surplus 30.06 in modern hunting rifles?

[251251]

I recently came into ownership of some 30.06 surplus ammo. The ammo looks to be in good condition, FMJ bullets, unknown grain but guessing its 180 grn.
Is it safe to shoot these in modern hunting rifles? Not to hunt, but just for target shooting? Are the pressures going to be much higher, making it unsafe? I did cycle my rifle with them in there at the range (not shooting, just worked the bolt with them in the mag and ejecting them), and they all fit good in the chamber.

 

[Al-Sway]

If it is surplus it is unlikely to be 180 grain. Most likely 147 or 150 grain. Depending on where it is surplus from it might be corrosive; this is not a big deal in a bolt action. All it means is that you must clean it after firing, starting with a water based cleaning solution (such as used for black powder). With the water soluble corrosive elements removed, you clean the barrel as normal.
What are the markings on the case head, as that will give us much better information to guide you.

 

[251251]

Headstamp: DM 42

 

[Eagleye]

Made in the Des Moines Ordnance Plant in Des Moines, Iowa.
Will be corrosive, will likely be a 147 grain bullet.
Are the bullets black or red tipped?
Eagleye.

 

[251251]

Neither black or red.

 

[hk33ka1]

It will be safe to fire in any .30-06 rifle in good condition. Hunting ammo is more likely to be loaded "hotter" than this surplus stuff. Clean the rifle after with some warm soapy water, dry and oil.

 

[251251]

Thanks for all the info!

 

[rigrat]

Surplus 30-06

I found that surplus 30-06 would shoot 12 inches high at 100 yds compared to regular hunting ammo zero'd at that range. rigrat

 

[bearhunter]

251251 there are a lot of people looking for ammunition like that. Especially with WWII dates and manufacturers codes.

Guys with M1 Garands and 1903 Springfields like to have it to go along with their WWII dated rifles. They more than likely don't want a lot of it but they do like to have 20-40 rounds to display with their rifles.

If you would rather have commercial hunting rounds that aren't corrosive primed, run an ad to exchange them, even trade, one for one, box for box.

If you have to ship them, it's hardly worth it but most areas are now covered by CGN and people interested in milsurps look over the ammunition threads.

Eagle eye gave you the straight goods by the way.