30-06 Rifle Dilemma

[Joel]

I have several hunting rifles but do not shoot them on thd range too much , even my main gun.
However, I send thousands of rounds downrange every year with my.223 match rifles and really love shooting them, especially in the wind!
Nothing is better for learning how to shoot at ranges out to 1,000 meters than a fast twist 223 IMO.
They are relatively cheap to load for as well, thing about half the powder of a 308.

Cat

That sounds like a whole lot of fun

 

[iron cat]

That sounds like a whole lot of fun

Great times!
Cat

 

[Hmatt]

If you handload grab another 6.5x55 from inter surplus. I grabbed one from frontier firearms and it’s easily my favorite cartridge. 7x57 may tickle your fancy too. It sure intrigued me as I need something for the gap between 6.5x55 and 9.3x57. From what I’ve read it’s a great alternative. Ammo won’t be on every shelf like your 06 though.

Edit: get the tikka if your concerned about limits on the m96 action. I’ve run into that issue and a modern 6.5x55 is on my list. Had the chance to buy one off of another member recently but just didn’t have the funds available and had to pass.

 

[boxhitch]

Nothing wrong with shooting a lighter -06 bullet out to 500 easy
Sierra has some 150 gr with BC's over .4 and 155's with BC's near .52 , plenty enough for moderate distances and for some shooters thats enough for a mile too

 

[boxhitch]

Obviously you can put some lead shot on your shoulder, or a lead sled, but it stops feeling like shooting.
Another thing that makes a huge difference is a proper shooting jacket. Maybe a PAST thing, though I haven't tried one.

they work great, force is distributed over a larger area, and can be worn discretely under a shirt
A cheap hack is a simple flip-flop

 

[Canuck65]

Buy a CG target rifle in 6.5x55, or rebarrelled that 30-06 to whatever you want. 308 would be the easiest (same bolt face).

 

[jakester]

If only shooting to 300 then even a .223 would work, and would cost less. I prefer 6.5x55 myself, as it seems to shoot well no matter what the load. I also shoot '06 in a military style match with 180gr bullets at 2500 f.p.s. and also 150gr target bullets at around 2700 f.p.s. or a bit less. The '06 is very versatile, possibly the most versatile of all cartridges in its class. You can get fine accuracy with the '06 with somewhat reduced type loads and lighter bullets, however load density with lighter bullets at the reduced velocities becomes more of an issue.