.30-06 effective range

[TNKnoxville]

This isn't a 30 06 but was a 162 grain ELDX 28 Nosler, about 100 yards, going 3000 fps+. An old, very large cow elk, bang flop, insides of chest was jelly. When we field dressed, the exploded rib pieces felt like glass. this is the best pic I have. This is the 3rd elk I've killed using an ELDX. All were awesome results. My first was at 550 yards (162 grain 28 Nosler), second at 505 yards (220 grain 300 win mag) both 1 shot kills. Then I shot a mule deer at about 100 yards (220 grain 300 win mag) lifted it off the ground dead on the spot.

Only the 505 yard shot had complete penetration but all the shots created devastating wound channels.

My point is if they shoot good from your rifle I would not hesitate to use them. By the way they shoot awesome from my Browning XBolt 30 06! Just haven't shot anything with it yet.

 

[TNKnoxville]

Oh and based on the ballistics and shooting I am going to use 400 yards as my max range for the 30 06 but most likely use it as more of a close range 100 to 300 yard gun.

 

[Stalker69]

Most of the guns these days are more capable then one behind the trigger. More horse power don’t make up for it.

 

[wapiti-warren]

This isn't a 30 06 but was a 162 grain ELDX 28 Nosler, about 100 yards, going 3000 fps+. An old, very large cow elk, bang flop, insides of chest was jelly. When we field dressed, the exploded rib pieces felt like glass. this is the best pic I have. This is the 3rd elk I've killed using an ELDX. All were awesome results. My first was at 550 yards (162 grain 28 Nosler), second at 505 yards (220 grain 300 win mag) both 1 shot kills. Then I shot a mule deer at about 100 yards (220 grain 300 win mag) lifted it off the ground dead on the spot.

Only the 505 yard shot had complete penetration but all the shots created devastating wound channels.

My point is if they shoot good from your rifle I would not hesitate to use them. By the way they shoot awesome from my Browning XBolt 30 06! Just haven't shot anything with it yet.

Solid feedback! Thanks for sharing.

Were all your shots clean broadside? Any of them quartering?

 

[TNKnoxville]

All three were broadside to slightly quartering away. All 4 had devastating wounds, inside were destroyed. Wish I had a video of the mule deer looked like it was picked up and body slammed.

 

[ZAK13]

The 30-06 is more than capable of a clean kill out past 500 yards, as long as you pick the right bullet for the job. Most mono type bullets will need a minimum of 2000fps for reliable expansion, the Barnes LRX and Hammer bullet both need around 1800fps to expand reliably. Most standard cup and core style and bonded style need a minimum of 1800fps to expand. I believe the new Federal Terminal Ascent line, the bullets are designed to expand reliably down to 1600fps, if I remember correctly.

 

[URE_G]

I've used the 30-60 on targets out to 600 yards and the caliber is well capable of shooting that distance

 

[pointrow]

168 Grain Green tip noslers shoot really well out of my 30-06 out to 300 yards with no troubles. For the longer range stuff I step up to my 300 WSM. But truthfully, when compared to my 300 wsm the 30-06 isnt far behind. Its a great caliber that I use 95% of the time.

Having said that I wont shoot at a deer sized animal past 500 yards. Too many variables in the field to push it further than that IMHO.

glad i found this thread and to hear the -06 can hang out to these ranges. i had considered stepping up to a 300 but i really don’t see myself shooting outside the mentioned range.

 

[223dude]

I shot my bull last fall at 545 yards with my proof 3006. Dropped him on the spot.
Used a handload 200gr Eldx 2700 Fps.

I would not hesitate to shoot a elk at 800 yards with it.

 

[General RE LEE]

Great thread. My Tikka T3x is 7.8 lbs fully loaded and has a 22” barrel. Lightweight, compact and accurate.

Im getting 2750 fps with a 178 grain ELD-X over 55.0 grains H4350. I’m 1600 FPS and 1000 lbs KE at 825 yards. I hunt whitetail and wouldn’t shoot that far but at 500 yards, 1600 lbs KE is no slouch.

I shoot a lot at my range 200,300 and 500 yards with the 30-06. It’s accurate and his bad medicine on deer.

 

[Physical_Wind954]

Check the energy for 165 and 180 gr loads. I think I'd focus on 165s personally.

Remember that the long distance bullets are just long cup & cores that will about explode if you take a 50 yard shot.

I'd focus on the long range game and carry the bullets for that. Walk around with a heavy duty bullet in case you get a 50-100 yard shot.

Very old thread, I know. But this is what I decided on doing. Glad I'm not the only one walking around with a different bullet in the camber than in the rest of the magazine.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I have 2 30-06 and a 300 Wby. The only reason I shoot the Wby is I can get flatter with a larger bullet than the 06. I shoot the 300 on anything elk size and larger using either 180 gr or 200 gr bullets. It will shoot a lot flatter at 400 to 500 (my max shooting distance) using the heavier bullets.