mounted on a walnut Monte Carlo stock. I removed the original peep, and affixed an open iron sight usable with a see-thru mounted 3x9 scope, for Midwestern deer hunting. Twenty years ago, I would alternate it with my Remington model 7400 semi in .30-06, but here of late it has been more of a safe heirloom than a woods trekker.

[@zed332l]

Semi autos are still Illegal in some states Pennsylvania, for hunting If I had my choice at my age (71) I use an AR 10. (STAG). lighter, and got less kick like my Belgium 1952 Mauser in 30-06.

[@jarlprae9475]

If I were hunting anything larger than black bear, I'd choose an '06 without hesitation. It and the .308 are my top two choices. In fairness, I've drop large deer with a .223 and they dropped on the spot but I patiently did my part. Anyways, if my bullet choice was over 150 grains I'd gladly use the '06. The most important choice is to get out there and live the good life. God bless all of you, happy hunting.

[@rogerramjet7567]

Greatest ever !!! Been around for how long??? And still the most efficient, effective, available, affordable and reliable cartridge ever. Available in pretty much every rifle made !!! 👍👍😃

[@georgemcarthur488]

That may have been the best caliber description video I've seen. I'm always waiting for something I'll disagree with. He touched on every relevant topic of discussion and a few more than I would have came up with. It's a real breath of fresh air.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Hard to find true objectivism. Some folks have it. Mr. Von Benedikt has it.

[@cavscout62]

One of my favorite rounds, 30-06. I’ve loaded everything from 110gr to 220gr weight bullets for my ‘06 and it’s never failed to perform satisfactorily. I have other rifles that are easier recoiling etc.. however, if I could only have 1 and ammo wasn’t a factor, it would be 30-06.

[@marshallSumner-q4q]

The 30-06 is a great cartridge and has performed for decades. Proves the point that for, the average and some above average, the cartridge is more than adequate. You can spend a fortune on superbang "new" cartridges when the 30-06 still economically puts down game.

[@kennethbaca7610]

I have been hunting with sporterized 1906 Springfield chamber 30/06. My father gave me, he bought two when he returned home from the Korean war, gave one to my "Tata " grandfather. I tuned it up by putting a Timothy trigger and heart barrel glass beded the barrel. Turned into 1/4 minute of angle gun. I used this rifle to take Elk and mule deer pronghorn. Now it sets in my gun safe as a family heirloom. I bought a Bigara 30/06 great rifle right out of the box, I do my own hand loads, who needs a magnum!

[@joefudd]

30-06 is a fine game rifle, a very proven versatile cartridge and the ammo is readily and widely available most everywhere. Best deer rifle that I've owned next to my 300 winmag.

[@ridgewalker2416]

30-06…one of the most versatile cartridges we have ever had. I have handloaded it for years (longer than you’ve been alive…LOL!) A 100 gr Speer Plinker ahead of Unique is great fun to play with. A 110 FMJ again ahead of Unique I have taken dusky grouse, rabbits, turkey and an unlucky bobcat coming into my turkey call at less than 10 feet. The 130 Barnes TTSX loaded hot (as you should with most monolithic bullets) is devastating on deer. I have taken several meat elk with the 165 Sierra Game king, a few with the Nosler 180 partition and a few with my favorite dark timber load using the 200 Partition. My biggest issue with it today is deciding which of my 30-06 rifles to use. You did a very good review of the grand old cartridge. Thanks for reminding me why I still use it.

[@russellkeeling4387]

I still have a box of 100 grain Speer Plinkers in the cabinet. I used to load them really hot and they would fly 25 or 30 feet and turn to a big silver puff of stuff in the air. I know, very wasteful.

[@roddecker1900]

@ ridge runner . Have same problem.witch one.only problem i have im stating to wNt closer shoulder & length dimensions. In 120yrs they seem to be getting longer. Will make indevidual matched ammo.😢

[@DaNewfNL]

.30-06 with 180gr bullets for Woodland Caribou and moose have done the job for me and my father here in Newfoundland. Winchester Power points were the cheapest factory ammo available and worked just fine. I reload now and the Hornady 3070 (180gr SP Interlock) is what I settled on (Speer Hot Cor is cheaper, might try them soon). Dad is still shooting out a box of Power Points. If he lives long enough he might use them all.

