.30-06 good for precision?
- Thread starter Ruger30-06
- Start date
Steve David
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Oshawa, Ontario
Carlos Hathcock made his best shots with a M70 30/06! Of course, with the exception of the famed .50 shot! I think it is a great calibre for long range competition.
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Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
Really depends on the event demands, the rifle weight and shape, and the distance you are going.
Many use the 308 with great effect. The 30-06 will just go 100 to 200fps faster. You might have problem finding a match style reamer but they are out there.
Jerry
Many use the 308 with great effect. The 30-06 will just go 100 to 200fps faster. You might have problem finding a match style reamer but they are out there.
Jerry
- Location
- Hillbilly shack in the boonies
Were the targets not made smaller in diameter once the .308 came on scene , and beat the 06 in long range shooting.
Frank
Frank
windborne11
Regular
- Location
- SW Ontario
No. The 30-06 kicks like a mule, and will not compete with a 6.5mm accuracy wise. 06 is a hunting cartridge.lcpaintballer said:
308 is competitive because it has a class for it specifically.
If you neck down an 06 to 6.5 or 7mm, have it in a 15t lb. rifle, then you would have a competitive but barrelburning rifle.
On the average, the 308 will be a bit more accurate. However, there are individual rifles that stand out head and shoulders above the norm in almost any chambering. If you possess an exceptionally accurate 30-06, it will be competitive in many events. A couple of things to keep in mind. The '06 does serve up a bit more recoil in similar weight rifles. [It doesn't kick like a mule IMHO]. It will burn a bit more powder and thus will suffer slightly shorter barrel life. If you are shooting beyond 900 meters, the advantage lies with the '06, since it will launch better bullets at higher velocities. Regards, Eagleye.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
If the 308 is 50 to 60% more accurate then the 30-06, then the 30 gibbs must be even more inaccurate, the 300WM a horror, the 300WBY an absolute disaster, and the 300RUM an absolute joke.
I love how we use 1960's test data to reflect the options and technology available today. I guess back then there were no sub MOA 06's M1 but lots of better M14's (surprise!!!!).
Except for the WM, I have owned and shot all of the other 30cal cases. ALL can be made to shoot EQUALLY well. Since there are no shortage of LR records held by the 300WM, I guess that case shoots 'ok' too overly short case neck and all.
The only thing that case capacity does is allow for higher velocity potential given the same bullet. It rarely affects accuracy to that extent. Of course, recoil is higher but then performance is rarely a free lunch.
As to smaller targets, ever wonder if bullet, powder, and barrel technology were also getting better about the same time?
Since we are talking service rifles, I don't think the cartridge would be the deciding factor when you are talking about the accuracy of the Garand vs the M14. I would bet that a M14 would outshoot a Garand in 308 on average.
So to the original post, yes, the 30-06 can be a very good 30cal moderate weight bullet launcher. Is it better then the 308? only in max velocity potential. It will recoil more but then the more powder you burn....
Are there better choices? Depends on what you want to use it for.....
Jerry
I love how we use 1960's test data to reflect the options and technology available today. I guess back then there were no sub MOA 06's M1 but lots of better M14's (surprise!!!!).
Except for the WM, I have owned and shot all of the other 30cal cases. ALL can be made to shoot EQUALLY well. Since there are no shortage of LR records held by the 300WM, I guess that case shoots 'ok' too overly short case neck and all.
The only thing that case capacity does is allow for higher velocity potential given the same bullet. It rarely affects accuracy to that extent. Of course, recoil is higher but then performance is rarely a free lunch.
As to smaller targets, ever wonder if bullet, powder, and barrel technology were also getting better about the same time?
Since we are talking service rifles, I don't think the cartridge would be the deciding factor when you are talking about the accuracy of the Garand vs the M14. I would bet that a M14 would outshoot a Garand in 308 on average.
So to the original post, yes, the 30-06 can be a very good 30cal moderate weight bullet launcher. Is it better then the 308? only in max velocity potential. It will recoil more but then the more powder you burn....
