ORIGINAL: Hunting the North
I’m sure other calibers are perfect for a specific sized animal, but as far as mathematics, ballistics, and common sense, the .30-06 is the most versatile and economical caliber available for hunting. In Petersons Hunting Magazine’s 2007 annual edition, there are 66 types of off the shelf ammo produced for the .30-06 ranging from 55 grain bullets to 220 grain bullets. There is low/managed recoil ammo that has the similar grain weight and energy of a .243, and also high energy/light magnums that are similar to the grain weight and energy of the .300 magnums.
I shoot Federal ‘Power Shock’ 150gr or 180 gr. ammo that cost $11.00 per box. Try to find any caliber in a short mag, 25-06,or in a 7mm-08 that is even close to that price range.
If someone were to own one caliber rifle (like myself) and wants the capability of hunting any big game animal in North America, the .30-06 is the logical way to go.
YEP. The two most popular military calibers for big game are for sure the 30.06 and the 308. The only advantage the .06 has is the ability to shoot heavier bullets well. The 220's are know for acuracy in the .06. Your just asking for trouble shooting the heavy bullets int the 308. Plus, doesnt anyone realize all the "WONDERFUL" deer round you all are talking about are 30.06 offspring. ie; 270, 25.06, ect. And if the 30.06 wasnt devolped, there wouldnt be any of these?! Plus some interinsting info. The 30.06 is a direct scale down of the 50 bmg brass