[@mentalbreak4653]

I hope he lives a very long time!! Have a wonderful day friend.🇺🇸

[@tiberiu_nicolae]

30-06 worked, works and will always work on big game at hunting distances. I personally have a 300 WSM for bigger/farther stuff and a 308 for deer.

[@jaydunbar7538]

Yup, I run 270 win and 7 rem mag but wouldn’t hesitate to grab my 30-30 or 308 but both are old collectibles so they only get to go out when the weathers good lol

[@georgemcarthur488]

I can tell we're all itching to go hunting. They all work, it just depends on how big of a hole you want to make 😆.

[@dilligaf2818]

My bro runs a.270 and & 7mm rem mag in SE QLD Aus as well.@@jaydunbar7538

[@peternorton5648]

@@jaydunbar7538I have a few like that as well. They’d do the job if needed but they were passed down to me so I try not to abuse them.

[@Randy7th]

​@jaydunbar7538 for all practical purposes the 3006, 308, and the 7mm mag are so close in performance as to be almost irrelevant-all great rounds. You mentioned the 3030, the 32 special and the 35 are the same way. Here in MO find them pretty equal as "brush" guns

[@jamesstewart9970]

You’ll be glad to know I’m currently building one at the moment and the test rifle we were using yielded 2800+ fps with 208gr eld with a 26” barrel, 1.1fps ES and an SD of .4, all while using the most temp stable powder on the plant H4350!

[@babakkoohzad9876]

Thank you Joseph. Very thorough! I enjoyed your good grasp of history and the respect dearly deserved by 30.06. I have to admit the cartridge and firearm make an impression on the shooter that endures the test of time. And 30.06 pleasant every time you shoot it.

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

It's hard to go wrong with the old '06 within its limitations. In an accurate rifle, it will do anything one could reasonably expect from a centerfire rifle, the recoil is manageable for most people, and it's very versatile.

[@hackfabrication139]

Well... I own four Winchester Model 70's in .30-06. 13:35 Agree! When you're setting up camp four hours from 'anything', and you've discovered 'duh... I didn't pack my ammo'. You can generally find/buy .30-06. Heck, I've seen it in gas stations, grocery stores, etc.

[@zed332l]

Who is going hunting and forgets AMMO? Like the story...... "The guy goes Hunting, Got it all Liquor, beer, etc.,....Curses his wife out You forgot to pack the Ammo,.... she,....... No I did not she replied, it was in your gun case.....

[@linkbond08]

The 30-06 is hands down the most modular cartridge out there. You have projectile weights from 60gr copper solids, 55gr sabots, 100gr cheap plinker bullets, all the way up to 220gr ELD-X in the standard 1:10 twist. Velocity can be tuned from 1000fps with light charges of shotgun powder, and light projectiles for squirrel hunting, to full house 220gr loads for big game hunting, and excellent BCs. The only drawback is that it uses large rifle primers. Edit: Also, I'd like to see you find 7mm PRC and 300 PRC for less than a dollar a round. Currently 30-06 S&B 180gr SP is 90¢+s&h.

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

Try sizing a pellet of #0 buckshot down to .309" and use 2.5 grains of bullseye or 2400 with a kapok filler. This approximates .22lr performance.

[@linkbond08]

@@georgesakellaropoulos8162 so, I've done a #0bk pellet because it's closest to 30cal, I haven't seen a mold to resize #00bk down to 30cal, but honestly the speer plinker is cheap enough and I don't have to deal with getting the lead out after I'm done. Edit: I didn't know I could use bullseye, I've been using 3gr of 700-X for (+-)1100fps, but it's kinda dirty, how is bullseye?

[@jaydunbar7538]

@@georgesakellaropoulos8162why not just use a 22? Ammunition is cheaper then the reloading consumables to get your 06 to behave like a 22.

[@linkbond08]

@@jaydunbar7538 have you tried carrying 2 individual rifles around for a whole entire day? If I'm doing small game 22lr is fine, if I'm doing multi purpose 22lr doesn't cut it anymore.

[@toddk1377]

I think it depends on a few factors, but the topography of the area where certain individuals hunt may very well influence their decision to pick a certain caliber or load to hunt with. I know for me, since I hunt in the woods where it's common to get squirrels and rabbits less than 25 yards away and it's common to take deer less than 50 yards, I gravitate to using my shotgun more than anything. I can carry a few different loads in my pockets and be able to shoot small or big game alike.

