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.

pahntr760

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

frizzellr

Actually its the other way around. The 30-06 was around before the 50 BMG. Not that it makes it a wonder cartridge or anything.

Hunting the North

66 choicesof off the shelf factory ammo,that's definately awonder round fora poor slob like methat owns onlyone rifle and doesn't reload.

ORIGINAL: frizzellr

frizzellr

Yeah if one had to own one rifle then I suppose it would be one of the better cartridges. Glad I don't have that problem.

TUK101

I own the .270 for deer. It doesnt kick quite as hard as the .06 that I had did, but it still gives quite a wallop compared to my lil .243. I cannot take heavy recoil anymore since the 2 shoulder surgeries and some bad discs in my neck, so I have to go with a lighter recoil of gun. You cannot beat a 30.06 for cost/performance though.

Dixie Rebel

I love the 30-06, and I do not feel its recoil is excessive. The grand old 30-06 Spfd, if limited to only one cartridge for deer hunting, would be my pick!

You simply can't beat the 30-06 for deer hunting! I'm one of the 30-06s biggest fans; it's that good!

stubblejumper

There are several cartridges that will kill any deer that the 30-06 will,under any condition that the 30-06 will,and will do it with less recoil,and at a lower cost if you are a handloader.

frizzellr

And you realize all modern aircraft owe credit to the Wright Flyer. The 30-06 is not a bad cartridge, and granted is highly versatile, but it is by no means the best cartidge for any one application. It will forever remain a jack of all trades yet master of none.

Dixie Rebel

Name one "master" for deer hunting???