Don't get a 30-06

[FlyD10]

I own bolt guns in 30-06, 243, 300wm, and 223. They all shoot great.

It's a major #firstworldproblems issue. Every time I think about buying a new rifle / caliber I talk myself out of it because from a practical standpoint pretty much all of my big game rifle hunting needs are more than adequately met by that lineup.

In fact, i could probably get rid of everything but the '06 and still be in the same boat. Not to mention 80% of the time I'm bow hunting anyway.

Owning a 30-06 is super boring - it's a total joy thief. It already does exactly what you're hoping that shiny new rifle will do from a hunting standpoint. And just like that, you can't logically justify that new rifle purchase.

I'm only 40 years old. Am I already turning into a fudd? Please help!

 

[betelgeuse]

There is a lot of hoopla attached to the newest exotic rifles and calibers. Some of it is warranted, a lot of it is not. I have newer rifles and calibers, but always get the old trusty .30-06 come hunting season. It works well every time. Spend your extra money on optics or boots

 

[Speaks]

Yea 30-06 will kill anything at any range that most of us can shoot. I think the biggest downside one could argue would be the recoil it takes to do it and if you would shoot better with a lower recoiling gun.

If anything I might make the argument that the 243 might be the better "one gun solution" in that lineup from a hunting perspective. Though I do like having one larger rifle in the lineup and no reason it should not be a 30-06. But its not better in any way thats meaningful to my actual hunting.

If I were dropping one from the lineup it would be the 300wm.

 

[betelgeuse]

Yea 30-06 will kill anything at any range that most of us can shoot. I think the biggest downside one could argue would be the recoil it takes to do it and if you would shoot better with a lower recoiling gun.

If anything I might make the argument that the 243 might be the better "one gun solution" in that lineup from a hunting perspective. Though I do like having one larger rifle in the lineup and no reason it should not be a 30-06. But its not better in any way thats meaningful to my actual hunting.

If I were dropping one from the lineup it would be the 300wm.

It is a kicker !

 

[dårlig jeger]

Owning a 30-06 is super boring - it's a total joy thief. It already does exactly what you're hoping that shiny new rifle will do from a hunting standpoint. And just like that, you can't logically justify that new rifle pupurchase.

I say the same thing about my 223.

What's the old Joe Walsh quote, "I can't justify buying a new rifle, but sometimes I still do"?

 

[FlyD10]

It is a kicker !

Honestly, my 300 kicks about the same, maybe a little less than my '06, but it's a 26" barrel and has a tbac ultra 5 can on the end, plus the recoil pad is a little nicer. All that definitely helps tame it pretty substantially.

 

[Predator_SD]

Recoil negates it as a “do everything the only rifle i need” rifle. I wouldn’t hand one to my 12 yo. With his personality I’m positive he would never pick up a rifle again if i let him shoot 30-06. He can’t handle much recoil. Some can some can’t and he is squarely in the can’t camp.

.243 is probably more of a “only rifle i need” rifle imo just for the fact i can hand it to anyone really and it will handle any hunt i want to do.

 

[Choupique]

There have only been very slight incremental improvements in cartridge design since about 1915. By then we had:

.30-06 springfield
.220 swift
6.5x55 swede
8x57
.375 h&h

You get the point. Every cartridge that started life in the commercial market was a marketing play and offered no real perceptible on game performance advantage vs what we already had. Back then, as is true now, the long range shooters were the only people who could measure a difference in their downrange performance and back then, as is true now, very few of those people really exist. The reality is we are still using the same chemistry now as we were in 1895 to launch bullets with, and theres just not much improvement to be had there outside of things like non corrosive primers, which dont require a new rifle to use.

Now projectile design, different story. But if we are going to talk strictly cartridge design, we probably could have stopped in 1895 with the 6.5x55 and had every hunting need outside of africa neatly covered.

 

[Smoke_Rutz]

I will echo the recoil of 30.06 was my ticket to a 6.5 prc. Now I’m afraid I’m stuck not buying guns


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[taskswap]

They do sure make a mess out of a grouse tho...

 

[Kauaihunter]

OP, in your third sentence you have the real issue already noted.

Recoil, cost, calibers etc, you can love or hate any one or any combination of it all. You can ask for opinions and you’ll get a million.

#firstworldproblems

 

[NDGuy]

Counter point. DO get a 30-06.

The Lord’s caliber.

 

[Steve O]

Yep. In my many many years I have owed one 30-06 for one season…I do not want something SO versatile!

There is a great book out there called One Man, One Land, One Rifle that chronicles JD Jones quest for the Super Slam with one 30-06

 

[Speaks]

Honestly, my 300 kicks about the same, maybe a little less than my '06, but it's a 26" barrel and has a tbac ultra 5 can on the end, plus the recoil pad is a little nicer. All that definitely helps tame it pretty substantially.

Yea in that case with 31 inch overall barrel length including can its really not a hunting rifle outside of specialty situations.

 

[FlyD10]

OP, in your third sentence you have the real issue already noted.

Recoil, cost, calibers etc, you can love or hate any one or any combination of it all. You can ask for opinions and you’ll get a million.

#firstworldproblems

100%

 

[FlyD10]

Yep. In my many many years I have owed one 30-06 for one season…I do not want something SO versatile!

There is a great book out there called One Man, One Land, One Rifle that chronicles JD Jones quest for the Super Slam with one 30-06

New add to my reading list

 

[rolltide05]

I am in this boat right now. I have the go-ahead to pick up any new rifle that I want. Had the same go-ahead now for two years.. Each time I look at them, today included, I just cannot make myself spend the money on another rifle knowing that my 30-06 can do everything I need it to do. I have other rifles and never take them out of the safe, so I don't "need" to add to the collection for the sake of things.

But man... that Sako Peak or Adventure in 6.5cm keeps calling me back to Eurooptic.

 

[FlyD10]

I am in this boat right now. I have the go-ahead to pick up any new rifle that I want. Had the same go-ahead now for two years.. Each time I look at them, today included, I just cannot make myself spend the money on another rifle knowing that my 30-06 can do everything I need it to do. I have other rifles and never take them out of the safe, so I don't "need" to add to the collection for the sake of things.

But man... that Sako Peak or Adventure in 6.5cm keeps calling me back to Eurooptic.

Same here.I was also looking at euro optic - sauer 100's in 6.5cm and 6.5prc are a screamin deal right now

 

[General RE LEE]

30-06 is a “308 Magnum”

 

[SomeTexan]

I am in this boat right now. I have the go-ahead to pick up any new rifle that I want. Had the same go-ahead now for two years.

Sounds like its time to get a second -06.