[@MrBuckeye63]

A older fellow that was a friend of my Father.. lived in Alaska… He used a sporterized 1917 Enfield.. that he purchased mail order for less than $50 in the mid-60’s Over the years it was his only hunting Moose , Caribou , Elk and great bears .. using 180gr Remington Cor-lokt … He passed a few years back .. his son has his old Enfield..and Im sure its still filling the freezer

[@rickristeen5123]

I have made many a killing shot at long range and running game with this round. Moose and deer

[@tomhohum4275]

My grandfather hunted deer every winter in the Poconos of Pennsylvania for food during the Great Depression of the 1930’s. I remember going out and having fun shooting water filled metal cans with his 30-06 and Winchester ‘94. Great memories!!! My dad hated going hunting with him so I never inherited those rifles. I purchased a Webley & Scott 30-06 recently and a Winchester ‘94 from 1968 (sadly not pre-64) to honor my family history. Love these rifles.

[@born2die982]

I am from nortern new brunswick in canada, and for moose hunting, the 30-06 is a perfect all around cartridge that can do it all, good video👍

[@hotrodsgarage]

It's the grandfather of all modern cartridges. It's been used all over the world to take all kinds of game. With modern bullet designs, powder and loads it hasn't lost a step. I've used it since my youth and will continue to do so. It just works.

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

I'm finally learning something. I'm particularly grateful because I had completely blanked this cartridge out. I bought my first hunting rifle after going on my first big game hunt at Laramie Wyoming where I shot three Pronghorn at approximately 200-300 yds using the Weatherby 257, 270, 300 belted magnums. I was ecstatic and the truckload of meat was rewarding. Without hesitation I went rifle shopping and settled on a vintage Winchester model 70 featherweight; it was said to be strong and reliable and it was beautiful too, having a fine thin Sako like barrel with sharp checkering on the perfect walnut stock. Same month, I drove up North of I-79 on Highway 13 saw a Deer near Meeker, took one shot at 150 yards and was back home eating the tenderloins before the 4 o'clock news. 180 grain Winchester Silver Tip cartridge. It was all so perfect until I bought into this idea that the 3006 could do it all and that there's alot of bullet weights and designs for everything. Naturally, hand loading accurate cartridges for bigger and smaller game and varmints became the to do, especially with the performance increases and extra meat. It all just took over. Sitting on the shooting bench at the Cherry Creek State Park testing my heavy Nosler Partition Elk loads and 110 grain spitzer varmint rabbit loads the owner of 300 Gunsmith came over to check on me. Allen thought I had problems ( I thought I needed to load and test every powder primer combination in three different loading manuals). He gave me some pointers and I listened. Several years later on my Safari downtime in East Africa my PH played the film Black Death for us.... First time I realized the shooter was Allen Duckworth back home. Anyway it all just kept growing I think because I started looking at what other people were doing. I saw these two guys kinda looking away from me so I watched them cleaning with dental precision almost like their barrels were gold. As luck would have it my first fine rifle experience unfolded to be the 222 Remington cartridge Securely attached to an XP 100 pistol action, Jewel trigger, glued into a McMillan Stock supporting a Shilen Select Match Grade 7 taper stainless barrel. But the owner if it talked me into building a different set up with his gunsmith. Anyway, now Im back and looking at the possibilities of wildcatting the 3006 case as I think it should be done. Ron made a pretty good video of the 06 cats but then he dropped out solid - sort of unexpectedly, he almost looked exhausted like he was saving up for the next wind. I never any if this stuff before KZbin. I think when you jump in and swim the currents tend to dictate.

[@timlindskog2440]

You made a good case for the 30/06. I would like to see a similar treatment for the.270 Winchester. Both of these have been around a long time and have done well. But because they have been around awhile, and there is always something new, people lose interest and forget or never realize how effective these older cartridges still are, especially with newer powders and bullets.

[@matthewbeaver5026]

I love my 270. It just doesn't have the versatility of '06 277 projectiles aren't near as prevalent and it doesn't hold up to a variety of weight like the 06 270 needs a faster twist to really add weight think 277 fury. 06 can be loaded with 100g all the way to 200g with the same twist rate.

