If you are the standard by which everything else is measured, then your probably doing something right. Hey, how’s “x” compare in recoil to the 30-06? Hey, how’s “x” compare in velocity to the 30-06? Hey, how’s “x” compare in availability W O R L D W I D E to the 30-06? The list goes on and on. There are cartridges that do things better, that are faster, have more potential accuracy, recoil less, do …whatever…. But it comes down to how does it compare to the 30-06 and what compromises must you make?
I traded an old mini pontoon fishing boat for a Remington a sportsman 78 (700 action) in 1988. The guy thought the rifle was wore out. I tightened the loose scope mounts and stock screws and it shot 2 MOA with cheap ammo. The guy regretted getting rid of it. My hand loads hover just under a MOA. I’ve tagged about 25 deer with that rifle. It isn’t pretty, but very utilitarian. Puts in work without fuss.
I'm 63 and have hunted for 51 years ,when I think about the number of days and hr. I've spent sitting on my camo bucket holding my old 06 brings a tear to my eye.
I chuckled watching this as Guy is not a man of many words. I'm 50 years old and I've taken 2 of my 3 deer with my dads old BSA 30-06, yes the motorcycle manufacturer. One at 350 yards at a steep incline with a cheap old scope and the other at a close 40 yards with a dandy little used Bushnell Elite 3x9x40 I mounted on Dads rifle for just that hunt. Well 11 years later and the Bushnell is still on Dads gun, he liked it so much I never got it back. The gun just shoulders well for me and is my favorite rifle. It looks great too. Excellent content and presentation on your channel Gavin.
I think the 30-06 is one of the most versatile calibers and is easy to shoot and highly accurate. I have taken many deer and hog with this caliber and would recommend it as a good all-around caliber for the first option rifle for big game hunting for new hunters.
I’ve hunted with many different rifle rounds. It seems like when I get back to the 30-06 I always think to myself “Why don’t I only hunt with this load?” Great round, forgiving, effective. Nice rifles, Guy! Thanks for sharing.
I'm in northwest Oregon and my hunting rifle is a 30-06 that I handload Nosler 180gr Partitions for. Will do the job for anything I hunt. Very nicely I should add.
I bought a 300 Win Mag in my 20s however the recoil was a tad bit on the uncomfortable side so I sold it and purchased an A bolt in 3006 when I was 32. 5 bull elk, 10 Mule deer and a Moose. Longest shot was 390 yards on a bull and it was DRT. I’m now 63 and and my A bolt is the only rifle I hunt with! Partitions in 180 gr. are the only bullets I use , awesome combo!!👍
Same here. I started with a 30-30 when I was a kid but as soon as started buying my own rifles I went magnum crazy. I have gotten rid of all except a Model 70 Winchester in 7mm Rem Mag that I restored myself. I'm now almost 53 and love hunting with rifles that don't recoil as much. In fact I often just reach for that same old Marlin 30-30 that I started with. I've never lost a deer with it.
Im blessed to own a ranch in New Mexico with Elk Mule deer and prong horn, thought that I needed s mag rifle, bought a 300 Remington alt mag and 7mm. My father gave me 1903 sporterised. 30-06 when I was around 15, we had a family friend that did gun work he glass bed for me put Timothy trigger altered the bolt changed out the safety lever drilled and tapped for scoop. Few years back I took it out of safe jumped on the side by side glassed a bull elk withe sum. Cows ranged 164 yard made dope changed pressed the trigger. Followed through back the soup the bull was down, I used for mule deer whit tail brown bear prong horn. The 30-06 is my go to rifle.
I’ve got a 1950 model 70 .30-06 with a Paul jaeger mount, much bigger gun physically than my other rifles but very comfortable. Love my 06s, looking to add to the collection
I’d have to go check but the last time I looked the Alaskan Fish & Game department had on their FAQ page about what was the best cartridge to bring up there. The 30-06 topped the list, for *ALL* game. They ultimately said bring what you are used to, because a shot from a smaller cartridge that is perfectly placed is 1,000x better than a brand new mega magnum that has so much recoil the shot misses entirely or just wounds the critter. The old adage of Use Enough Gun is great, but there’s also such a thing as too much for what you are personally capable of doing, and better quality bullets make up for a lot in caliber diameter.
Or you could practice more and be able to handle the bigger magnums just as well which are much better for the big stuff but works on the smaller stuff too.
When me and my reloading buddy talk rifle cartridges we always compare them to the 30-06 as the baseline. Very few cartridges can truly compare, it is the sweet spot for power, flexibility, recoil and barrel life. It has no equal for someone who owns only 1 rifle.
I have 4 rifles in .30-06. Two are the M-1917 rifles and one is a Weatherby and one is the legendary M-1 Garand. My go to caliber is the .30-06 amongst the other calibers I can hunt with and own. I never had a deer run when I shot it with the .30-06 and the 165 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip.
My favorite caliber. Been having mine for over 45 years in a winchester mod. 70. Worked up loads by the book got under 1 moa at a hundred yards with 150 ballistic tips. Here in the south have never shot a deer over 100 yards. Because it has been around and too many old guns still around I have always wondered what it could do with modern loads and ELR bullets? Unfortunately time and wear have taken its toll on the barrel. I am sure anyone else would rebarrel it but too many fond memories. It still shoots pretty good and feels like it was made for me. Hope who ever I leave it to appreciates it as much as I have.
My first hunting rifle purchase (30 years ago now) was a Winchester Model 70 in 30-06 with the B.O.S.S on it. It shot .5-.75 MOA from the first time I shot it...and has for all these years. Have only shot 150gr bullets on deer and hogs so far, but plan on going on an elk hunt next year, so I will be working up a 165gr load for that. I'm sure it will shoot great as well. I have plenty of other rifles now, but this 30-06 will always be my baby!
Sweet rifle the M-700, plus the 30/06 is a great round and a very efficient killer. My 30/06 is a Bergara B-14 Hunter. It's a great combination, very accurate and plenty of power.
I just got a WINCHESTER XPR for a Christmas 🎄 present 🎁. Never got to Kill anything with it. But it is a very Accurate and Very Reasonable recoil for an '06.
Love hearing his hunting experiences! Grew up in Mo in the 60's and 70's and the predominant cartridge my uncle used teaching me to hunt was a 30-06 in a pre 64 M70 or a 742. It never failed. FF 50 years and my R700 30-06 (albeit in a McMillan w/ a Timney) has killed everything I've connected on, and nothing has gone more than 20 yds. Taking it to Wyoming for elk and as several below mentioned, with a good 165gr it's boringly accurate.
The 06 has served me and my family larder quite well over the last 41 years. In the beginning of my hunting "career" it was 150 Grain Core-Lokts for Muley and below and 180 for Elk. All 700ADL's and one Garand.
I took a 30.06 to South Africa twice. It was more than adequate for eland, water bucks, gemsbok, kudus, zebras, wildebeest, warthogs, impalas, jackals, etc. The largest was the eland with a frontal shot at 90 meters and it dropped him right there. Quality ammunition and shot placement was the key.
View from the UK here. I have two '06 rifles; a Winchester 1895 and a Sako 75. The former was used in Poland for driven boar in 2003 using 180gn Federal factory - 2 pigs for 3 rounds. Still use it to raise hell on the range occasionally. The latter is my main hunting rifle and as part of a 3 man team, we take 70 - 80 beasts a year. Point and squeeze technology on stags and bucks, using a homeloaded 165 Interbond @ 2911 or a 180 Prohunter @ 2700. Viht N550 and RS60 respectively - load data not disclosed, as your rifle may differ. We have to move over to non-toxic by July and so far, have harvested a stag and doe with a 152 Lehigh Controlled Chaos at 2930 over Big Game. Balls-on accurate and so far, dropped the stag cleanly, whilst the doe ran a bit. Smaller frame animal and energy transfer is definitely different with mono-metal projectiles, I have discovered. Jury still out... I have also shot 2 cow elk (moose) with the 180's - one ran 50 yards, the other laid down and stayed there. After > 30 years' experience of harvesting countless game animals, which also included a 6.5 x 55 (fantastic btw), my old '06 has only failed me once. On reflection, it was probably operator error on a frontal quartering shot. Searched for 2 days with dogs, but lost the stag and still feel bad about it. In summary, if you can stalk and shoot properly, there is nothing on this planet with a fur coat that will resist a well-placed .308 or better still, a .358 bullet, launched by that long-assed (2.484") case over a healthy dose of quality medium burn rate powder and primer. This combination will always get the job done without beating the hell out of the shooter = more range time = better shot placement = ethical hunting. Respect from these shores to yours🇺🇸🇬🇧🇨🇦
Great video! I am also a 30-06 guy. My favorite load is with IMR 4064 and a Barnes 168gr ttsx bullet. I get that puppy moving at 2980. She has never failed my yet: one bull elk and countless whitetail have been put in the freezer with her.
