30-06 limitations or does it not have the “cool factor”

[thinhorn_AK]

I think an 06 will be my next rifle. Gunna try and run 200 class bullets with it. Anybody have experience with this?

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Yes I’ve shot lots of 200g partitions from an 06, works fairly well but I’ve gone back down to the 165-180g stuff in the 06.

 

[sndmn11]

Every person that is looking into new rifles I tell them 30-06 and almost as frequently I say 308. I don't have either but load for 30-06 it's no joke. It just doesn't have "flatbrim rizz". I googled that word a couple days again when my friend's 10 year old son told me I have none

Using h4350 and 150gr TTSX we got a friend's 30-06 to 3006fps without issue. He's going to try the 165s with Stabal6.5 and according to load data we should have good luck getting close to 2900. He's excited.

My 168ttsx and Staball load is 2990fps.

Anyone who is a factory ammo 300wsm shooter and scofs at the 30-06 handloader is clueless. There's a bit of juice available over what the books and factory ammo says can happen.

 

[Jimss]

The other great thing about the 06' (and other 30 cals for that matter) is the availability of shells and the number of bullet size options. I actually use just 1 bullet for all species to keep it simple, but it's super nice having heavier bullets available for say African critters. That's impossible with the creedmores and prc that everyone seems to be raving about these days!

 

[ZWA]

Last year my brother requested that I build his first rifle for an upcoming Elk hunt. He had been bow hunting for a couple of years and wanted to experience late season rifle. Knowing that he is kind of a minimalist and would only own one rifle I felt the pressure to get it right. Narrowed it down to a 280AI and 06 but since he is not a reloader the 06 won. Remage build turned out great and the gun shoots sub moa at 500yrds with ease. For being a 100+ year old cartridge the bull he shot at 400yrds didn’t think it was outdated.
My 2cts if you don’t need a Kestrel when you hunt the 30-06 will not limit you.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Elite, I try not to chase the next shiny new caliber that gets overhyped and churned out by some of the rifle makers' marketing departments. There's a reason why the 270, '06, 7RM, and 300WM have been around for a long time. I appreciate the versatility of the 06 and use it for both deer and elk. I simply adjust the bullet weight depending on the game I'm hunting. Seems like these "new age" calibers are driven by marketing and the perception that the further away you can shoot at game the better hunter you will be. What's wrong with stalking closer and taking the easier shot. Just my 2 cents, not judging how others spend their hard earned money. To each is own.

Closer is not always easier or better.

Better to be stable as hell at 500 than shooting off-hand from a steep crumbly cliff side at an uphill animal at 200. You can also lose shooting lanes by getting closer and/or changing angles.

 

[HighUintas]

Yes I’ve shot lots of 200g partitions from an 06, works fairly well but I’ve gone back down to the 165-180g stuff in the 06.

What's the reason behind preferring 165-180? Just curious.


I'd wanted to shoot a lot of 200gr, but realized the price jumps up a decent bit, the best loads likely use a powder that would be better with a mag primer, and I really doubt I'll ever shoot at game passes 600. So I've been thinking the 180gr realm is probably optimal for my use also.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

What's the reason behind preferring 165-180? Just curious.


I'd wanted to shoot a lot of 200gr, but realized the price jumps up a decent bit, the best loads likely use a powder that would be better with a mag primer, and I really doubt I'll ever shoot at game passes 600. So I've been thinking the 180gr realm is probably optimal for my use also.

I just got sick it making multiple loads for the same rifle and always having to re zero my scopes. I just decided I’d shoot the 200s out of my 300wm, 180s out of my 06, 165/ shot well in my 308. Just made it easier to settle on loads rather than always messing around.

I mean ideally I’d find one load that works really well for each gun and then just only make that load.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

I've seen all the hype about the Creedmore and PRC. If I had the choice for elk sized game there is no doubt in my mind I'd grab the 06! Everyone says how great the PRC is for long range shooting but I don't see it! The PRC drops a whopping 26" at 400 yards and 48" at 500 yards. I wouldn't exactly say that is flat trajectory for a slim 140 grainish bullet!

An 06' with a 150 grain bullet drops around 19" at 400 yards and 38" at 500 yards. That's with a slightly heavier bullet!

I will preface this by saying that I have a 30-06 and I will not part ways with it. But to imply that my 30-06 is just as capable at long range as my 6.5 PRC is complete rubbish.

