What happened to the 30/06???

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581

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Why is it that the good ol' 30/06 is rarely used for long range shooting? Or is it? I'd like to hear why I could or could not use my Brno zkk in 30/06 for a long range rifle. Thanks.
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Individual '06s can be fine long range rifles; however, if you wer having a long range 30 cal rig built, you'd probably opt for the .308Win, for the marginally better accuracy potential and sightly lighter recoil, or if you wanted to launch heavier bullets than the .308 can comfortably handle and/or want a reduced time-of-flight, you'd want a magnum.
There's nothing wrong with the old '06, it's just not a specialist.
 
I'd like to try some 500 and 600 yd shooting of some groups, (but mostly at a gong). I've got places to go where I can shoot 1000yrds if I want, but would I be wasting my time with this rifle and caliber?
 
Wasting time? Never! Does it have the potential to be a good LR rifle? Only one way to find out.

And while shooting the gong is fun, because of the feedback, paper is the only practical way to really look at your and your rifle's performance.
 
Any rifle and load that is consistent and repeatable can be used for LR plinking. I have shot to 1000yds with a 06 without much difficulty. You can think of it as a long 308 or a 308 'Super'.

One thing that you should consider is a scope that has target turrents on at least the elevation. Holding over becomes very difficult as distances increase. A good rangefinder is a very worthwhile investment.

Otherwise, work with accurate bullets like match bullets or SST/Ballistic tips, match primers and good extruded powders (H4350 for the 155 to 168gr bullets) and have at it. Build good ammo in a well bedded rifle and should shoot just fine.

Pin point accuracy is not necessary for a plinking rifle. Just size your target to be challenging.

Jerry
 
No reason you can't use your 30/06 for F open class target shooting.
Just remember in the F Open class you are shooting against guys shooting 6.5x.284's, 6.5/06. and a whole host of more efficient cartridges.
The best shooter for the day always wins and everyone whats to shoot the same stuff the winner is shooting.
To answer your question on why it is rearly used for long range competition (at least here in Canada) would be due to the NRA (GB), DCRA and World Palma rules.
They call for a 7.62NATO/.308 Win. unaltered case and a maximum bullet weight of 156 gr.
 
Thanks for the great replies! I understand that are more efficient cartridges, but I'm not in the market for one. :( I've got faith in the 30/06. I am however in the market for a new scope. What would you guys recommend? Mil-dot, Duplex? I've been looking at the Elite 3200 by Bushnell. I guess I should have looked for an optics fourm. Thanks again.
 
Sounds like you want to have some fun shooting. I believe that your rifle would be an excellent hunting rifle, and yes definitly capable of shooting 600 yds and will easily reach to 1000 yds. The question is accuracy beyond 400 yards. Can your rifle consistantly shoot 5 shot groups of less than 2"at 200 yards? If it can, then yes you can do some long range target shooting. If you can't put every shot in a 2"circle at 200 yards, then you will get somewhat frustrated at long range. There is
a huge difference in shooting 300 yds as compared to 600 yds. It might seem like only twice the distance, until you try it. As to trying to hit anything beyond 600 yds
it wont be easy, but i think what you should do is start at 100 yards and work back
to longer distances in stages. You will find out. Pack a good shoulder pad :)
 
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