30-.06 -- what should I buy?

Any decision on your 30-06? Always wanted a Sako 85 Bavarian Carbine so I just now got one in 30-06. :cool:

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Very nice Slamfire! You will enjoy shooting and hunting with that firearm.......I prefer the thirdy odd six over the three oh eight as well.
 
Slam, one year I used an old Rem 721 in 30-06 for backup while guiding. Loaded Barnes 250 gr round nose bullets ahead of a full case of the old original surplus 4831 powder and CIL 8 1/2 magnum primers. Didn't have my Oehler to measure velocity in those days, but can tell you that nothing stayed up very long after an encounter with that load. Today I use the 240 gr Woodleigh for my heaviest load. Haven't used them on anything yet, but they should be even better than the old copper tubing and lead Barnes were.

Enjoy your SAKO carbine!

Ted
 
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Thanks! I've got some Woodleigh 240gr PP SN bullets. I've loaded these for my 300 WM Sako Grey Wolf at a mild 2500 fps MV, and these grouped not too bad from the 1:11 twist barrel which is the same twist in the 30-06 Bavarian Carbine. 1:10 is the recommended twist rate for this bullet.

The Woodleigh manual lists 2380 fps maximum using Re22 with this bullet in a 30-06. Being a sub 40 it needs all the help it can get. ;)

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So the usual next steps: decided on Leupold Sako 1" medium height matte ring mounts, and have a Leupold M8 Compact 4x28mm scope that I will likely install.

Not to void the warranty I picked up some factory loads to fire through the rifle to make sure it functions properly as well as for hunting. I chose the Sako 220gr Hammerhead load which should be good out to 75 ft - give or take - on heavy game with precise shot placement. ;)

Or give the iron sights a try first - it's a 75 ft rifle anyhow - since I'm ok with these at close range. Nice to see Sako has designed an elevation-adjustable front sight.

But what a joy to handle and to behold. :cool:

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I don’t know if anyone is interested but after lurking the EE for a long time I ended up with a Weatherby V2 30-06 in walnut and blue. I was tempted by Tikka and Husqvarna but the price was right and It’s a beauty rifle and I am looking forward to this fall.
 
I'm looking to buy a 30-.06 this spring and looking for advice. So far I own a couple .22s and a 12ga. Otherwise, I am new to owning firearms but that's why I am here.

Ideally I want a reliable and accurate bolt action rifle for hunting. The calibre is appealing because I can use it for moose and caribou next fall. Weatherby looks appealing. I am currently borrowing a friend's Remington 700 to try out at the range (shooting federal 180gr) and it is nice but I don't have much of a reference point.

I would like this purchase to be my go to rifle for a long time. Let's say my budget is up to $2000 without optics but I would be happy spending less. Can anyone suggest a rifle where price and quality come together? What are your thought?
The Winchester model 70 would be my first choice for a North American made rifle. Winchester has greatly improved since 2006 when taken over by FN National. Sako and CZ for a European made.
 
Sauer 100. Claims to be Sub MOA from factory and I can vouche for that, I own one in .308. Machining and action are way better than any other gun i factory rifles I’ve picked up. The finishing is very basic, but if you can get past the look it’s a great gun. Doesn’t hurt the budget either, $1000 gun.
 
I see TradeEx has some cheap Stiga M96 Sporters in 30-06.But I don't know anything about them and was wondering if anyone could enlighten me?

Would one be better off paying more for a Husqvarna 1600?
 
They are a very good utility rifle that have been used for years in Europe. Most are built on 96 Mauser actions. They are fine with factory ammo, but not to be hot-rodded. Get one with a very good bore, and be happy. I'm off with my neighbour to whack a moose with one in 9.3X62.

If you intend to handload, and get the most out of your '06, the 1600 is definitely the one get.

Ted
 
I know the OP has already made his choice but for anyone else in similar circumstances I really have to laud my Sauer 101 in 3006. I have been target shoot and hunting it quite a bit and its been plain devastating on game. Shoots precisely where I point it with just about any off the shelf rounds or reloads I have concocted. Having hunted mostly with levers and semis for the past 35 + years and I still can't get over the ease of consistent precision shot placement out to 300 + meters that this gun delivers. I have other bolts that are good to but they always seem to take more effort to deliver not quite the same results.
 
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