Here are validated numbers from my rifles:
* My "praised” 30-06 (commercial 178 gr Federal TA @ 2900):
** 500 yards: 45.38” of drop, 1947 fps, 1473 ft-lbs, 17.8” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)
** 600 yards: 77.17” of drop, 1811 fps, 1275 ft-lbs, 26.4” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)

* My “over-hyped” 6.5 PRC (commercial 147 gr ELD-M @ 2910 fps):
** 500 yards: 35.82” of drop, 2279 fps, 1695 ft-lbs, 11.8” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)
** 600 yards: 60.21” of drop, 2164 fps, 1528 ft-lbs, 17.4” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)

* My “over-hyped” 6.5 PRC (hand-load 147 gr ELD-M @ 3050 fps):
** 500 yards: 32.13” of drop, 2402 fps, 1884 ft-lbs, 11” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)
** 600 yards: 54.06” of drop, 2284 fps, 1702 ft-lbs, 16.2” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)

So to recap...
* Drop: My 30-06 drops 10-25 more inches than my 6.5 PRC at 500-600 yards. Nothing like shooting below your animal (assuming no range finder).
* Velocity: My 30-06 bleeds off velocity at a faster rate (11-12%) than my 6.5 PRC at 500-600 yards. My 30-06 hits 1800 fps about 600 yards while my 6.5 PRC almost doubles my potential range (1100 yards).
* Wind: My 30-06 deflects 6-10 more inches (10 mid @ 90*) than my 6.5 PRC at 500-600 yards. Even with not accounting for wind, this can turn into a clean miss or a gut shot.
* Energy: It's immaterial on Rokslide but my 30-06 even has less sustained energy than my 6.5 PRC at 500-600 yards.

Maybe the effects of gravity and wind are different where you live.

 

[Lawnboi]

I will preface this by saying that I have a 30-06 and I will not part ways with it. But to imply that my 30-06 is just as capable at long range as my 6.5 PRC is complete rubbish.

Here are validated numbers from my rifles:
* My "praised” 30-06 (commercial 178 gr Federal TA @ 2900):
** 500 yards: 45.38” of drop, 1947 fps, 1473 ft-lbs, 17.8” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)
** 600 yards: 77.17” of drop, 1811 fps, 1275 ft-lbs, 26.4” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)

* My “over-hyped” 6.5 PRC (commercial 147 gr ELD-M @ 2910 fps):
** 500 yards: 35.82” of drop, 2279 fps, 1695 ft-lbs, 11.8” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)
** 600 yards: 60.21” of drop, 2164 fps, 1528 ft-lbs, 17.4” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)

* My “over-hyped” 6.5 PRC (hand-load 147 gr ELD-M @ 3050 fps):
** 500 yards: 32.13” of drop, 2402 fps, 1884 ft-lbs, 11” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)
** 600 yards: 54.06” of drop, 2284 fps, 1702 ft-lbs, 16.2” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)

So to recap...
* Drop: My 30-06 drops 10-25 more inches than my 6.5 PRC at 500-600 yards. Nothing like shooting below your animal (assuming no range finder).
* Velocity: My 30-06 bleeds off velocity at a faster rate (11-12%) than my 6.5 PRC at 500-600 yards. My 30-06 hits 1800 fps about 600 yards while my 6.5 PRC almost doubles my potential range (1100 yards).
* Wind: My 30-06 deflects 6-10 more inches (10 mid @ 90*) than my 6.5 PRC at 500-600 yards. Even with not accounting for wind, this can turn into a clean miss or a gut shot.
* Energy: It's immaterial on Rokslide but my 30-06 even has less sustained energy than my 6.5 PRC at 500-600 yards.

Maybe the effects of gravity and wind are different where you live.

I totally agree with this. I didn’t know what I didn’t know when I built my 3006. At the end of the day it’s a 6mph gun in my home environment, and carries 2000 fps at my intended max range. I also am shooting 180 and 185 bergers out of it which brings it in line. My 26” 6.5 creedmoor has the same wind number back home. Shooting all of them leaves me to believe it’s really all bullshit numbers unless you get out and practice.

More recoil. Little more wind, and more lead at the target is what my 3006 does compared to what I would consider chambering a rifle in today. My barrel might last 2-3times longer than the prc though.