Josh Morales I run IMR 4064 as well but I use the 165gr Sierra Gameking BTSP very clean and accurate in all 6 of my .06s and hits like a sledgehammer all the deer bear and Elk I've taken couldn't tell the difference between the .06 and a .338 Win Mag they were all just as dead.
Proud owner of a Belgium Browning 30-06. "M7" model which my father bought new after he got back from Nam in 68'. My first deer hunting shots / loads (and, of course target before that) were the .257 and my very first deer = 22.250.. Really nice breach loading pairs. However, the second my father put his 30-06 in my hands as a teenager... I've rarely shot any game animals such as whitetail or above with any other gun. And, I've fired pretty much every caliber over the years. 30-06 isn't the most powerful.. But, it sure does feel the best to shoot / hunt to me.
Great video. I agree the 30-06 is a boring cal. But it gets the job done. I have a Remington 700 XCR2 in 30-06. I have taken elk, mule deer, antelope, black bear, white tailed deer with it. You can’t go wrong with a 30-06.
I still own the same Remington 700 ADL in .30-06 that I purchased in 1987 as my first centerfire rifle. It has taken over 50 Kentucky whitetails (we have a very generous season limit). I originally shot 180 grain Remington Core-Lokts in it, which worked fine. For the last 15 years or so, I have shot Barnes 150 gr. TTSX. I have yet to recover a Barnes projectile from a deer. I would not hesitate to use this load for elk. Thanks for the great content.
This guy is always great. I love my 30-06, it drops deer exactly where they stand. I switch around on what gun I want to bring but I always know the 30-06 is a for sure kill if I bring it.
Worked up a ladder test with h4350 in a Win model 70 30-06 with a 24" inch barrel with 165 hornady interlock. Found a nice flat spot with 58 grains producing 2912 fps, 58.2 was 2911, 59.4 was 2915. Going to load 58.2 for groups.
Same bullet, same barrel length, different rifle but im loading superformance powder at exactly hornadys book max and getting 2975 fps. I would have tried 4350 as well but I have to save that for my creedmoor. Getting very hard to come by these days. I've got best velocities with superformance with both 165 and 180gr bullets. Imr 4064 seems to give best velocity with best accuracy with 150s. The old 06 is so versatile and easy easy load for, it's a shame it gets such a bad rap as a grandpa round.
In my old sierra manual I wrote in an over max load for Alaskan size Alberta (Kakawa) moose, 400yards I hit mine across a slash, 450 yards my brothers shot one With the same load. They both dropped in the spot, both of us would have rather stocked in but it was do or don't. Caution ahead, 55 grs. is a safe start in most arms, 61 grs. 4350, 200gr sierra bt spitzers, I believe. 180, 165 gr bt hollow point match, 150 spitzers were all used with 4831 and 4350 with excellent success. Not to boring if you do the math and shoot the bullets at max point blank. of 270-325 for the ol' aught six or my 25-06. Sunny Alberta say's Hi and shoot straight bro. That's cowboy for don't lie. Hahahaha.
My 360 pound black bear wasn't unimpressed when I put a 30-06 round through his skull. The only boring part was only needing one round down the barrel.
I Love the 30-06 caliber and have been using one for the last 40+ years. Everything I point a 30-06 at goes down, without any fuss. When I only had one centerfire rifle for many years, I used squib loads witn my 06 and shot small game with it. It is a very versatile cartridge and is very accurate. I have a Cooper model 52 that shoots 1/2 in groups with hunting loads. Great cartridge that will still be around for many years.
You can't go wrong with a .30-06 Springfield; you just need the optimum bullet weight/design and good shot placement to take any North American big game. True, a .300 WIN magnum or .338 WIN magnum might give one more confidence in dropping large game, but the .30-06 Springfield can get the job done in most circumstances.
I've shot many elk and have seen more than that shot. I have every confidence my 06 will harvest my elk at any ethical range from just about any angle.
The 30-06 is a legend. Have taken zebra watetbuck kudu and various other african plains game with it. A 165 gr Hornady interbond at 2800fps zeroed at 200, shoots flat out to 350 yds and it more than you need👌
I agree with you about bullet jackets coming off. I use Hornady SST's in my 30-06 and occasionally I will find one in a deer, but the core went through and the deer didn't know the difference. My loads are IMR4064 or H4895
Took my first deer with a pre 64 model 70. Many since then. Just purchased a new rem 700 stainless adl in 30-06 and plan to keep filling my freezer with it
* Browning X-Bolt Stalker Long Range 30-06 *Hornady Superformance SST 150grn 3,088 FPS - .82" group at 200 yards At these comparable 7mm magnum velocities this thing hits like a sledge hammer. Just dropped a 300 pound chocolate colored black bear at 370 yards here in Washington State. I've shot coyote, black bear, whitetail, mule deer, elk, and even the heads of grouse with a 30-06 for 27 years now. It works for me constantly out to 450 yards.
Great video 👍 I’m getting up there in age now 70+ so I’m passing along a lot of my firearms. I’ve been an “ Acquirer” of firearms and not a collector. All of my rifles are used for hunting. I never realized how I had this affinity for the “aught six”. I’ve gifted to family members five rifles, 4 Win Pre-64 70’s (3 ea.aught sixes ,1 ea. 270) and a Savage M99 308. I still have in the gun cabinet, 4 aught sixes left😳. I’ll probably only keep two rifles, 1955 Win 70 Fwt. With two stocks, original wood, and a McMillan carbon hunting stock with a nice pad. That shoots Hornady 150 (SP InterLock) American Whitetail. This factory ammo shoots in this rifle better than I can shoot. I’ve done 1 1/2 MOA, my Nephew consistently shoots clover leafes🍀 1/2 MOA., and a 1937 Savage M99 T in 300 Savage. I mostly hunt close to the Cabin now with all shots less than 75 yards in the woods. That will do 2” with a peep sight. I have Ruger MKII in Aught Six that I took my largest Whitetail with,(165 grn Federal) 235 lbs ,270 yards, one shot, broke both shoulders dropped light it was hit by lightning. Again 1” MOA with Factory ammo. In all the years (50+) of hunting for deer I’ve never had to take a second shot with aught six. It really is the best cartridge of all time for the single rifle hunter. It truly is amazing how versatile and consistent it really is. My two cents 👍
I own my CZ 557 30-06 here in the old country (czech republic) and I absolutely love it. I use accubonds 180 gr for longer distances and 220 gr hammer for hogs at feeders - such of versatility is strongly appreciated from my side.
So I just got into hunting but me and a few buddies plan on going on an elk hunt. I’m from Louisiana so I’m looking for a cartridge that isn’t overkill for whitetail but can put an elk done. I’m thinking about going with 30 06
Thanks Gavin and Guy for doing this video on the 30-06. This fall I'll be shooting my own hand loads in my customized vanguard S2 30-06 . Was lucky enough to get a bull elk and mule deer buck draw for Alberta + white tail general tag . My load is 61.8gr of superformance powder, lupa brass, fed match gm primers, hornady 165gr sst bullets. Velocities are constant in the high 2980s to low 2990s ,and very accurate. To say I'm stoked would be putting it mildly.
Started out hunting at 13 with a with a rem 700 adl chambered in 30-06 using 150g spitzer bullets, got the job done very well, in 09 I purchased a 700 heavy barrel long range varmiter in 30-06 and retired the 700 adl, as I get older the recoil from the lighter rifle is tough on the shoulder. My bullet of choice is now 168g sierra tipped game changer around 2760 fps and so far out to 410 yards I dropped a 300 lb boar after three steps from impact point. Coyotes to predator cats, feral hogs to white tail, that is my go to round of choice, hasn't let me down yet.
Just like opinions, everyone has one and everyone has a favorite caliber. Ammo companies love it. Charge more for those special ones. I’ve hunted over 40 years with the same 30-06, 30-30 and 270. I’ve used the proven core-lok in each separate caliber. I did step up to leverevlution for the 30-30. I’m enjoying my few rounds I use each year to fill my tags. I’ve got ammo for the next 20 or more years I’m on this earth. To each, there own🙂
Hi from New Zealand , I use a howa in 3006 with a dpt suppressor on it . I use h4350 ,56.1 grns behind 180 grn hot cor Speer projectiles and have found it excellent on tahr, red deer , chamois and whitetail . It’s a perfect boring cartridge that keeps my freezer full
Hi Guys ..... i am in Australia and hunt with a bow and a Mauser M18 30-06 , also a Howa 1500 243 , the 30-06 is my hunting Rifle for Deer its spot on Target , the 243 yet to take hunting , i reload my own Ammo with a 180 g and works well , love the videos , keep them coming
I have taken two mule deer bucks and a New Mexico broken horn Oryx with a 30-06. It is my go to cartridge, there’s something to be said about a rifle I can take the the range and for fun shoot all day. Half the fun of reloading is emptying the brass afterwards.
Few years ago I was running the 150gr interlock at around 3020fps out of my old model 70. Shot a blacktail buck in the timber at about 40 yards. His lungs were liquified and the off side shoulder was destroyed. The bullet had exited in 3-4 pieces. 30-06 works.