[@kirkboswell2575]

My first rifle was a 30-06. Loved it. Traded it for another 30-06. While I was happy with the trade, that first rifle will always remain in my list of "regretful trades." (Everyone has one or two). My load at the time was 180 grain bronze points. The Accutips are filling the absence of bronze points pretty well, but I still recall those bronze points favorably. My current love affair is with the 358 Winchester. A VERY much under-appreciated cartridge. No, it's not a "600 yard rifle". But I don't track deer anymore, and it (the rifle) has dropped an elk and a moose in reported spectacular fashion. Keep it within its working range, and you'll be very happy too. But this is a 30-06 article. I'll just say that you will find something better for some applications, but you'll NEVER be wrong for choosing a 30-06 as a "one rifle, do everything" cartridge.

[@jkmoa415]

Close loads in my world. 180 accubonds over H4895. So accurate from my CZ. Great conversation going on!!

[@letthatsinkin7879]

What an excellent video! I learned so much. Thank you!!

[@jeffputnam8554]

Well done video Ron. Its rare to find content presented with the knowledge and class you have

[@cyrusbaker6229]

Very good presentation! I think you covered all the benefits of the 30-06 that sold me. You can reload them many times more than most of the magnums and other than finding primers nowadays the components and availability is pretty good.

[@kesleycottrell1416]

With a lot of PA folks it's a family tradition. Personally I have my Grandpa's Springfield 30/06. I will pass it down also plus all of my own guns. I take Grandpa's old gun out at least once a year. It brings back memories of hunting with Grandpa.

[@joshp2542]

You are correct sir. Even though I'm a first generation hunter my neighbor and all his family members I have met use .270s and we are in NE PA.

[@kesleycottrell1416]

I love a .270, we are NW PA in the mountains. 30/06 is big around here. My personal favorite or just the lucky gun is is a 99 Savage in .300 Savage. Lately most of our deer gets taken with a flintlock muzzleloader. Love PA!👍

[@joshp2542]

@@kesleycottrell1416 I picked up a Thompson Center Hawken .54cal with a flintlock instead of the percussion cap last summer and it's such a blast to shoot! Accurate too plus as you know I can use it for muzzleloader season AND flintlock season so it's a win/win.

[@kesleycottrell1416]

I like our flintlock season better than the other seasons. Been probably around 35 years of smoke pole hunting. I will give you a quick tip. Hunt them like early archery. Find what they are eating and wait down wind of it. Eating is how they keep warm.

[@joshp2542]

@@kesleycottrell1416 Thanks. I will try that this year as I crossbow hunt as well. I'll set myself up in a good ambush for when they come in.

[@jc-vc7xq]

Great video. Been using an 06 all my life on everything from black tail deer to moose and large black bear and I’ve never had a problem. As long as you’re using the right bullet for the job at hand and shot placement of course. I’ve taken deer and antelope out to 600 yds. But only on rare occasions.

[@BowTech11]

When I was growing up all of my Uncles & older cousins had a .30-06 Remington 760 or 7600. First chance I got. I bought myself a .30-06 Remington 7600 carbine. Very nice rifle for heavily wooded areas.

[@woodswalker1111]

I acquired my Remington model 7600 chambered in 30-06 for dirt cheap. It is a beautiful rifle and as luck would have it, it's really accurate. I'll never get rid of it.

[@Absaalookemensch]

I loved having a rifle and handgun in the same 30-06 cartridge, though the loads were different. My favorite 30-06 rifle was a converted pre-war DWM 98 Mauser action. I reloaded one shell 41 times without excessive case wall thinning.. WW case, trimmed to length a few times, various 147-165gr bullets and H414, IMR 4350 and IMR 4064.

[@actionjksn]

Great information and I agree that the big heavy bullets are what make the 30.06 shine. Like Ron Spoomer says the 30.06 is very versatile. Speaking of Ron, where is he? Great video but I miss Ron's input on this.

[@Plumcraziness]

I assume these are the videos that were done to fill in while Ron and his wife were hunting in Africa recently. It's just that these videos are coming out now.

[@no_regerts5176]

It may never be the best for every niche, but it fills so many roles very well, especially if you live somewhere with elk and moose size game. It fits in any long action with room to spare. It pushes 200gr bullets in the 2700 fps range. This means you have enough mass to use cheaper bullets and still penetrate well. 150gr bullets at 3000 fps stay flat for any deer or pronghorn out to 450 yards. Use a copper bullet of the same weight and speed and you have a deadly combo for anything. You get an extra round in the box vs a belted magnum.