Are there better choices? Depends on what you want to use it for.....
Jerry
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I know a guy who started (accidentally) in f-class with 30-06 and he did extremely well. I think there is no reason why with properly loaded ammo and a good barrel that it should not do well. I'm getting whimpy in my old age and I use my 30-06 only for hunting because I find the recoil too rude for a day of shooting. ...Not many highly accurized 30-06's out there to make a fair comparison against.
"...Would a .30-06 be good enough for a precision competition?..." Yep, especially if that's what you have. It depends on the rifle and ammo too though. Carefully loaded ammo with IMR4064 and match grade bullets out of a good barrel will do nicely. Good sights and a good trigger are essential.
Given two identical rifles, one in .30-06, the other in .308, using the same bullet weight you won't notice any difference in the felt recoil between the two. The .308 will have a slight edge in accuracy though.
Given two identical rifles, one in .30-06, the other in .308, using the same bullet weight you won't notice any difference in the felt recoil between the two. The .308 will have a slight edge in accuracy though.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
No one gets a trophy for bluish shoulder at a BR match. Recoil is a negative and everything is done to reduce/eliminate it during firing.
Quite common for many Palma and TR shooters to try and reach 3000fps with the 155gr Scenar/MK/Amax. It works exceptionally well at 1000yds/m. Most 308's simply will not do that so are at a disadvantage.
If you must use a 30cal, then the '06 will easily give you that performance and provide you with a measurable benefit in wind drift reduction.
BUT then a 300WSM and WM will be even better.
Then there is the 300Wby and 300AI with heavy 30 cal bullets.
Then there is the 300RUM in a 35" barrel and 220gr/240gr MK.
Then....
Jerry
Quite common for many Palma and TR shooters to try and reach 3000fps with the 155gr Scenar/MK/Amax. It works exceptionally well at 1000yds/m. Most 308's simply will not do that so are at a disadvantage.
If you must use a 30cal, then the '06 will easily give you that performance and provide you with a measurable benefit in wind drift reduction.
BUT then a 300WSM and WM will be even better.
Then there is the 300Wby and 300AI with heavy 30 cal bullets.
Then there is the 300RUM in a 35" barrel and 220gr/240gr MK.
Then....
Jerry
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
prosper, the only reason why these monsters aren't being used is a lack of bullets. Although I think the BMG project might run into a few problems with powder burn rates and barrel wear.
However a shortened case might work....interesting, very interesting.
If the match bullet makers start pushing 250 to 300gr 30 cal bullets with BC over 0.8/0.9, super monster cannons will start showing up at LR unlimited matches.
For now, the 338 is the king but this is a bullet and powder race.
We need new bullets...and powders.
Jerry
However a shortened case might work....interesting, very interesting.
If the match bullet makers start pushing 250 to 300gr 30 cal bullets with BC over 0.8/0.9, super monster cannons will start showing up at LR unlimited matches.
For now, the 338 is the king but this is a bullet and powder race.
We need new bullets...and powders.
Jerry
30-06
Hi Jerry
I have been considering building a 30-06 or 30-06AI for a while because the possible velocities with 190 or 200 grain bullets are not that much slower than a 300 magnum and most of the matches I see being held specifically ban magnums. Using slower bulkier powders like RE22 the 30-06 holds it's own against the 308 from what I can find out from the guys using them in the States.
Steve
Hi Jerry
I have been considering building a 30-06 or 30-06AI for a while because the possible velocities with 190 or 200 grain bullets are not that much slower than a 300 magnum and most of the matches I see being held specifically ban magnums. Using slower bulkier powders like RE22 the 30-06 holds it's own against the 308 from what I can find out from the guys using them in the States.
Steve
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
SteveB
There is little reason for the '06 to not be nipping at the heels of some magnums IF you run the loads at magnum pressures. I love the 30 Gibbs and essentially has the same capacity as the RSAUM. The reg. AI will be a snick smaller but I doubt it will limit the end velocity much if any.