Yup. I've got two at the moment, a Mauser action '06 and a 1973 Remington Model 700. Soon will have my grandmother's old Winchester Model 70. Only wish I knew where my grandpa's old Mauser actioned carbine in 30-06 that he carried in the Aleutian islands during WWII chasing Japanese was. He killed a few moose, caribou, seals, and walrus with that old war horse. Such a good caliber. I have lots of other calibers but I always look at the '06 when I am deciding what to bring out for the next hunt. Can't go wrong with it on any hunt up here in Alaska.
My father gave me a REM 700, left-handed 30-06 in 72,when I was 14. I’ve gone through several favorite loads over the years and have yet to find a load it didn’t like (except for those ridiculous sabot loads). I’ve changed the stock, glass bedded and pillars and put a Timney trigger in. Last kill was an Oryx with a 165gr Speer Deep Curl, dropped right there. It only gets boring if you do.
I do know the area up where you where hunting somewhere north of Wenatchee and hunt with many calibers and I love the 30-06 a wide range of bullet weights to cover any need edit.... but I also have several magnums I love also but they come and go the 06 will never leave
Hi guys, in my preference I like small caliber for close distance. I grew up hunting for meat, so head or neck shoot are 90 to 95 % of my shots. My first gun was a 22 mag on big pigeons, chicken, pig and rusa deer, all of them wild. What I am saying is I prefer small caliber for the challenge but I still love big cal, when I get enough money I will get a couple 30 cal for long range. 30.06 is the best middle between 308win and 300win mag. So not boring more budget middle ( the one cal for everything)😁
I thing Guy needs to take me hunting.. Oh icab throw in a real nice Northwest lower Michigan( just north of Traverse city) deer hunt with some great bucks in that area. oh 30-06 awesomeness!!
Ed Shilen reworked a Rem 700/ 30-06 to Remington 40X rangemaster specs for Me in the 1980s . It has been My main hunting rifle since and will still shoot 1/2 moa to this very day . ( NOT BORING ) .
What a beauty of a Muley! I am curious at that close of distance why not shoot through the front of the neck/spine? I don’t like neck shots but did one last year at between 300-400 yards, didn’t have a range finder along but will range it soon! My biggest buck yet 4 x5 (would have been 6 but that point was broken off)
New monolithic long ramge bullets have given this classic cartridge a serious face-lift! look at these terminal ballistics with the nosler Accubond long range 210 grain bullet G1 Bc of .661and 2575fps 600 yd energy =1587 ft lbs. Also the standard 200 grain accubomd G1 bc of .588 mv of 2650fps 600 yd energy =1478 ft lbs that's 300 mag territory
I was in college in 1971 and bought a pre-war Winchester standard grade Model 70 in 30-06 for $150 at the local gun store. It was in VG-Exc condition. I had it wrapped up in brown paper, strapped it to my bicycle and carried it back to my apartment. I had a NOS G&H side mount installed on pre-existing holes on the receiver and mounted a Weaver 2-7 Wideview scope. It had a worn out recoil pad that I had replaced with a new Pachmayr pad. I ended up in Kalifornia and in 1995 I took a doe at ~70 yards with it using a 165 gr Barnes all copper bullet with 57 gr of IMR4350 behind it. It dropped, but got up and took off. I managed to track it 30 yards down slope. Luckily it expired only 6 feet from the access road. It was the first rifle that I bought and I hope one of my sons will keep it when I pass.
Great video and I love my 30’06!! Still shooting an old Winchester Manlicher sticker Model 70 which shoots factory and hand loads as well! Always used 55 grs of IMR 4350 and 165 gr Nosler Partitions.
I have 2 30-06 rifles that I inherited from my grandpa. One is his old army war gun that he used and the other one is a Savage that he bought right before he passed away. I still haven't shot them. I love my Remington 7400 308 too much.
I have a 1955 Winchester M70 in 30-06 and it’s still racking and stacking! I primarily hunt elk and deer with it but I also live in grizzly country and know it’s going to do the job!
I asked a guide in Wyoming, who has hunted big game his whole life as a resident and has been a guide for over 40 years, what caliber he used and recommended. He said his favorite was 30-06 with the .270 as a close second. He’s killed more game than cancer kills.
In the early 80's, I bought a used Rem 700 BDL 30-06 that had hit every tree in the woods and had most of the bluing worn off the barrel. It had a TV type wide view Tasco on it, with raised see through mounts. I looked at the bolt face, barrel throat and the rifling, and though it was dark/dirty, the bore groves still looke deep. I did several cleanings and loaded up the then new 165 gr bullets, that my 300 WIN Mag didn't like. With 4350 it was good, but with H4350, it was Gold! I set it up for 325 yards as a backup bean field rifle (or buddie rifle) and it was so accurate! I loaned it out to a land owner friend of a friend and he killed a deer at 350 yards and just begged me to sell it to him (he liked to sit in electric power towers and shoot along a long power line). I sold it to him, in hopes of fostering future hunting grounds, but a heart attack took him and the rifle disappeared. You're absolutely right about your load combination though.
My family is from Oregon, we have hunted elk with reloaded 30.06, Hornady interlok bullets, Lyman reloading tools, for years. My dad reloaded his whole hunting groups 30.06 rounds. The guns were two Remington 700 BDLs and one Winchester 70 featherlight. They have taken so many elk with the 30.06 over 40-50 years.
I hunt with a 30/06 mostly white tail deer. Have you ever tried IMR 3031 powder. I shoot a 180gr Nosler Ballistic Tip with the 3031 powder and a Federal 9 1/2 primer. Nice tight groups out of my gun. Any thoughts?
Wore the barrel out on my '70s .30-06. So turned it into a 28Nosler with a Proof barrel (1n8) and PTG bolt. Blueprinted the action. Fun project. That .30-06 served me well.
The 30-06 is very effective and reliable. Constancy is not boring. I have hunted with a Remington 700 BDL, like his CDL, in .30-06 since 1987, 34 years. I use a plain Speer 180 Hot-core PSP. To date one antelope (360 yards), one black bear, one six point bull elk (150 yards) , over 20 black tail deer, 12 mule deer, and six cow elk. All one shot kills.
My grandfather's pre-WWI Springfield 30-06 has killed more deer & elk combined than the number of years it has been around with my grandfather & me behind its trigger.
I prefer my 6.5 creedmore however I also own a 30-06 and I know it will take anything in north America including Kodiak Bear. Now I don't plan on ever hunting Kodiak Bear but I like knowing I could if I wanted.
I’m new to the 30-06. Just got a Tika T3X super light. Put a Burris FullField IV 3-12x56 scope. Used some Norma 180g Bond Strike ammo to sight it in. I’ve got some other lighter loads to try out. Looking forward to using it to hunt with.
Awesome video! Although I'm a fan of the 300 Win Mag; the 30-06 would be my next choice for all-round variety of loads and hunting application(s). Gavin, this video is awesome because this is why I got into reloading. Making my own custom loads. Although, I am still waiting on my Brass-Smith® All-American 8™ Reloading Kit (ordered back on January 5th of 2021) to start working up my own custom hunting loads; this is why I wanted to get into reloading. These types of videos are awesome! Thank you for the content and information. Keep em' coming! I can't wait to get my press from Lyman hopefully in September. I'll be running factory ammo this fall but 2022 will be even better. Thanks Again!
I love thirty-ought-six I grew up in the 70s and 80s my dream gun was always a 30 odd 6 so when I got old enough I bought me one fantastic my first one was a Savage ba 110 I killed a whole lot of deers with it I sold it for more than I paid for it bought me a Winchester model 70 Ranger I own a lot of different caliber the guns in my Savage I shot heavier bullets my favorite was a 210 grain boat tail Sierra the ballistic coefficient C was quite hi on that bullet better than a 7 mm mag out to a thousand yards because several of the people I hunted with was 7 millimeter mag fans I loved hearing that guy's hunting story I like variety I think it's the spice of life I like my 243 my 308 270 short mag I have several others that have yet to prove themselves but the 30 ought 6 is still my favorite
First year hunter here and my longest shots on my property are max 100 yards most times closer than that. I have only hunted with 300 blackout but I am looking for something with longer range and more confidence for the 100 yards. Really think that 30-06 should be the rifle I get for a little more range. It will be great for anything at my property or a hunt elsewhere. Pretty excited about it.
My 30 06 is a rem 700 sps with aluminum pillers, glass bedded and free floated- 200 gr nosler P's, IMR4350 - ES 17 SD 8 avg. 2439 fps under 1in at 100meter...out to 300meters Moose don't seem to complain.
My first deer kill with my own handloads was with a 30-06 with speer 150 gr soft points when I was 14 years old. That gun is still a great gun, and I would be confident to take just about any game with that as long as I chose the right bullets for the job.
I’m in western Canada, so far 6 6 point elk(restricted to 6 point here),likely 20 or more deer and a couple moose. It’s far more then capable! I wish I could find some of those leupold 6x36s though.
