Don't get a 30-06

[Laramie]

I shot a 30-06 for all big game for about 30 years. I harvested 20+ elk, and over 100 deer and antelope with it. A few years ago I was intrigued with a 6.5 prc after seeing others in our elk camp using them with great results. I decided to buy my son one for his first adult rifle. One summer of shooting it, and one fall where I watched him shoot antelope, deer, and a big bull elk was enough to convince me to change. I had no idea what i was missing. Much more fun to shoot, much more accurate, and devastating terminal performance. I still have a soft spot for the old 06 but I'm guessing I'll never hunt with one again.

 

[Maverick1]

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!

Sell the 243 and 300WM. You have everything covered with the 30-06 and .223. Then buy some reduced recoil 30-06 and sell the .223, too.

 

[General RE LEE]

30-06 shooting a 178 grain ELDX 2750 FPS is a real thumper.

 

[slowboater]

Similar problem. I bought a Weatherby MkV 25 years ago in 270. I've picked up a few other toys in the interim. BLR in 308, 223 Ranch, etc. When hunting season rolls around - 90% of the time I pick up the 270. I have confidence in it (and myself with it) for just about every situation.

The only reason I'm considering another rifle is because I want something lighter for tramping around all day. Considering 243, 6CM, and 6.5CM. But, it's definitely a 'want' not a 'need' because that one rifle does everything I need.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

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

Great book. I love the 30-06, I hunt with mine all the time and have never felt like it wasn’t enough. I used to do most of my hunting with bigger cartridges but grew to love the 30-06 and 308 for all the stuff I can do here in Alaska.

For all you guys complaining about the recoil of a 30-06…..lol at you.

I have 6.5s they are great, I like my 30-06 too

My 30-06 has killed just about every species of animal we have here in Ak except for musk ox and bison. If I ever draw the musk ox tag, lll take my 06.

 

[Parkerpusher]

When I first started hunting 19 years ago, I went out and bought a Marlin XL-7 in 30-06. I’ve had plenty others since then, but kept and still hunt with the Marlin. Hunting with it today actually. Always come back to it. Lightweight 6.5 is better at trampling miles in the woods, my 10lb 6CM might be better at posting up on a hill hunting the fields from one place, but the 06 can and has done all that too. Yeah, boring. But the good kind.

 

[North of 60]

The first rifle i bought was a youth model .30-06 back in the 80s...that was a great rifle and wish i still had it. Being young and poor, i bartered it for some HVAC work that had to get done.

 

[ArcherAdam]

I hear you on not getting a 30-06.

I got one for my 13th birthday 33 years ago. Because of it, I had money to go on 5 out of state DIY hunts and add 3 new species to my hunting portfolio.

If I would have just listened to what everyone was telling me, I would have had a pretty rifle with super expensive ammo and world class optics on top for the one hunt I may have been able to go on.

The hardest part though was losing my cred at the range for not switching.

Sent from my SM-S921U using Tapatalk

 

[Laramie]

For all you guys complaining about the recoil of a 30-06…..lol at you.

I'm 6'2" and stronger than most guys my age. No problem handling the recoil from virtually any of the big cartridges. A 30-06 doesn't bother me at all. That said, I pushed my ego aside and tried lower recoil rifles. Turns out that lower recoil made me a more accurate shooter and it made a big difference in being able to see my impacts more clearly through the scope. I didn't know what I was missing until I tried it...

 

[hereinaz]

I shot a 30-06 for all big game for about 30 years. I harvested 20+ elk, and over 100 deer and antelope with it. A few years ago I was intrigued with a 6.5 prc after seeing others in our elk camp using them with great results. I decided to buy my son one for his first adult rifle. One summer of shooting it, and one fall where I watched him shoot antelope, deer, and a big bull elk was enough to convince me to change. I had no idea what i was missing. Much more fun to shoot, much more accurate, and devastating terminal performance. I still have a soft spot for the old 06 but I'm guessing I'll never hunt with one again.

Do not watch anyone use a 6 creed to do the same things…

 

[hereinaz]

I hear you on not getting a 30-06.

I got one for my 13th birthday 33 years ago. Because of it, I had money to go on 5 out of state DIY hunts and add 3 new species to my hunting portfolio.

If I would have just listened to what everyone was telling me, I would have had a pretty rifle with super expensive ammo and world class optics on top for the one hunt I may have been able to go on.