[@markmadsen6828]

I can't help but envision Joseph as a 6 year old talking with the same voice he has now.. Has he always sounded like this? Great videos! Thank you.

[@bill45colt]

ive had rifles of many calibers and in years past, never shot a deer at over 50ft. haha,,,ive been able to do target shots at all sorts of ranges, but in reality, i make it a point to scout the game area several months ahead of time to find travel trails, feed and water areas, and bedding spots. The closest ive ever killed was an 8 point white tail 210 lbs or so at a range of 6 ft. haha. i try to hide very well and when i see them coming along the trail, i wait until they get as close as possible before standing or exposing myself. Thats worked well for me,,,,looking back on it all, i now realize ive never had a use for sights!!! Good video, many thanks,,,bill in alabama 78 yr old

[@RickHorejsi]

Best round ever made

[@Noone765]

The 30-06 is a good all around chambering. Good for antelope, deer, elk and moose.

[@jamespilbeam209]

One of the most versatile cartridges ever

[@liamrobinson2084]

Absolutely! Available pretty nearly everywhere and anywhere, incredible variety of bullet weights. Accurate all the way out, good trajectory, hard-hitting. Great video!

[@dandersonjr]

I started deer hunting with a Winchester 32 Special but my Dad being a huge 30-06 fan bought me a used Remington pump action 30-06 when I was 14. I hunted with it for about 4 years or so and then started hunting strictly with a 44 Magnum revolver. At age 60 now I still use the old 44 Mag but at least once a year I take the old Remington out to the range and shoot at least 10 rounds through it. Great shooting gun at 100 yards and it always reminds me of hunting with my Father.

[@thejakyl1369]

My grand dads Winchester 06 was his primary hunting weapon. His Marlin 30/30 was the backup. Both amazing firearms.

[@rezboy7167]

My 1st mule deer hunt was w a 30.30, .270 and a 30.06. This bozo garning attention like dem wonkers who won’t stand the pledge of allegiance

[@jasonshults368]

Great content! I have come to appreciate the 30-06 loaded with 180gr and up bullets. I've done some of my best hunting with that combo.

[@tombeyer375]

The 180 gr bullet seems to be the optimum bullet weight for the 30/06! Great cartridge, and as a rule, easy to buy ammo for.

[@jerrylochner4810]

I hunt with Remington factory ammo 180 grain PSP in my 30-06 I've hunted with 150,165 grain the bullets don't hold together like the 180 grain

[@rahulbannerjee4845]

I would still buy a 3006 today easily available cartridges and still a great cartridge to hunt with.

[@jontalbert5448]

I just sold my two .300 Winchesters because at 68 I got sick of being beat up. I still have two 30-06 rifles and a .270 Winchester for the field. Hornady 165gr BTSP bullets drop elk like a bolt of lightning in the 06. Plus the 06 is easy to load for. IMR 4350 on top of a Remington 9/2 primer. I've never lost an animal with a Hornady InterLock. But I don't shoot past 250 yards. To old for buck fever. I also am a western hunter (Colorado).

[@fppro1679]

That's a really good question. The answer is, it's a terrific cartridge! You can shoot a light bullet very accurately and get remarkable speed, or use a heavy bullet and shorter ranges and get an awful lot of killing power. George Patton said it was the best damn gun the army ever bought. People on a budget take elk with it, bear and of course in the high country it is the deer cartridge. That's not to say there aren't other cartridges that do a wonderful job, but this has proven itself pretty effectively.

[@kieldrake1535]

One thing about 30-06 is that you can find shells in small towns at gas stations, etc. They are everywhere that everything else is not…and I see that you mentioned that! Everything I’ve killed has been with 180 grain 30-06 - mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, moose, bear, pronghorn. It does it all.

[@kd4yhs]

ubiquitous, that's the word.

[@DavidMScott-cs8pp]

Two of the most available cartridges in Canada are the 30-30 ,30-06 and 303 British. I’ve seen them in little grocery stores in Hamlets and gas stations in the highway. And the 30-06 spawned the 270 which I loved to shoot over my 30-06 due to less recoil. Shot an Antelope with 130 Win Silvertip bullets and 56 1/2 grs 4831 at 400 yards. That was in 69 when tons of 4831 surplus sold for $2.50 lb. loved the Silvertip and used it exclusively.

[@michaele1278]

I bought both of those cartridges a few weeks ago. $120 for 20 rounds of each. Ouch!!!