They're sweet scopes. I've got three of the 6x36's and one 6x42 Leupold. All are great scopes. Also have a 6x SWFA. It's big & heavy, but also a good scope.
From South Africa I own a Sauer 90 30-06 and use it as my main hunting rifle. Have hunted Impala, Blesbuck, Nyala, Blue Wildebeest, Waterbuck, Kudu, Oryx and even Eland with my rifle. Furthest shot was on an Oryx at 306m with no problem. Use Hornady ELD-X 200g at 2,530fps
I just purchased a 30.06 and plan to use it this hunting season. .308 Win has been my go to for the last 50 years. Not much difference in ballistics until you go over 168 grain bullets.
Look at the pressure the 30-06 is relegated to. If you load for top velocity and pick the top load before you have pressure signs you are probably btw 60 and 65 ksi. For a handloaded the difference in 30-06 and 308 is significant.
I switched from a 300 savage that i was given when i was 11 to a 30-06 a few years ago since 300 savage ammo is near impossible to find and expensive. Im taken many deer with both guns but the 06 is my go to. 180 grain Hornady interlock loaded with Hodgdon Superform is my go to load. I dropped a doe at 475 yards in her tracks a few years ago.
Dude! I’m stoked that you chose to do 30-06! I love your channel & watch all of your content. I’m excited that you I chose 30-06 because I’m new and I happened to have chosen it last year for getting into hunting, I made the choice out of childhood familiarity with the name & knowing it had the power to drop elk & bear if I ever had the opportunity to do so. I’m about to get started reloading for it, I’m starting out with 110 grain Hornady Vmax bullets for vermin & low recoil practice ammo in my Ruger Hawkeye m77… any tips for a newbie?
Great! Make sure that you have a good loading manual for guidance, I love the idea of practicing on varmints with those light bullets. I did a fair bit of that when a 30-06 was the only rifle I had, usually with the 130 grain hollow point Speer. The lighter loads produce less recoil and are great for marksmanship practice too.
I've was lucky enough to have acquired about 8 high-powered rifles in various calibers from .22-250 up to .30-378, In most of them, I invested about $2k and up plus the time and money for load development and range fees. All of them will break 1/2 MOA or better at 100 yards. About two years ago I was in a local gun shop and I saw a slightly used (no handling marks) Weatherby Vanguard in .30-06. Looking for something to do, on the cheap. I bought it for about $300. I stuck a Timney trigger and an HS Precision stock on it (unbedded). Load development? Naw-it shot just about everything well and some loads easily rivaled the much more expensive guns I'm lucky enough to have. I'm now a huge fan of the .30-06. It's been a long time coming for me, but better late than never.
The fact that it can be hand loaded to near low end .300 Win mag levels is a positive. The cartridge just works and does its job well, so well you could call it boring.
Low end .300 levels? I disagree. I've had to kick a few 30-06 bolts open to eject the cases. Of course the primer fell out and got lost in the action and the brass was ruined.....lol (Please have some sympathy, I was an idiot teenager). Seriously, now with 50 years reloading experience, I safely get 3150 fps with 180 gr. Bullets in my .300 win mag.
@@kellywalker8407 300 win mag is pointless. Europeans have been killing moose with 7x57s and 6.5x55s for decades and laugh at americans because we need magnums to do the same. And not to mention why make a jump from a 270, 30-06, 308, ect just for a couple hundred fps more? Why make such a small jump? It's literally pointless. If you're going to make a real jump to 375 h&h? Not just a baby step?
@@kellywalker8407 I've shot 2 elk and a kudu. I use a 308 because its super light and I can put 15 miles on the rifle is the least of my worries. Question for you, what do you need a magnum for that literally anything else besides a 22 can't do? What are you trying to achieve? I could care less what europeans think. I just find it funny how the rest of the world dont use magnums much except for americans. Even in africa where the animals are bigger and tougher, they love 270s. And if they need bigger they jump right to 375 h&h. They don't mess around with weak magnums that only give you an extra 300fps. What's the point?
30-06 is the greatest all around cartridge. From mice to moose as it were. People forget that the 30-06 has gotten even better due to the innovations in Lead-Free solid metal rounds. I purchased a custom barrel for my 30-06 with faster twist rifling such as 1:9 for the longer copper solid bullets. There's no game my .30-06 won't take, I wouldn't bat an eye to take it into the African Plains. Now I would only take my .30-06 custom rifle into the African Plains, because I don't believe in taking too little power for killing large game animals. My custom rifle has a long barrel for extra velocity and it has a fast twist rate for the longer copper bullets. Copper bullets won't expand properly if they don't have enough FPS on impact. Longer barrels helps to achieve this expansion at longer distances. Everyone needs to be aware of the limitations of their rifle. And for the love of God, stop hunting large animals with 6.5 creedmoors.
I loaded my moms bf some 168 ttsx for a deer/elk load. So pumped for him to burn one through game animal. His rifle is 1940s 1903 springfield turned into a beautiful hunting rifle. I would use 6.5 creed gas gun for elk 100 and in using 156 norma oryx bonded soft point
@@tylarhaugan7908 I'm just not a fan of the lead rounds anymore, because I've had so many issues with them deforming or fragmenting and not properly penetrating through bone and into vitals. That's not to say that lead rounds won't get the job done, it most certainly does in most cases and has done the job for hundreds of years. Once I started using the copper rounds and various lead free solid metal rounds, I just couldn't go back to lead bullets. I've punched through shoulders and into vitals with copper rounds and various metal solid rounds, whereas lead bullets have vaporized on me during trajectory or have lost so much of their mass I wasn't able to punch though bone and into vitals. I just love those barnes bullets, and I've even fabricated some of my own lead free bullets on a lathe. I just can't couldn't be happier with bullet technology right now.
@@youcanthandlethetruth6976 I have also made the switch to all copper bullets. Barnes TTSX 168 are my favorite out of my 06. They pernitrate like a dart and its nice to not have to worry about eating lead for dinner. I know its a small amount if any lead that makes it into the meat but when you live off wild game for 30, 40, 50 years........ It adds up.
@@joshmorales903 yeah I got lead poisoning when I was younger, it's not fun. Those copper bullets are awesome, glad to hear other guys making the change too.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Absolutely, the 30/06 is totally boring for hunting, it just does the job with boring regularity. Easy to reload for and shoot.
My thoughts exactly!
Not to mention easily accessible
Yes to all.. from birds to moose :)
What Else are you supposed to do that’s all a gun does
If you are the standard by which everything else is measured, then your probably doing something right.
Hey, how’s “x” compare in recoil to the 30-06?
Hey, how’s “x” compare in velocity to the 30-06?
Hey, how’s “x” compare in availability W O R L D W I D E to the 30-06?
The list goes on and on. There are cartridges that do things better, that are faster, have more potential accuracy, recoil less, do …whatever…. But it comes down to how does it compare to the 30-06 and what compromises must you make?
I traded an old mini pontoon fishing boat for a Remington a sportsman 78 (700 action) in 1988. The guy thought the rifle was wore out. I tightened the loose scope mounts and stock screws and it shot 2 MOA with cheap ammo. The guy regretted getting rid of it. My hand loads hover just under a MOA. I’ve tagged about 25 deer with that rifle. It isn’t pretty, but very utilitarian. Puts in work without fuss.
Nice!
I'm 63 and have hunted for 51 years ,when I think about the number of days and hr. I've spent sitting on my camo bucket holding my old 06 brings a tear to my eye.
You and me both.
The old war horse the 30-06! Over 100 years old and still kicking ass. One of the all time greats!
Nothing wrong with a .30-06. Sure it's been around for awhile, but that does not make it boring...it's just well travelled.
Yes sir ! And you can buy your 150s at mid night at Wal- Mart also !!!! LOL
The fact it's been around so long also shows how good it is. There's a lot of others that came after it that around anymore.
I feel that way about the 30-40 Krag, but with a little less felt recoil.
My .30-06s and my .45-70 are my favorite rifles, the old cartridges are still here for a reason
I chuckled watching this as Guy is not a man of many words. I'm 50 years old and I've taken 2 of my 3 deer with my dads old BSA 30-06, yes the motorcycle manufacturer. One at 350 yards at a steep incline with a cheap old scope and the other at a close 40 yards with a dandy little used Bushnell Elite 3x9x40 I mounted on Dads rifle for just that hunt. Well 11 years later and the Bushnell is still on Dads gun, he liked it so much I never got it back. The gun just shoulders well for me and is my favorite rifle. It looks great too. Excellent content and presentation on your channel Gavin.
I think the 30-06 is one of the most versatile calibers and is easy to shoot and highly accurate. I have taken many deer and hog with this caliber and would recommend it as a good all-around caliber for the first option rifle for big game hunting for new hunters.
I’ve hunted with many different rifle rounds. It seems like when I get back to the 30-06 I always think to myself “Why don’t I only hunt with this load?” Great round, forgiving, effective. Nice rifles, Guy! Thanks for sharing.
