The Thirty-aught-six

nagarifle · Post by **nagarifle** » Fri Jul 02, 2010 12:39 am

On many occasion I have been asked why I prefer the 30.06 Springfield round? To answer this question I would like to briefly explain the origin of the thirty-aught-six cartridge, its versatility and what the thirty-aught-six means in the Indian context.

The thirty-aught-six was mainly a USA cartridge first introduced in 1906. it was used until the sixties and proved to be a cartridges of choice for the army and civilian hunters. The thirty-aught-six is a powerful round and in those days 1000m shot was expected, one can still see the rear sights of the Enfield M1917 rifle notched to reach that range. (Enfield M1917 cartridges was of 150 gr) The size of the thirty-aught-six in metric is 7.62x63mm. Some favor the 308 (7.62x51mm)even for sniping etc however in modern day of reloading the thirty-aught-six can and does prove to be an effective and power full round. Just look at the length of the two cartridges. (one is not going into a debate of thirty-aught-six verses the 308)

the thirty-aught-six still remains a very popular sporting round, with ammunition produced by all major manufacturers and at lest fifteen different counties produce the cartridges.

The chart below shows the versatility of the thirty-aught-six from 110 to 220 grains. It has something for everyone.

Bullet Weight (grains)-- Commercial- --Hodgdon----Speer------Hornady----Nosler------Barnes
110------------------------------------N/A------------3505---------3356-------3500--------N/A--------3471
125/130------------------------------3140------------3334--------3129--------3200-------3258-------3278
150------------------------------------2900-----------3068---------2847--------3000-------3000-------3031
165------------------------------------2800------------2938--------2803--------2900-------3002--------2980
180------------------------------------2700------------2798--------2756--------2800-------2782--------2799
200------------------------------------N/A-------------2579--------2554---------N/A-------2688--------2680
220------------------------------------2400------------2476---------N/A---------2500------2602--------2415
---
Now finally in the Indian context.
They are wildly available and is one of the common competition rounds. That in it self makes it desirable.

MoA · Post by **MoA** » Fri Jul 02, 2010 3:29 am

Naga.. I prefer cleaning ladies. Then again.. the 8x57 or 8x60 will give you more than a run for your money.

In the Indian context it is popular for the same reason as the .32 acp.

What on earth is your alternative?

Competition? Outside of India? What range and what competition? The .45/70 and .45/110 are ver popular in BP, but am I going to shoot service rifle or Point Blank BR in those? ( 7.5 Swiss/ 6 PPC/.30 BR)

shooter · Post by **shooter** » Fri Jul 02, 2010 3:37 am

not going into debate but .308 is used a lot in competition as compared to 30-06. even as far as 1200 yards.

Having said that 30-06 is a very good round for hunting.

Please note my experience is limited to UK.

MoA · Post by **MoA** » Fri Jul 02, 2010 3:39 am

When you come.. we shall change your mind about the .308 amongst other things.

Post by **Sakobav** » Fri Jul 02, 2010 6:50 am

Nagarifles

.306

Cheers

brihacharan · Post by **brihacharan** » Fri Jul 02, 2010 10:00 am

Hi Guys,
> Kudos for the ever popular 30.06!
> My personal experience has been very satisfying - owned a sporterized version of the 1917 model.
> Very accurate, easy handling - one of the strongest bolt actions ever made.
> Had a Weaver 4x scope on a Griffin & Howe mount.
> My personal favourite ammos - 150gr & 180gr Remington Silver Tips.
> No problem with the availability of ammo.
Cheers
Brihacharan

nagarifle · Post by **nagarifle** » Fri Jul 02, 2010 4:35 pm

like i said, for India 3006 seams to be the one. and no debate about the 308 please.

MoA · Post by **MoA** » Sat Jul 03, 2010 2:14 am

nagarifle wrote:like i said, for India 3006 seams to be the one. and no debate about the 308 please.

I would argue 7x57 since ammo is available and cheaper from what little I have read.

Post by **cottage cheese** » Sat Jul 03, 2010 12:00 pm

MoA wrote: I would argue 7x57 since ammo is available and cheaper from what little I have read.

Well...at least not in our corner of town Mo .... Also bear in mind that 7x57 is entirely imported...the supply of which could dry up or be subject to whimsical restrictions any time. 30-06 is manufactured by KF and though imported fodder is readily available, in any supply crisis one could always still fall back on KF 30-06 poppers.

In the Indian context, 30-06 is the best and practical option available....even more so when compared to the other readily-available CF shot...the .315

Also being in the USofA where one can be choosy because one has the choice beyond any Indian shooters wildest imagination, one mustn't lose perspective of the vast differences in the gun scenario between the two nations. Often its pointless hammering down US standards and perspectives on Indian gun owners... you'd certainly understand. Here, unlike in the US, one cant simply walk into a store and buy a 7x57 off the shelf... even if on the rare occasion a 30-40 plus year old piece was available, the premium demanded would make one wish he hadn't asked.

We have to make the best under given circumstances.

regards,
cc

coltpython · Post by **coltpython** » Sat Jul 03, 2010 12:55 pm

Hi
From what i have read researched and noticed .30-06 although very good and accurate isn't as accurate as the .308(7.62mm). yes, 30-06 is an incredibly versatile cartridge ***edited*** but it is not as accurate and figuratively superior to 308. The 308's muzzle velocity is higher than the 30-06 and it is more stable at longer ranges hence the drop of the bullet is reduced leading to being more accurate compared to 30-06. it is also the weapon of preference among shooters and snipers alike. But yes the ammo availability in India makes 30-06 a caliber of choice.

MoA · Post by **MoA** » Sat Jul 03, 2010 8:43 pm

cottage cheese wrote: Also being in the USofA where one can be choosy because one has the choice beyond any Indian shooters wildest imagination, one mustn't lose perspective of the vast differences in the gun scenario between the two nations.
regards,
cc

CC am not in the US, but I get your point.
Given the ammunition scenario... I think.. it would be .22 lr or something in ,30-06

carbine · Post by **carbine** » Mon Jul 05, 2010 9:06 am

Are imported ammo in 7x57 are available in india

coltpython · Post by **coltpython** » Mon Jul 05, 2010 10:46 am

carbine wrote:Are imported ammo in 7x57 are available in india

yes

vishosingh · Post by **vishosingh** » Mon Jul 05, 2010 2:01 pm

sambhar : largest antelope

sambhar is a deer specie
the blue bull is the largest antelope in asia

shooter · Post by **shooter** » Mon Jul 05, 2010 6:01 pm

sambhar : largest antelope sambhar is a deer specie
the blue bull is the largest antelope in asia

partly.

I have never seen a hangul. (Cervus elaphus hanglu) the cousin of british red deer, the largest deer in europe.
I presume the hangul will probably rank up there.

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