[@sawsurgeon]

That is really interesting. A little South of you here, we haven’t seen 303 British on store shelves for over a decade. Mail order seems to be our best and in many cases our only option. .30-06 is still available most everywhere down here.

[@mikebaird6788]

There's probably a lot of 762-54R around also for the mosin nagant imagine there's a lot of those in Canada or m44 bolt actions battle you're allowed in Canada anymore

[@DocFixit32]

I happen to know a machinist who specifically built an ELR specifically in 30-06 because he looked at everything else and decided it was the all around best. He loves this weapons capabilities and sub MOA accuracy.

[@jamiebaker5265]

The most important advantage to me (as mentioned by the presenter): logistical. The round is ubiquitous and can pretty much be found pretty much anywhere for a decent price. Animals have not changed since the cartridge was first introduced as a hunting rifle cartridge and will still succumb to it. Our penchant for extending our shooting distances, and the performance and choices of the cartridges used at these longer distances, have. As well, our collective abilities at actual hunting ability, fieldcraft, and the ability to get closer to our pursued game have changed, also.

[@protrump1285]

I run a 1947 Remington 741 in 30-06. I Put A Primary Arms 4x14 R-grid optic. Running a 150 Gr. boat tail. This Rocks.

[@ImpactJakt]

Thank you for video filled with information. I learned a lot. I have an old Tikka M65 lux in 30-06. My first rifle ! Here in Sweden .308 is popular, and mostly recommended to new hunters for some reason.

[@tracycastleberry9040]

The first centerfire rifle I ever bought was a 30-06 that's been almost 50 years ago. I am still using that same rifle today. I know why they don't load it as hot as it could be because of all the old rifles still out there but I believe it could be tweaked with more modern powders and bullets to be just as good as all these new cartridges they came out with. It's not only a great hunting round it is also an excellent self defense shtf round After all it was designed to kill people originally. 223/5.56 don't have the range or punch down range and military surplus is still available. While everyone seems to have ARs when they come to take our guns you can bet the old hard hitting 30-06 will be the first one I grab to defend my god given rights

[@aaroncalvert3922]

As someone who doesn't have a 30-06 rifle. I still want one.

[@landenbroach384]

600-800 go get you one.

[@brianc9374]

I'm in same boat

[@madsenmotorsports9950]

I got a steal on a Thompson center bolt action for $200 at a sports center years ago. Couldn’t believe how well it groups. Now tc is out of business but I love that rifle!

[@greasydot]

I have 2 of them and almost every cartridge built off of the 30/06 case. Great cartridge, easy to modify to another caliber.

[@keitht.jmccoy3779]

Great video, say hi to Ron. I've used many types of bullets he's recommended. I own both 308 and 30-06 for the same reasons you explained. Modern day bullet versatility for all conditions, distances, animal sizes and toughness. Back in the day the o6 was used with military FMJ for thru and thru wound channel bleeding to create a trackable blood trail. I remember my Uncles returning from the War talking about using those new Remington Mushrooms in the woods. I said Whattt? They were refering to the "Core- Lokt" drop 'um where they stand. Years back Ron suggested the new Winchester Silvertips for that and he was right! Happy Hunting

[@catfishhunter6547]

Woodsmaster model .742 30-06. The goat.

[@RealtorRod64]

I use several rifles from .243 Win up .300 Weatherby Magnum but my trusty .30-06 is still the most versatile. My go to load out is 180 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip. BC of .507 about 2750 FPS

[@nmelkhunter1]

There’s no doubt a good 30.06 covers a lot of ground. But you are spot on when say there are better cartridges for open country hunting. My first rifle was a model 700 in 7MM Rem Mag that would shoot 160 Partitions at 2965 fps. I killed everything from buck antelope to bull elk with that rifle. In fact, the biggest deer I ever killed, I killed with that rifle. But I chose this cartridge since I’m a Westerner and, like you said, we typically shoot past 300 yards and I felt this was a great choice. I still own two 7MM mags, but shoot 160 Accubonds in one of them the since it has a higher BC and I get 3030fps thus giving me better performance at longer ranges. I do think modern scopes such as Leupold’s CDS really are the most significant game changers in today’s hunting world and most of my hunting rifles wear one.

[@patrickgriffitt6551]

As you well know your example has no logical conclusion. 7mm Rem Mag is good but 338Lapua is better add nauseum.