The hardest part though was losing my cred at the range for not switching.

Sent from my SM-S921U using Tapatalk

Trading in for a new rifle would not have prevented you from 5 out of state tags/hunts.

But, I accept the point—that you prioritized hunting over everything else. It is one that more people could follow.

 

[Laramie]

Do not watch anyone use a 6 creed to do the same things…

Best friends mom shoots one.... great caliber but prefer the flatter shooting prc. With a can, i can't tell much difference in recoil but I know there is a little.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I'm 6'2" and stronger than most guys my age. No problem handling the recoil from virtually any of the big cartridges. A 30-06 doesn't bother me at all. That said, I pushed my ego aside and tried lower recoil rifles. Turns out that lower recoil made me a more accurate shooter and it made a big difference in being able to see my impacts more clearly through the scope. I didn't know what I was missing until I tried it...

It’s not an ego thing at all, I just don’t think the 30-06 kicks that much. I purposely sold off my 300s and havnt taken my 375 out in years. It’s not about being a “man” or some weird shit like that, I just don’t believe the 30-06 has so much recoil that an average person.

 

[hereinaz]

It’s not an ego thing at all, I just don’t think the 30-06 kicks that much. I purposely sold off my 300s and havnt taken my 375 out in years. It’s not about being a “man” or some weird shit like that, I just don’t believe the 30-06 has so much recoil that an average person.

Handling recoil is different than being able to stay in the scope to spot shots and being able to shoot better.

That said, I am done with recoil and especially any rifle without suppressor. I got a newly issued man card with an asterisk…

 

[Laramie]

It’s not an ego thing at all, I just don’t think the 30-06 kicks that much. I purposely sold off my 300s and havnt taken my 375 out in years. It’s not about being a “man” or some weird shit like that, I just don’t believe the 30-06 has so much recoil that an average person.

Recoil - 16.5lbs in the 6.5prc to mid 20s for the 30-06. It's a noticeable difference to me... and the prc carries better down range velocity and energy.

I resisted it for a long time but damn I'm glad I made the change. I know quite a few guys that feel the same.

 

[112Savage]

If it says anything, the only cartridges that I have multiple rifles in are
223
6.5 creedmoor
30-06

But… I have learned to make my new rifles more specialized. By changing weight and barrel length as well as stock design, I justify new rifles

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Handling recoil is different than being able to stay in the scope to spot shots and being able to shoot better.

That said, I am done with recoil and especially any rifle without suppressor. I got a newly issued man card with an asterisk…

Yeah I get it but not being able to spot a shot has never been a problem while I’m hunting, it just hasn’t and in the past few years I’ve shot ~ 15 animals with the 06.

For me personally, spotting the shot isn’t a deal breaker. I still really like my 6.5a and want a 6 creedmoor but the 30-06 is awesome. I guess I’m morning hunting than comparing lbs of recoil. Again, it’s not a macho thing, the 30-06 just remains a great hunting cartridge.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Recoil - 16.5lbs in the 6.5prc to mid 20s for the 30-06. It's a noticeable difference to me... and the prc carries better down range velocity and energy.

I resisted it for a long time but damn I'm glad I made the change. I know quite a few guys that feel the same.

I’m not saying there isn’t more recoil, I think we all know that. I’m just saying that people make a bigger deal of it than it is. My 120lb wife can shoot my 06 all day long, it’s a non issue for her.

And as mentioned above, being able to spot my shot has never cost me an animal. It’s a made up thing to worry about.

 

[Laramie]

I’m not saying there isn’t more recoil, I think we all know that. I’m just saying that people make a bigger deal of it than it is. My 120lb wife can shoot my 06 all day long, it’s a non issue for her.

And as mentioned above, being able to spot my shot has never cost me an animal. It’s a made up thing to worry about.

Completely understand your stance. I felt the same way most of my life.

 

[Scoutfan]

I have come full circle for the most part. Killed my first deer with a 30/06. Got older and thought I had to have a magnum.- Way before range finders. Got a 223 years ago. Finally realized a 30/06 and a 223 will take care of 99 percent of my hunting. My 35 whelen goes a lot because I love hunting with it and my 300 rum tags along for those way out there chances. Truth is though the older I get the more the fast twist 22/250ai gets used. I hope I am never without at least a couple of 30/06 and 223s though!