I'm in northwest Oregon and my hunting rifle is a 30-06 that I handload Nosler 180gr Partitions for. Will do the job for anything I hunt. Very nicely I should add.
That combo is lethal on any big game in North America, and most of the world.
I bought a 300 Win Mag in my 20s however the recoil was a tad bit on the uncomfortable side so I sold it and purchased an A bolt in 3006 when I was 32. 5 bull elk, 10 Mule deer and a Moose. Longest shot was 390 yards on a bull and it was DRT. I’m now 63 and and my A bolt is the only rifle I hunt with! Partitions in 180 gr. are the only bullets I use , awesome combo!!👍
Wise man!
Fast cars, become reliable family cars and in the autumn of life you look back on the memories and hand over that trusted one
Same here. I started with a 30-30 when I was a kid but as soon as started buying my own rifles I went magnum crazy. I have gotten rid of all except a Model 70 Winchester in 7mm Rem Mag that I restored myself. I'm now almost 53 and love hunting with rifles that don't recoil as much. In fact I often just reach for that same old Marlin 30-30 that I started with. I've never lost a deer with it.
@@westtexan2263 You start to realize that you take most game within 100 yards and 30-30 or levers do just fine.
Im blessed to own a ranch in New Mexico with Elk Mule deer and prong horn, thought that I needed s mag rifle, bought a 300 Remington alt mag and 7mm. My father gave me 1903 sporterised. 30-06 when I was around 15, we had a family friend that did gun work he glass bed for me put Timothy trigger altered the bolt changed out the safety lever drilled and tapped for scoop. Few years back I took it out of safe jumped on the side by side glassed a bull elk withe sum. Cows ranged 164 yard made dope changed pressed the trigger. Followed through back the soup the bull was down, I used for mule deer whit tail brown bear prong horn. The 30-06 is my go to rifle.
I love the 30-06 with my Winchester model 70. Lots of nostalgia. Nothing this cartridge can’t take.
I’ve got a 1950 model 70 .30-06 with a Paul jaeger mount, much bigger gun physically than my other rifles but very comfortable. Love my 06s, looking to add to the collection
Same thing with my cow elk... 30-06 180 btsp bullets not an issue at all even used a boring powder like imr 4320.. i wanna say 44 grains
The 30 06 was always a great round for North American big game. Way before the modern magnums.
I’d have to go check but the last time I looked the Alaskan Fish & Game department had on their FAQ page about what was the best cartridge to bring up there. The 30-06 topped the list, for *ALL* game. They ultimately said bring what you are used to, because a shot from a smaller cartridge that is perfectly placed is 1,000x better than a brand new mega magnum that has so much recoil the shot misses entirely or just wounds the critter. The old adage of Use Enough Gun is great, but there’s also such a thing as too much for what you are personally capable of doing, and better quality bullets make up for a lot in caliber diameter.
Or you could practice more and be able to handle the bigger magnums just as well which are much better for the big stuff but works on the smaller stuff too.
@@jasonsimone3523 With modern bullet design there is no actual need for magnums. With a little practice you could hit the vital areas too..
Magnum calibers give you too much recoil.for high distance its hard to control.i prefer 30.6 or 6.5 crm.....
@@rezaahmad463 Agree
When me and my reloading buddy talk rifle cartridges we always compare them to the 30-06 as the baseline. Very few cartridges can truly compare, it is the sweet spot for power, flexibility, recoil and barrel life. It has no equal for someone who owns only 1 rifle.
Love my stock standard -06. Shoots great.
And what is wrong with the Creedmoor. Mine shoots dangerous gongs and paper all day long🤣
Not a bad choice at all for a one rifle cartridge! Pretty darn versatile.
Yes it does, 7x64 😃 cheers from the other side of the pond. By the way.. my first rifle was 30-06! I planed to buy 7x64.. but at the end I took 30-06.
Absolutely correct .
The second rifle that meets those requirements is the venerable 300 H&H magnum.perfect blend of those attributes as well
Absolutely 👍
I have 4 rifles in .30-06. Two are the M-1917 rifles and one is a Weatherby and one is the legendary M-1 Garand. My go to caliber is the .30-06 amongst the other calibers I can hunt with and own. I never had a deer run when I shot it with the .30-06 and the 165 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip.
Jealous of your 1917s! Those are sweet rifles.
My list is almost the same, but I have eight rifles chambered in 30-06.
Been hunting with my sporterized 1917 Enfield for 56 years. Many a pronghorn, deer, and elk with this rifle.
My favorite caliber. Been having mine for over 45 years in a winchester mod. 70. Worked up loads by the book got under 1 moa at a hundred yards with 150 ballistic tips. Here in the south have never shot a deer over 100 yards. Because it has been around and too many old guns still around I have always wondered what it could do with modern loads and ELR bullets? Unfortunately time and wear have taken its toll on the barrel. I am sure anyone else would rebarrel it but too many fond memories. It still shoots pretty good and feels like it was made for me. Hope who ever I leave it to appreciates it as much as I have.
I only use 2 caliber rifles for big game. I have my 308 sighted in with 150 grain for deer, and my 30-06 with 180 grain for bear and elk.
My first hunting rifle purchase (30 years ago now) was a Winchester Model 70 in 30-06 with the B.O.S.S on it. It shot .5-.75 MOA from the first time I shot it...and has for all these years. Have only shot 150gr bullets on deer and hogs so far, but plan on going on an elk hunt next year, so I will be working up a 165gr load for that. I'm sure it will shoot great as well. I have plenty of other rifles now, but this 30-06 will always be my baby!
Sweet rifle the M-700, plus the 30/06 is a great round and a very efficient killer. My 30/06 is a Bergara B-14 Hunter. It's a great combination, very accurate and plenty of power.
I just got a WINCHESTER XPR for a Christmas 🎄 present 🎁. Never got to Kill anything with it. But it is a very Accurate and Very Reasonable recoil for an '06.
Love hearing his hunting experiences! Grew up in Mo in the 60's and 70's and the predominant cartridge my uncle used teaching me to hunt was a 30-06 in a pre 64 M70 or a 742. It never failed. FF 50 years and my R700 30-06 (albeit in a McMillan w/ a Timney) has killed everything I've connected on, and nothing has gone more than 20 yds. Taking it to Wyoming for elk and as several below mentioned, with a good 165gr it's boringly accurate.
Thanks for the compliment, and best of luck on your Wyoming elk hunt!
The 06 has served me and my family larder quite well over the last 41 years. In the beginning of my hunting "career" it was 150 Grain Core-Lokts for Muley and below and 180 for Elk. All 700ADL's and one Garand.
I took a 30.06 to South Africa twice. It was more than adequate for eland, water bucks, gemsbok, kudus, zebras, wildebeest, warthogs, impalas, jackals, etc. The largest was the eland with a frontal shot at 90 meters and it dropped him right there. Quality ammunition and shot placement was the key.
Always!
View from the UK here. I have two '06 rifles; a Winchester 1895 and a Sako 75.
The former was used in Poland for driven boar in 2003 using 180gn Federal factory - 2 pigs for 3 rounds. Still use it to raise hell on the range occasionally. The latter is my main hunting rifle and as part of a 3 man team, we take 70 - 80 beasts a year. Point and squeeze technology on stags and bucks, using a homeloaded 165 Interbond @ 2911 or a 180 Prohunter @ 2700. Viht N550 and RS60 respectively - load data not disclosed, as your rifle may differ. We have to move over to non-toxic by July and so far, have harvested a stag and doe with a 152 Lehigh Controlled Chaos at 2930 over Big Game. Balls-on accurate and so far, dropped the stag cleanly, whilst the doe ran a bit. Smaller frame animal and energy transfer is definitely different with mono-metal projectiles, I have discovered. Jury still out...
I have also shot 2 cow elk (moose) with the 180's - one ran 50 yards, the other laid down and stayed there.
After > 30 years' experience of harvesting countless game animals, which also included a 6.5 x 55 (fantastic btw), my old '06 has only failed me once. On reflection, it was probably operator error on a frontal quartering shot. Searched for 2 days with dogs, but lost the stag and still feel bad about it. In summary, if you can stalk and shoot properly, there is nothing on this planet with a fur coat that will resist a well-placed .308 or better still, a .358 bullet, launched by that long-assed (2.484") case over a healthy dose of quality medium burn rate powder and primer. This combination will always get the job done without beating the hell out of the shooter = more range time = better shot placement = ethical hunting.
Respect from these shores to yours🇺🇸🇬🇧🇨🇦
Thank you for that. You have two very impressive 30-06 rifles!
Great video! I am also a 30-06 guy. My favorite load is with IMR 4064 and a Barnes 168gr ttsx bullet. I get that puppy moving at 2980. She has never failed my yet: one bull elk and countless whitetail have been put in the freezer with her.
Excellent!