Iv gone full circle and am building 6 and 22 creedmoors now adays to take advantage of the easier shooting rifle. I don’t even want to burn prc powder.

 

[LongWayAround]

I've seen all the hype about the Creedmore and PRC. If I had the choice for elk sized game there is no doubt in my mind I'd grab the 06! Everyone says how great the PRC is for long range shooting but I don't see it! The PRC drops a whopping 26" at 400 yards and 48" at 500 yards. I wouldn't exactly say that is flat trajectory for a slim 140 grainish bullet!

An 06' with a 150 grain bullet drops around 19" at 400 yards and 38" at 500 yards. That's with a slightly heavier bullet!

I don't have a dog in the fight but, where did you get those numbers?

A quick look at Hornady's website shows the 6.5 prc with 143 eld-x and 147 eld-m dropping about 18" and 36" at 400 and 500.

The 30-06 with 168 eld-m drops 23" and 48" at 400 and 500.

Stacking the deck for the -06 with the 150gr superformance drops about 19" and 38" at 400 and 500. The 6.5 prc is still moving 200fps faster at the same distance.

Not exactly the same bullets as your example but I tried to pick the most similar loads. Obviously, these are all their published data points from test barrels, etc.

I'm reasonably certain that no animal would notice the difference.

 

[Elite]

I will preface this by saying that I have a 30-06 and I will not part ways with it. But to imply that my 30-06 is just as capable at long range as my 6.5 PRC is complete rubbish.

Here are validated numbers from my rifles:
* My "praised” 30-06 (commercial 178 gr Federal TA @ 2900):
** 500 yards: 45.38” of drop, 1947 fps, 1473 ft-lbs, 17.8” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)
** 600 yards: 77.17” of drop, 1811 fps, 1275 ft-lbs, 26.4” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)

* My “over-hyped” 6.5 PRC (commercial 147 gr ELD-M @ 2910 fps):
** 500 yards: 35.82” of drop, 2279 fps, 1695 ft-lbs, 11.8” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)
** 600 yards: 60.21” of drop, 2164 fps, 1528 ft-lbs, 17.4” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)

* My “over-hyped” 6.5 PRC (hand-load 147 gr ELD-M @ 3050 fps):
** 500 yards: 32.13” of drop, 2402 fps, 1884 ft-lbs, 11” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)
** 600 yards: 54.06” of drop, 2284 fps, 1702 ft-lbs, 16.2” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)

So to recap...
* Drop: My 30-06 drops 10-25 more inches than my 6.5 PRC at 500-600 yards. Nothing like shooting below your animal (assuming no range finder).
* Velocity: My 30-06 bleeds off velocity at a faster rate (11-12%) than my 6.5 PRC at 500-600 yards. My 30-06 hits 1800 fps about 600 yards while my 6.5 PRC almost doubles my potential range (1100 yards).
* Wind: My 30-06 deflects 6-10 more inches (10 mid @ 90*) than my 6.5 PRC at 500-600 yards. Even with not accounting for wind, this can turn into a clean miss or a gut shot.
* Energy: It's immaterial on Rokslide but my 30-06 even has less sustained energy than my 6.5 PRC at 500-600 yards.

Maybe the effects of gravity and wind are different where you live.

Comparing a factory load 30-06 with a federal bullet vs a ELDm is not even close to a comparison. Run the numbers on a 190gr accubond long range at 2750fps


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[Elite]

I will preface this by saying that I have a 30-06 and I will not part ways with it. But to imply that my 30-06 is just as capable at long range as my 6.5 PRC is complete rubbish.

Here are validated numbers from my rifles:
* My "praised” 30-06 (commercial 178 gr Federal TA @ 2900):
** 500 yards: 45.38” of drop, 1947 fps, 1473 ft-lbs, 17.8” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)
** 600 yards: 77.17” of drop, 1811 fps, 1275 ft-lbs, 26.4” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)

* My “over-hyped” 6.5 PRC (commercial 147 gr ELD-M @ 2910 fps):
** 500 yards: 35.82” of drop, 2279 fps, 1695 ft-lbs, 11.8” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)
** 600 yards: 60.21” of drop, 2164 fps, 1528 ft-lbs, 17.4” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)