Barrel quality will have a far greater affect on that.
If you plan on going to that heavy of a bullet, the first thing I would ask is must you use a 30cal in competition? Recoil is pretty stout for the ballistics you get.
If not, the 7mm and 6.5's are head and shoulders ahead ballistically. I am very happy with my 7 Mystic and it has ballistics equal to the much larger case 30's and med case 338's like the Lapua.
The 6.5-284, 260AI, Mystic, 6.5X55, etc all have very nice ballistics too.
The 6mm are coming on strong and the 243 would be an ideal case to think about if you need to run from the mag.
Let's hear more about the intended use and rifle weight/restrictions. Sounds like fun.
Jerry
There is little reason for the '06 to not be nipping at the heels of some magnums IF you run the loads at magnum pressures. I love the 30 Gibbs and essentially has the same capacity as the RSAUM. The reg. AI will be a snick smaller but I doubt it will limit the end velocity much if any.
Barrel quality will have a far greater affect on that.
If you plan on going to that heavy of a bullet, the first thing I would ask is must you use a 30cal in competition? Recoil is pretty stout for the ballistics you get.
If not, the 7mm and 6.5's are head and shoulders ahead ballistically. I am very happy with my 7 Mystic and it has ballistics equal to the much larger case 30's and med case 338's like the Lapua.
The 6.5-284, 260AI, Mystic, 6.5X55, etc all have very nice ballistics too.
The 6mm are coming on strong and the 243 would be an ideal case to think about if you need to run from the mag.
Let's hear more about the intended use and rifle weight/restrictions. Sounds like fun.
Jerry
30-06
I have a couple of reasons for the 30-06AI.
1st: Mick McPhee only makes 30 cal barrels,
2nd: I have a ton of brass,
3rd: I am building a 6mmXC for my light rifle and,
4th: I want a heavy rifle for real windy conditions
5th: I want to test my theory that the 30-06AI might be more accurate than a regular 30-06 due to geometry of the case and case fit
6th: Lapua makes match quality match brass if I am right.
Basically the bottom line is, I want to play but still want a rifle legal to shoot in the regular matches.
Steve
I have a couple of reasons for the 30-06AI.
1st: Mick McPhee only makes 30 cal barrels,
2nd: I have a ton of brass,
3rd: I am building a 6mmXC for my light rifle and,
4th: I want a heavy rifle for real windy conditions
5th: I want to test my theory that the 30-06AI might be more accurate than a regular 30-06 due to geometry of the case and case fit
6th: Lapua makes match quality match brass if I am right.
Basically the bottom line is, I want to play but still want a rifle legal to shoot in the regular matches.
Steve
- Location
- Ft. Mac. Alberta
I continually hear stuff like the '06 and 308 being the same , one being more accurate, neither being accurate, or as accurate as another cartridge (usually thhe 6.5X55 or .260 Rem), etc.
let's face it, it comes down to the shooter.
Scope comeups or irons comeups are not a problem with the proper rig.
Wind doping is another matter, and yes one may have a slight advantage over another, but it will not be enough to overcome good judgement when it comes to calling the wind.
The 30'06 is a little bit better than just "a hunting cartridge".
most of these arguments center around what one person likes , or has heard, nothing more.
Put any of the above cartridges in the hands of a winning TR or "F" class shooter, and he will continue to win.
I have seen this many times before and will see it again.....
Cat
let's face it, it comes down to the shooter.
Scope comeups or irons comeups are not a problem with the proper rig.
Wind doping is another matter, and yes one may have a slight advantage over another, but it will not be enough to overcome good judgement when it comes to calling the wind.
The 30'06 is a little bit better than just "a hunting cartridge".
most of these arguments center around what one person likes , or has heard, nothing more.
Put any of the above cartridges in the hands of a winning TR or "F" class shooter, and he will continue to win.
I have seen this many times before and will see it again.....
Cat