Josh Morales I run IMR 4064 as well but I use the 165gr Sierra Gameking BTSP very clean and accurate in all 6 of my .06s and hits like a sledgehammer all the deer bear and Elk I've taken couldn't tell the difference between the .06 and a .338 Win Mag they were all just as dead.
Proud owner of a Belgium Browning 30-06. "M7" model which my father bought new after he got back from Nam in 68'. My first deer hunting shots / loads (and, of course target before that) were the .257 and my very first deer = 22.250.. Really nice breach loading pairs. However, the second my father put his 30-06 in my hands as a teenager... I've rarely shot any game animals such as whitetail or above with any other gun. And, I've fired pretty much every caliber over the years. 30-06 isn't the most powerful.. But, it sure does feel the best to shoot / hunt to me.
Great video. I agree the 30-06 is a boring cal. But it gets the job done. I have a Remington 700 XCR2 in 30-06. I have taken elk, mule deer, antelope, black bear, white tailed deer with it. You can’t go wrong with a 30-06.
I still own the same Remington 700 ADL in .30-06 that I purchased in 1987 as my first centerfire rifle. It has taken over 50 Kentucky whitetails (we have a very generous season limit). I originally shot 180 grain Remington Core-Lokts in it, which worked fine. For the last 15 years or so, I have shot Barnes 150 gr. TTSX. I have yet to recover a Barnes projectile from a deer. I would not hesitate to use this load for elk. Thanks for the great content.
This guy is always great. I love my 30-06, it drops deer exactly where they stand. I switch around on what gun I want to bring but I always know the 30-06 is a for sure kill if I bring it.
Worked up a ladder test with h4350 in a Win model 70 30-06 with a 24" inch barrel with 165 hornady interlock. Found a nice flat spot with 58 grains producing 2912 fps, 58.2 was 2911, 59.4 was 2915. Going to load 58.2 for groups.
Same bullet, same barrel length, different rifle but im loading superformance powder at exactly hornadys book max and getting 2975 fps. I would have tried 4350 as well but I have to save that for my creedmoor. Getting very hard to come by these days. I've got best velocities with superformance with both 165 and 180gr bullets. Imr 4064 seems to give best velocity with best accuracy with 150s. The old 06 is so versatile and easy easy load for, it's a shame it gets such a bad rap as a grandpa round.
In my old sierra manual I wrote in an over max load for Alaskan size Alberta (Kakawa) moose, 400yards I hit mine across a slash, 450 yards my brothers shot one With the same load. They both dropped in the spot, both of us would have rather stocked in but it was do or don't. Caution ahead, 55 grs. is a safe start in most arms, 61 grs. 4350, 200gr sierra bt spitzers, I believe. 180, 165 gr bt hollow point match, 150 spitzers were all used with 4831 and 4350 with excellent success. Not to boring if you do the math and shoot the bullets at max point blank. of 270-325 for the ol' aught six or my 25-06. Sunny Alberta say's Hi and shoot straight bro. That's cowboy for don't lie. Hahahaha.
My 360 pound black bear wasn't unimpressed when I put a 30-06 round through his skull. The only boring part was only needing one round down the barrel.
It was mind blowing
I Love the 30-06 caliber and have been using one for the last 40+ years. Everything I point a 30-06 at goes down, without any fuss. When I only had one centerfire rifle for many years, I used squib loads witn my 06 and shot small game with it. It is a very versatile cartridge and is very accurate. I have a Cooper model 52 that shoots 1/2 in groups with hunting loads. Great cartridge that will still be around for many years.
You can't go wrong with a .30-06 Springfield; you just need the optimum bullet weight/design and good shot placement to take any North American big game. True, a .300 WIN magnum or .338 WIN magnum might give one more confidence in dropping large game, but the .30-06 Springfield can get the job done in most circumstances.
That thing brings 4000 Joules to the table. Probably enough to drop an Elephant if you shoot right.
I've shot many elk and have seen more than that shot. I have every confidence my 06 will harvest my elk at any ethical range from just about any angle.
The 30-06 is a legend. Have taken zebra watetbuck kudu and various other african plains game with it. A 165 gr Hornady interbond at 2800fps zeroed at 200, shoots flat out to 350 yds and it more than you need👌
I agree with you about bullet jackets coming off. I use Hornady SST's in my 30-06 and occasionally I will find one in a deer, but the core went through and the deer didn't know the difference. My loads are IMR4064 or H4895
Same powder I use. 150gr.Hornady SST with 50gr of IMR4064. Works great for my deer hunts. I have taken many deer with that load from my Savage 30-06.
My hunting cartridge are .223, 30-06 and .300 win mag.
Glad Guy is back.... Thanks Gavin
Took my first deer with a pre 64 model 70. Many since then. Just purchased a new rem 700 stainless adl in 30-06 and plan to keep filling my freezer with it
* Browning X-Bolt Stalker Long Range 30-06
*Hornady Superformance SST 150grn
3,088 FPS - .82" group at 200 yards
At these comparable 7mm magnum velocities this thing hits like a sledge hammer. Just dropped a 300 pound chocolate colored black bear at 370 yards here in Washington State. I've shot coyote, black bear, whitetail, mule deer, elk, and even the heads of grouse with a 30-06 for 27 years now. It works for me constantly out to 450 yards.
Great video 👍
I’m getting up there in age now 70+ so I’m passing along a lot of my firearms. I’ve been an “ Acquirer” of firearms and not a collector. All of my rifles are used for hunting. I never realized how I had this affinity for the “aught six”. I’ve gifted to family members five rifles, 4 Win Pre-64 70’s (3 ea.aught sixes ,1 ea. 270) and a Savage M99 308. I still have in the gun cabinet, 4 aught sixes left😳. I’ll probably only keep two rifles, 1955 Win 70 Fwt. With two stocks, original wood, and a McMillan carbon hunting stock with a nice pad. That shoots Hornady 150 (SP InterLock) American Whitetail. This factory ammo shoots in this rifle better than I can shoot. I’ve done 1 1/2 MOA, my Nephew consistently shoots clover leafes🍀 1/2 MOA., and a 1937 Savage M99 T in 300 Savage. I mostly hunt close to the Cabin now with all shots less than 75 yards in the woods. That will do 2” with a peep sight.
I have Ruger MKII in Aught Six that I took my largest Whitetail with,(165 grn Federal) 235 lbs ,270 yards, one shot, broke both shoulders dropped light it was hit by lightning. Again 1” MOA with Factory ammo. In all the years (50+) of hunting for deer I’ve never had to take a second shot with aught six.
It really is the best cartridge of all time for the single rifle hunter. It truly is amazing how versatile and consistent it really is.
My two cents 👍
Excellent show, gentlemen. Thank you.
I own my CZ 557 30-06 here in the old country (czech republic) and I absolutely love it. I use accubonds 180 gr for longer distances and 220 gr hammer for hogs at feeders - such of versatility is strongly appreciated from my side.
The grand old 30-06 is a CLASSIC that is in no way, boring!
So I just got into hunting but me and a few buddies plan on going on an elk hunt. I’m from Louisiana so I’m looking for a cartridge that isn’t overkill for whitetail but can put an elk done. I’m thinking about going with 30 06
Thanks Gavin and Guy for doing this video on the 30-06. This fall I'll be shooting my own hand loads in my customized vanguard S2 30-06 . Was lucky enough to get a bull elk and mule deer buck draw for Alberta + white tail general tag . My load is 61.8gr of superformance powder, lupa brass, fed match gm primers, hornady 165gr sst bullets. Velocities are constant in the high 2980s to low 2990s ,and very accurate. To say I'm stoked would be putting it mildly.
That should work out splendidly!
Started out hunting at 13 with a with a rem 700 adl chambered in 30-06 using 150g spitzer bullets, got the job done very well, in 09 I purchased a 700 heavy barrel long range varmiter in 30-06 and retired the 700 adl, as I get older the recoil from the lighter rifle is tough on the shoulder. My bullet of choice is now 168g sierra tipped game changer around 2760 fps and so far out to 410 yards I dropped a 300 lb boar after three steps from impact point. Coyotes to predator cats, feral hogs to white tail, that is my go to round of choice, hasn't let me down yet.
Just like opinions, everyone has one and everyone has a favorite caliber. Ammo companies love it. Charge more for those special ones. I’ve hunted over 40 years with the same 30-06, 30-30 and 270. I’ve used the proven core-lok in each separate caliber. I did step up to leverevlution for the 30-30. I’m enjoying my few rounds I use each year to fill my tags. I’ve got ammo for the next 20 or more years I’m on this earth. To each, there own🙂
Hi from New Zealand , I use a howa in 3006 with a dpt suppressor on it . I use h4350 ,56.1 grns behind 180 grn hot cor Speer projectiles and have found it excellent on tahr, red deer , chamois and whitetail . It’s a perfect boring cartridge that keeps my freezer full
Hi Guys ..... i am in Australia and hunt with a bow and a Mauser M18 30-06 , also a Howa 1500 243 , the 30-06 is my hunting Rifle for Deer its spot on Target , the 243 yet to take hunting , i reload my own Ammo with a 180 g and works well , love the videos , keep them coming
Great video, love the .30-06
I have never found a bullet remaining inside the body of any elk I have ever harvested with my 30-06 at any range.