* My “over-hyped” 6.5 PRC (hand-load 147 gr ELD-M @ 3050 fps):
** 500 yards: 32.13” of drop, 2402 fps, 1884 ft-lbs, 11” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)
** 600 yards: 54.06” of drop, 2284 fps, 1702 ft-lbs, 16.2” of wind (10 mph @ 90*)

So to recap...
* Drop: My 30-06 drops 10-25 more inches than my 6.5 PRC at 500-600 yards. Nothing like shooting below your animal (assuming no range finder).
* Velocity: My 30-06 bleeds off velocity at a faster rate (11-12%) than my 6.5 PRC at 500-600 yards. My 30-06 hits 1800 fps about 600 yards while my 6.5 PRC almost doubles my potential range (1100 yards).
* Wind: My 30-06 deflects 6-10 more inches (10 mid @ 90*) than my 6.5 PRC at 500-600 yards. Even with not accounting for wind, this can turn into a clean miss or a gut shot.
* Energy: It's immaterial on Rokslide but my 30-06 even has less sustained energy than my 6.5 PRC at 500-600 yards.

Maybe the effects of gravity and wind are different where you live.

Comparing a factory load 30-06 with a federal bullet vs a ELDm is not even close to a comparison. Run the numbers on a 190gr accubond long range at 2750fps


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[35WhelenAI]

like this one? I had that done a few months ago. It’s awesome.

Alright, you got me there. What loads or factory round are you shooting, curious on velocity.

Nice looking rig for sure.

 

[dreamingWest]

A 178 grain ELD-X with a MV of 2800 fps is extremely effective on pretty much everything at my hunting distances. I love the 30-06. Seems about perfect regarding powder to caliber. Very similar to my .223 with 77 TMK and my .260 with 140 ELD-M.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Alright, you got me there. What loads or factory round are you shooting, curious on velocity.

Nice looking rig for sure.

That day it was 190g long range accubonds, those aren’t as easy to find these days so 180g accubonds, 180g partitions and I’ve also played with a few different weights of hammer bullets in it. I guess I’ve also dabbled with the Barnes 150g ttsx. I’ve found accubonds and partitions fill my needs very well, I’d use either of those on any hunt but I’m not really a long range hunter.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Alright, you got me there. What loads or factory round are you shooting, curious on velocity.

Nice looking rig for sure.

A bit off topic but here’s a Kimber Montana 308 that’s been shortened to 18”. It’s under 6.5lbs with the silencer. Right now I’m working on the 137g hammer hunter with it and getting very promising results.

 

[EJFS]

I love the 30-06, will always have at least one. And it really bugs me how casually people talk about 600 yd shots. Very few hunters have any business even considering a shot on game at over 400.

However, what appeals to me about something like the 6.5 PRC is being able to have similar capability as the '06 with less recoil in a lightweight rifle.

 

[35WhelenAI]

Where are the 600+ yard shooters finding the space and concurrently able to see if there is another hunter in the space between them and the animal. Are most of those shots across wide open space like plains or is there a valley between them and the animal? Asking seriously.

 

[PathFinder]

Where are the 600+ yard shooters finding the space and concurrently able to see if there is another hunter in the space between them and the animal. Are most of those shots across wide open space like plains or is there a valley between them and the animal? Asking seriously.

Way off topic, and neck deep in fudd-lore here.
Not hard to understand, anything that isn't feet off the ground is safe. So if someone isn't flying around with a jetpack it's a non-issue. More often than not I'm shooting across a 500+ foot deep canyon.
Really though, stalking to 200 yards and shooting from 1200 is the same. There's zero stalking skill involved whatsoever. Just a different strategy logistically. Anyone who makes that argument is either an exclusive archery hunter, a hypocrite, or pseudo-ethically delusional.

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[35WhelenAI]

Way off topic, and neck deep in fudd-lore here.
Not hard to understand, anything that isn't feet off the ground is safe. So if someone isn't flying around with a jetpack it's a non-issue. More often than not I'm shooting across a 500+ foot deep canyon.
Really though, stalking to 200 yards and shooting from 1200 is the same. There's zero stalking skill involved whatsoever. Just a different strategy logistically. Anyone who makes that argument is either an exclusive archery hunter, a hypocrite, or pseudo-ethically delusional.

Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk

I agree that we all employ different strategies with respect to logistics. With respect to shooting over the top of another person, no matter the setting, it's not something I will be comfortable with.