.30-06

[der Aulte Jaeger]

Now, now, at least I didn't get into the many other differences such as bolt stiffness and how it contributes to accuracy in the short action rounds; or in favor of the long action how case shoulder angle makes easier chambering; or how the short action actions are lighter; or quicker lock time with short actions; Many shooters, when firing a favorite rifle, get very accustomed to the bolt throw length. Take a fellow who shoots a long action all the time and give him a short action and his muscle memory will still try and over jack the bolt, no problem. Reverse that and you have a situation where the fellow might not fully extract or chamber the round which isn't very good at all. In short pros and cons can be huge or very small indeed. I'm glad I was of service for that laugh!

 

[2428 miles]

Hi Everyone,
Firstly, I must apologies for the long absence between posts, have been very busy moving jobs, house etc.

I have bought a .30-06!!!!!!!!!

After a very long time thinking and researching and an even longer time looking for the right one, I have at last found the one!!

Based on a Tikka T3 Lite, blued barrel, Blue printed, bedded into a synthetic stock from the US by Riflecraft.

Been waiting fro my scope to arrive from America so not yet shot it but very much looking forward to christening it!

 

[conibear]

great calibre choice

 

[Muir]

I agree.~Muir

 

[YukonT]

What bullet weights/types are you lads using for munties/fallow/roe/fallow/sika/red in your 06s?

 

[Grandhubert]

Most of them work mate, the beauty of "standard" calibres like this is that they are forgiving on bullet choice.

I've used the following and like them:

Small delicate deer: full house 180gr Hornady BTSP, 168 Barnes TSX
Small delicate vermin: full house speer 150gr BTSP, Hornady 150gr BTSP, 155AMAX, 125gr Sierra PH
All other UK deer: full house 180gr Hornady BTSP, 168 Barnes TSX, downloaded (around 2800) speer 150gr BTSP, Hornady 150gr BTSP, downloaded (around 2900) 125gr Sierra PH.
Africa: full house 180gr Hornady BTSP, intend to try partitions, a-frames and heavy TSX.

Avoid extremes and it works on just about everything IME.

The trajectory is flat enough with 180gr bullet at 2600 to shoot to 400 yards, the faster rounds therefore are gilding the lily slightly in this respect but are a little bit safer when the ground is hard with frost or drought.

 

[YukonT]

Thanks for the great info, Grandhubert. In terms of factory ammo, what are your best bets for various quarry?

 

[Grandhubert]

I generally don't use factory ammo mate so I'm perhaps not the best to ask on this one.

FWIW from what I've seen in other's rifles good old federal bluebox is as reliable as any for the deer we shoot.

I have used and been very impressed with Privi Partizan GROM facory loads, they are accurate in my rifle and being basically a Trophy Bonded Bearclaw in design, ie solid copper shank with small lead filled cavity in the nose, are good for anything the cartridge can reasonably considered for.

The answer is probably something like whatever groups in your rifle, is readily available near you and that is priced to suit your pocket.

Find something in the 150gr-180gr range that fulfills the about criteria and go kill deer.

 

[sunrayshadow]

great calibre choice

i second that,,,

good luck with it

 

[buck52]

Read this in some american site once, "there aint nothing cant be fixed with a thirty-ought-six"
I originally went to buy a 30-06 4 years ago but was talked into a .308, no regrets though

 

[Peter Colman]

We can go on about our favorite caliber all day, but I would add that I have used (and still use) a .243, 308, 25 -06 and a 30-06 so can make some comparisons, I mostly stalk in thick woods so want knockdown power but I also do have some chances at deer in more open places inc Scotland. I have these views
The .243 can do strange things inside the deer and is easily turned by bones etc it is also vunerable to cross winds,
The .308 is fine for most sensible ranges but does run out of steam a bit at exteems
the 25-06 is new to me and I enjoy it, it provides that slightly heavier bullet than the 243 so gets over some of the problems.
the 30-06 is a great round and would be my one rifle choice. I do not suffer from twitching with recoil and as I load my own ammo, I can regulate things to suit my needs, I would add that these rifles are able to use a wide range of bullet weights, which does not apply to the 270, also the newer powders have meant that you can get better performance in the 25 and 30 - 06 than a few years ago. I also use a mod on all rifles.

 

[Cut+Squirt]

if muzzle flip is your main issue and you don't want to mod or brake it, then i'd reccommend a heavy barrelled weapon.

The only other calibre that i've used that might be suitable for you is the 7x57, but it doesn't cut the mustard velocity wise with comparable bullet weights. Upto 140 grains it's as sweet as a nut and tends to kill very well.

the 25-06 gives minimal muzzle flip but only really effective with bullet weights upto and including 100 grains.

I shoot 25-06......................even with my T8 screwed on I cant see the strike and I aint a small lad.

 

[2428 miles]

Here it is as promised, my new .30-06 up and running. It is based on Tikka T3 with a bit of tinkering from Riflecraft. Bed into a synthetic stock and topped of with a Zeiss Conquest 6-20x50. Fantastic setup, absolutely delighted. Zeroed it with some Privi Partizan and it’s cloverleafing at 100yrds!
Off to the Steel Challenge next weekend hopefully!