I have taken two mule deer bucks and a New Mexico broken horn Oryx with a 30-06. It is my go to cartridge, there’s something to be said about a rifle I can take the the range and for fun shoot all day. Half the fun of reloading is emptying the brass afterwards.
Congratulations on the bucks and particularly on the Oryx!
Find so many awesome rifles ,most people looking for new cal. But found 03 Springfield and pre 64 m70 in 06
Few years ago I was running the 150gr interlock at around 3020fps out of my old model 70. Shot a blacktail buck in the timber at about 40 yards. His lungs were liquified and the off side shoulder was destroyed. The bullet had exited in 3-4 pieces. 30-06 works.
Yup. I've got two at the moment, a Mauser action '06 and a 1973 Remington Model 700. Soon will have my grandmother's old Winchester Model 70. Only wish I knew where my grandpa's old Mauser actioned carbine in 30-06 that he carried in the Aleutian islands during WWII chasing Japanese was. He killed a few moose, caribou, seals, and walrus with that old war horse. Such a good caliber. I have lots of other calibers but I always look at the '06 when I am deciding what to bring out for the next hunt. Can't go wrong with it on any hunt up here in Alaska.
4 Black Bears and 2 Moose with my 30-06 and id feel comfortable taking a bison with 180 gr Core Lokt
My father gave me a REM 700, left-handed 30-06 in 72,when I was 14. I’ve gone through several favorite loads over the years and have yet to find a load it didn’t like (except for those ridiculous sabot loads). I’ve changed the stock, glass bedded and pillars and put a Timney trigger in. Last kill was an Oryx with a 165gr Speer Deep Curl, dropped right there.
It only gets boring if you do.
I do know the area up where you where hunting somewhere north of Wenatchee and hunt with many calibers and I love the 30-06 a wide range of bullet weights to cover any need
edit.... but I also have several magnums I love also but they come and go the 06 will never leave
Hi guys, in my preference I like small caliber for close distance. I grew up hunting for meat, so head or neck shoot are 90 to 95 % of my shots. My first gun was a 22 mag on big pigeons, chicken, pig and rusa deer, all of them wild.
What I am saying is I prefer small caliber for the challenge but I still love big cal, when I get enough money I will get a couple 30 cal for long range.
30.06 is the best middle between 308win and 300win mag. So not boring more budget middle ( the one cal for everything)😁
I went with the 300wm for my first Antelope hunting to mule deer and
big Rocky mountain ELK and a 22wm
for everything else like terky 🦃
Mr. Miner can tell a story, for sure!
I thing Guy needs to take me hunting.. Oh icab throw in a real nice Northwest lower Michigan( just north of Traverse city) deer hunt with some great bucks in that area. oh 30-06 awesomeness!!
Ed Shilen reworked a Rem 700/ 30-06 to Remington 40X rangemaster specs for Me in the 1980s . It has been My main hunting rifle since and will still shoot 1/2 moa to this very day . ( NOT BORING ) .
What a beauty of a Muley!
I am curious at that close of distance why not shoot through the front of the neck/spine?
I don’t like neck shots but did one last year at between 300-400 yards, didn’t have a range finder along but will range it soon! My biggest buck yet 4 x5 (would have been 6 but that point was broken off)
That would probably have worked real well. Choices...
New monolithic long ramge bullets have given this classic cartridge a serious face-lift! look at these terminal ballistics with the nosler
Accubond long range 210 grain bullet G1 Bc of .661and 2575fps
600 yd energy =1587 ft lbs.
Also the standard 200 grain accubomd G1 bc of .588 mv of 2650fps
600 yd energy =1478 ft lbs
that's 300 mag territory
I was in college in 1971 and bought a pre-war Winchester standard grade Model 70 in 30-06 for $150 at the local gun store. It was in VG-Exc condition. I had it wrapped up in brown paper, strapped it to my bicycle and carried it back to my apartment. I had a NOS G&H side mount installed on pre-existing holes on the receiver and mounted a Weaver 2-7 Wideview scope. It had a worn out recoil pad that I had replaced with a new Pachmayr pad. I ended up in Kalifornia and in 1995 I took a doe at ~70 yards with it using a 165 gr Barnes all copper bullet with 57 gr of IMR4350 behind it. It dropped, but got up and took off. I managed to track it 30 yards down slope. Luckily it expired only 6 feet from the access road. It was the first rifle that I bought and I hope one of my sons will keep it when I pass.
Great video and I love my 30’06!! Still shooting an old Winchester Manlicher sticker Model 70 which shoots factory and hand loads as well! Always used 55 grs of IMR 4350 and 165 gr Nosler Partitions.
I have 2 30-06 rifles that I inherited from my grandpa. One is his old army war gun that he used and the other one is a Savage that he bought right before he passed away. I still haven't shot them. I love my Remington 7400 308 too much.
I have a 1955 Winchester M70 in 30-06 and it’s still racking and stacking! I primarily hunt elk and deer with it but I also live in grizzly country and know it’s going to do the job!
I asked a guide in Wyoming, who has hunted big game his whole life as a resident and has been a guide for over 40 years, what caliber he used and recommended. He said his favorite was 30-06 with the .270 as a close second. He’s killed more game than cancer kills.
Had good success with IMR 3031 powder in the 30'06, in two different guns 700 and 742... Hello Guy and Gavin!
Nice! Good to hear from you Wade :)
Boringly effective is still effective. If a 30-06 doesn’t shoot a 165 with 4350, it is broken and should be gotten rid of
Just put a new barrel on it and you'll be good for another 6000 rounds!
In the early 80's, I bought a used Rem 700 BDL 30-06 that had hit every tree in the woods and had most of the bluing worn off the barrel. It had a TV type wide view Tasco on it, with raised see through mounts. I looked at the bolt face, barrel throat and the rifling, and though it was dark/dirty, the bore groves still looke deep. I did several cleanings and loaded up the then new 165 gr bullets, that my 300 WIN Mag didn't like. With 4350 it was good, but with H4350, it was Gold! I set it up for 325 yards as a backup bean field rifle (or buddie rifle) and it was so accurate! I loaned it out to a land owner friend of a friend and he killed a deer at 350 yards and just begged me to sell it to him (he liked to sit in electric power towers and shoot along a long power line). I sold it to him, in hopes of fostering future hunting grounds, but a heart attack took him and the rifle disappeared. You're absolutely right about your load combination though.
Well, I've used 150''s and 165's, and from my experience with them, I will happily stay with my 180's.
@@johnshields9110 can’t complain about 180s either. They shout just as well and hit hard
@@fedup3582 can’t complain about 180s either. They shout just as well and hit hard
My family is from Oregon, we have hunted elk with reloaded 30.06, Hornady interlok bullets, Lyman reloading tools, for years. My dad reloaded his whole hunting groups 30.06 rounds. The guns were two Remington 700 BDLs and one Winchester 70 featherlight. They have taken so many elk with the 30.06 over 40-50 years.
I hunt with a 30/06 mostly white tail deer. Have you ever tried IMR 3031 powder. I shoot a 180gr Nosler Ballistic Tip with the 3031 powder and a Federal 9 1/2 primer. Nice tight groups out of my gun. Any thoughts?
Wore the barrel out on my '70s .30-06. So turned it into a 28Nosler with a Proof barrel (1n8) and PTG bolt. Blueprinted the action. Fun project.
That .30-06 served me well.
The 30-06 is very effective and reliable. Constancy is not boring. I have hunted with a Remington 700 BDL, like his CDL, in .30-06 since 1987, 34 years. I use a plain Speer 180 Hot-core PSP. To date one antelope (360 yards), one black bear, one six point bull elk (150 yards) , over 20 black tail deer, 12 mule deer, and six cow elk. All one shot kills.
My grandfather's pre-WWI Springfield 30-06 has killed more deer & elk combined than the number of years it has been around with my grandfather & me behind its trigger.
The 30/30 taking more deer is a MYTH. 06 has probably taken more deer than any.
I prefer my 6.5 creedmore however I also own a 30-06 and I know it will take anything in north America including Kodiak Bear. Now I don't plan on ever hunting Kodiak Bear but I like knowing I could if I wanted.
I’m new to the 30-06. Just got a Tika T3X super light. Put a Burris FullField IV 3-12x56 scope. Used some Norma 180g Bond Strike ammo to sight it in. I’ve got some other lighter loads to try out. Looking forward to using it to hunt with.
Awesome video! Although I'm a fan of the 300 Win Mag; the 30-06 would be my next choice for all-round variety of loads and hunting application(s). Gavin, this video is awesome because this is why I got into reloading. Making my own custom loads. Although, I am still waiting on my Brass-Smith® All-American 8™ Reloading Kit (ordered back on January 5th of 2021) to start working up my own custom hunting loads; this is why I wanted to get into reloading. These types of videos are awesome! Thank you for the content and information. Keep em' coming! I can't wait to get my press from Lyman hopefully in September. I'll be running factory ammo this fall but 2022 will be even better. Thanks Again!
