30-06 thoughts.

[Buckshot85]

I use a .300wsm for all big game. It’s a heavier rifle pushing 10 pounds. Been thinking about starting to use my Barret Fieldcraft 30-06 more for everything.
I don’t shoot beyond 500 yards and with Accubonds it still has enough energy and speed to do the the job. Curious on thoughts about other considerations I may be missing. Both rifles wear brakes and 30mm tube Leupolds. Obviously the Barrett is 3 lbs. lighter fully dressed and the 06 has killed everything in North America.

 

[WBT]

I wouldn't hesitate to use the .30-06 in your case. It'll do everything you need.

 

[NVVAHunt]

Nothing wrong with a 30-06 with the right bullet. People hate on it bc it’s old but it’s hard to argue that it works. With the rifle being a lot lighter as long as you shoot it well no reason not to use it.


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[TxxAgg]

I shot some Barnes TTSX 150s out of my 22" barrel the other day. They averaged 3001 fps. The recoil is easier than 180s.

Seems like it would be harmful to any animal around.

 

[87TT]

My main big game (and most powerful) gun for over 40 years. Same rifle, third scope.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

You can kill anything in North America with a 30-06, I see more 30-06 rifles here in AK than any other caliber, seems like everybody has at least one.

 

[6mm Remington]

30-06 is an awesome cartridge! Wish I was the one who said it but I wasn't, "The 30-06 is NEVER a bad choice!"

Accubonds are fantastic bullets. Shot my grizzly bear last fall with an Accubond, one shot! I really am impressed with their accuracy and on-game performance.

Leupold scopes are excellent. All my scopes on my rifles are Leupold.
30-06 165gr. Accubond 100 yards
300 WSM - 180 gr. Accubond 500 yards shot into water jugs.
180 gr. Accubond went through 5 gallon water jugs and almost made into #6 at 500 yards!
Here's how they look all set up before shooting.
Almost it into the 6th water jug at 25 yards. Impressive weight retention, expansion, and penetration. Pretty tough test as it was probably over 2900 fps when it hit the jugs.

140 gr. Nosler Accubond out of a 280AI at 158 yards. ONE SHOT

 

[Apollo117]

Calling @16Bore.

 

[Spoonbill]

I don’t think you will notice enough of a difference between a 300wsm and 30-06 to ever regret buying a 30-06

 

[Catahoula]

I have two 30-06 rifles. 1) Inherited my grandfathers 1949 Remington 721 when I was 15. 2) Browning Xbolt Hunter 30-06. Both are wonderful shooters. Timeless cartridge.

 

[WorleyElk]

30-06 is always a winner in my book. Accubonds are my go-to in 30 Cal.

 

[rileybassman]

30-06 is a great round and handloaded very nearly can approach a .300WSM and still have more rounds in the mag and better feeding.

500 and in... no problem at all IMO... even 6-800 and in I think I would still pick an 06.

 

[30338]

Only thing I would change would be to toss the brake and screw on a suppressor. Not much a guy can't do with a good 30-06.

 

[oldskool67]

Since I still live in Commiefornia I use lead free bullets. I hand load 168 gn Nosler E Tips. Killed black tails, black bears, and hogs out to 425.

And I’ve said it before. 30-06, back to back World War Champion.

 

[hodgeman]

I've done a lot of hunting with the 300WSM and the 30-06. There's not a critter alive that can tell the difference between them.

 

[22lr]

I have a pre-64 Win M70 in 30-06 and absolutely love it! You will find better cartridges for almost any specific game animal, but if you looking for one cartridge to cover them all, it's going to be hard to beat the 30-06. This is particularly true when talking about factory loaded ammo, you have a tremendous variety and capability. Granted it is a very dated round, you can get better performance out of shorter rounds these days, but for factory load guys like myself it's still hard to beat the ole tried and true.

Also, I love classics, so for me that is also a bit of the appeal as well.

 

[RickfromPA]

On the other side, what are the advantages of the wsm over the 06? Or what would the OP be missing out on, besides rifle weight?

 

[Buckshot85]

Appreciate all the input, fellas.
Like I said, I have both rifles. They both shoot well. But, as I’m getting older I’m finding myself looking at the lighter rifle more.
I’ve always been a huge fan of the 180 in a .30 caliber rifle.
Im not recoil sensitive at all. Grew up shooting a 12ga. with 3” loads for duck and deer.
Ive recently installed those muzzle brakes simply to help with trying to see impacts.

 

[Sccritterkiller]

Have you thought about reducing the weight on your 300? I put a carbon fiber stock on my RM 700 300wm..its 8.3# with optic. Doesnt have to be an either/or conversation.

 

[Buckshot85]

I have looked at stocks. It’s a custom built rifle to begin with and I really don’t want to stick another grand in it.
I all ready have the Barrett. My .300wsm will still be my go-to for Wisconsin whitetail stand hunting. But, for my out of state hunts that require hiking I think the Barret is the new gal. At 7.1 lbs. loaded it’s a pleasure to handle and shoot.