[@nmelkhunter1]

@@patrickgriffitt6551 You missed the point.

[@patrickgriffitt6551]

@@nmelkhunter1 which was? That there are better cartridges for specific conditions? That's true. As there are better cartridges than 7mm Mag for specific conditions also. Perhaps I missed the point that was brought forth. I thought it was about the overall versatilty(as in if you only had one cartridge) and longevity of the 30-06.

[@RemyDeerHunting]

Just got a .30-06, I know everything about the cartridge but figured I’d watch some Ron Spomer on it anyway 😅

[@robanbieber7859]

Love the M1 Garand. When you were mentioning magazine capacity of 30-06 rifles i am not sure you mentioned the standard 8 cartridge capacity of the M1.. That is huge compared to the 4 or 5 rounds of all other 30-06 rifles . Thanks for this great tutorial on the different bullet configurations for this great 30-06 round!

[@oddrocket2743]

The biggest advantage for the .30-06 is value and practicality: with one gun, you can cover a lot of range of game and most loads from 100 grains to 220 grains, the loads are still cheaper than other options. Also, you can hunt anywhere any find ammunition for it.

[@markalford5406]

165 grain BT was my favorite bullet for hunting open country where shots could be across the valleys. Shot many a mule deer with my hand loads. Received the Remington 700 when I was 18 years old on my birthday. I’m 63 now and still shoot the rifle now and again. If I remember right I used 57 grains of IMR 4350 . At around 2800 FPS.

[@1Surt]

06 is the ultimate North American deer round. Given that, while still using 30-30 for deer hunting, Hornady's LeveRevolution 160g in the Marlin 336SS is my choice. To each their own.

[@jaydunbar7538]

My 30-30 loves that leverevolution, Winchester 94 at over 100 years old and it loves that new ammunition. Did a great job last year whitetail hunting

[@exothermal.sprocket]

.30-30 just does stuff at lower velocity that most wouldn't bother having a look at. Then again, .45-70 does stuff at lower velocity too, that people don't doubt. In a sense, the .30-30 uses the advantages of relatively medium to heavy bullets in the caliber to do the work, rather than relying on high velocities as much. Benefits are very mild recoil and fast followup shots. Assuming well chosen shot placement, two things actually do the work: penetration and hemorrhaging. Big noise, big recoil are impressive to the shooter but dead is dead, and .30-30 makes them dead.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@chuckperry7592 - If you like how the venerable 30-30 performs, but want to try it in your 30-06 bolt-gun, you can load down to 30-30 specs pretty easily, and there are RN bullets available, too, if you want to go that direction as well. It would be a light-shooting load with great utility for brush hunting and work inside 200 yards.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@GeorgiaBoy1961 Sure enough. For the adventurous, the .30-30 can take the spitzer style bullets too, if the shooter is conscientious enough to maintain a 2-shot rifle. Just make sure the bullet head spacing is correct before chambering.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@@exothermal.sprocket - That's a good tip, too.... thanks!

[@eriksforestryvision8751]

30-06 discussion done very well. It's not overwhelming in performance. But no where is it underwhelming in it's capabilities & access around the country. Nail on the head in my book

[@timmotel5804]

Good Day. Back in 1971, I bought a used Colombian Military 30/06 at Zayer Department Store in Miami, Florida for a very cheap price. Just out of High School, I didn't have much money. The first time that fired it, WOW! I had no idea what it was! Great Gun.

[@williamfeldner9356]

The 3006 just works so well on game out to 400 yards. 400 yards is where most people should stop shooting at game anyway………..

[@ULFISHGETTER]

Todays bullets and powder can easily make it a 600 yard gun on game and like you said. Most don’t need to shoot past 300.

[@brianc9374]

I always thought it was odd that, when growing up in the grat lakes area in the 90s; everyone was buying 7mm mag. In the hardwood there your not shooting very far and whitetail is the biggest thing your gonna take, unless your going after black bear.

[@repentant]

If you like a cartridge that has dropped every animal on earth, including Elephant, Rhino(including Earnest Hemingway’s running 300 yard 1 shot kill), Lion, Cape Buffalo, lots of Grizzly Bear, is accurate, medium recoiling, can shoots about as flat as the 6.5 creedmoor. Shoot bullets from 100 to 200 grains and stabilizes all of em with its 1-10 twist rate, then I suppose the 30-06 is alright I guess.