I love thirty-ought-six I grew up in the 70s and 80s my dream gun was always a 30 odd 6 so when I got old enough I bought me one fantastic my first one was a Savage ba 110 I killed a whole lot of deers with it I sold it for more than I paid for it bought me a Winchester model 70 Ranger I own a lot of different caliber the guns in my Savage I shot heavier bullets my favorite was a 210 grain boat tail Sierra the ballistic coefficient C was quite hi on that bullet better than a 7 mm mag out to a thousand yards because several of the people I hunted with was 7 millimeter mag fans I loved hearing that guy's hunting story I like variety I think it's the spice of life I like my 243 my 308 270 short mag I have several others that have yet to prove themselves but the 30 ought 6 is still my favorite
First year hunter here and my longest shots on my property are max 100 yards most times closer than that. I have only hunted with 300 blackout but I am looking for something with longer range and more confidence for the 100 yards. Really think that 30-06 should be the rifle I get for a little more range. It will be great for anything at my property or a hunt elsewhere. Pretty excited about it.
My 30 06 is a rem 700 sps with aluminum pillers, glass bedded and free floated- 200 gr nosler P's, IMR4350 - ES 17 SD 8 avg. 2439 fps under 1in at 100meter...out to 300meters Moose don't seem to complain.
My first deer kill with my own handloads was with a 30-06 with speer 150 gr soft points when I was 14 years old. That gun is still a great gun, and I would be confident to take just about any game with that as long as I chose the right bullets for the job.
I get it. My dad's family was all 30/06. And he bumped the system and bought a .270 I'm in the .270 camp
I’m in western Canada, so far 6 6 point elk(restricted to 6 point here),likely 20 or more deer and a couple moose. It’s far more then capable! I wish I could find some of those leupold 6x36s though.
They're sweet scopes. I've got three of the 6x36's and one 6x42 Leupold. All are great scopes. Also have a 6x SWFA. It's big & heavy, but also a good scope.
Love my 30/06! 165gr Partitions and Varget. Lot's of boring, successful hunts.
From South Africa
I own a Sauer 90 30-06 and use it as my main hunting rifle. Have hunted Impala, Blesbuck, Nyala, Blue Wildebeest, Waterbuck, Kudu, Oryx and even Eland with my rifle.
Furthest shot was on an Oryx at 306m with no problem. Use Hornady ELD-X 200g at 2,530fps
Inside 350 meters, there's not a lot that an accurate rifle chambered in. 30-'06 can't do.
Guy upgraded the suspenders, I see... what a BOSS!
Ha! I did. Red white and blue suspenders, made in America! :)
I just purchased a 30.06 and plan to use it this hunting season. .308 Win has been my go to for the last 50 years. Not much difference in ballistics until you go over 168 grain bullets.
Look at the pressure the 30-06 is relegated to. If you load for top velocity and pick the top load before you have pressure signs you are probably btw 60 and 65 ksi. For a handloaded the difference in 30-06 and 308 is significant.
I switched from a 300 savage that i was given when i was 11 to a 30-06 a few years ago since 300 savage ammo is near impossible to find and expensive. Im taken many deer with both guns but the 06 is my go to. 180 grain Hornady interlock loaded with Hodgdon Superform is my go to load. I dropped a doe at 475 yards in her tracks a few years ago.
Great cal. Killed Whitetails, mule deer, and elk with 06.
Dude! I’m stoked that you chose to do 30-06! I love your channel & watch all of your content. I’m excited that you I chose 30-06 because I’m new and I happened to have chosen it last year for getting into hunting, I made the choice out of childhood familiarity with the name & knowing it had the power to drop elk & bear if I ever had the opportunity to do so. I’m about to get started reloading for it, I’m starting out with 110 grain Hornady Vmax bullets for vermin & low recoil practice ammo in my Ruger Hawkeye m77… any tips for a newbie?
Great! Make sure that you have a good loading manual for guidance, I love the idea of practicing on varmints with those light bullets. I did a fair bit of that when a 30-06 was the only rifle I had, usually with the 130 grain hollow point Speer. The lighter loads produce less recoil and are great for marksmanship practice too.
Love the rifle and his stories
I have a 69 Remington model 700,amazing gun to shoot to 300 yards
I've was lucky enough to have acquired about 8 high-powered rifles in various calibers from .22-250 up to .30-378, In most of them, I invested about $2k and up plus the time and money for load development and range fees. All of them will break 1/2 MOA or better at 100 yards. About two years ago I was in a local gun shop and I saw a slightly used (no handling marks) Weatherby Vanguard in .30-06. Looking for something to do, on the cheap. I bought it for about $300. I stuck a Timney trigger and an HS Precision stock on it (unbedded). Load development? Naw-it shot just about everything well and some loads easily rivaled the much more expensive guns I'm lucky enough to have. I'm now a huge fan of the .30-06. It's been a long time coming for me, but better late than never.
2 of my 3 deer taken with 30-06 only stepped up tp 300winmag for little more power a little further
The fact that it can be hand loaded to near low end .300 Win mag levels is a positive. The cartridge just works and does its job well, so well you could call it boring.
Low end .300 levels? I disagree. I've had to kick a few 30-06 bolts open to eject the cases. Of course the primer fell out and got lost in the action and the brass was ruined.....lol
(Please have some sympathy, I was an idiot teenager).
Seriously, now with 50 years reloading experience, I safely get 3150 fps with 180 gr. Bullets in my .300 win mag.
@@kellywalker8407 and that's what you consider "low end 300 mag levels"?
@@kellywalker8407 300 win mag is pointless. Europeans have been killing moose with 7x57s and 6.5x55s for decades and laugh at americans because we need magnums to do the same. And not to mention why make a jump from a 270, 30-06, 308, ect just for a couple hundred fps more? Why make such a small jump? It's literally pointless. If you're going to make a real jump to 375 h&h? Not just a baby step?
@@200130769 Two straight forward questions for you.
1. How many elk have you shot or seen shot.
2. Why do you care what the Europeans think.
@@kellywalker8407 I've shot 2 elk and a kudu. I use a 308 because its super light and I can put 15 miles on the rifle is the least of my worries. Question for you, what do you need a magnum for that literally anything else besides a 22 can't do? What are you trying to achieve? I could care less what europeans think. I just find it funny how the rest of the world dont use magnums much except for americans. Even in africa where the animals are bigger and tougher, they love 270s. And if they need bigger they jump right to 375 h&h. They don't mess around with weak magnums that only give you an extra 300fps. What's the point?
30-06 is the greatest all around cartridge. From mice to moose as it were. People forget that the 30-06 has gotten even better due to the innovations in Lead-Free solid metal rounds. I purchased a custom barrel for my 30-06 with faster twist rifling such as 1:9 for the longer copper solid bullets. There's no game my .30-06 won't take, I wouldn't bat an eye to take it into the African Plains. Now I would only take my .30-06 custom rifle into the African Plains, because I don't believe in taking too little power for killing large game animals. My custom rifle has a long barrel for extra velocity and it has a fast twist rate for the longer copper bullets. Copper bullets won't expand properly if they don't have enough FPS on impact. Longer barrels helps to achieve this expansion at longer distances. Everyone needs to be aware of the limitations of their rifle. And for the love of God, stop hunting large animals with 6.5 creedmoors.
I loaded my moms bf some 168 ttsx for a deer/elk load. So pumped for him to burn one through game animal. His rifle is 1940s 1903 springfield turned into a beautiful hunting rifle. I would use 6.5 creed gas gun for elk 100 and in using 156 norma oryx bonded soft point
@@tylarhaugan7908 I'm just not a fan of the lead rounds anymore, because I've had so many issues with them deforming or fragmenting and not properly penetrating through bone and into vitals. That's not to say that lead rounds won't get the job done, it most certainly does in most cases and has done the job for hundreds of years. Once I started using the copper rounds and various lead free solid metal rounds, I just couldn't go back to lead bullets. I've punched through shoulders and into vitals with copper rounds and various metal solid rounds, whereas lead bullets have vaporized on me during trajectory or have lost so much of their mass I wasn't able to punch though bone and into vitals. I just love those barnes bullets, and I've even fabricated some of my own lead free bullets on a lathe. I just can't couldn't be happier with bullet technology right now.
@@youcanthandlethetruth6976 I have also made the switch to all copper bullets. Barnes TTSX 168 are my favorite out of my 06. They pernitrate like a dart and its nice to not have to worry about eating lead for dinner. I know its a small amount if any lead that makes it into the meat but when you live off wild game for 30, 40, 50 years........ It adds up.
I ate some tasty bear that a friend took with 6.5 cm. He shoots well with it and that's the main thing.
@@joshmorales903 yeah I got lead poisoning when I was younger, it's not fun. Those copper bullets are awesome, glad to hear other guys making the change too.