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30-06 still relevant?

I am curious how many would be interested in a 208 AMAX factory load with Winchester brass, Fed 210M primer and either H4350 or IMR 4350? As you know H4350 can be a PITA to find. Price should work out to be pretty reasonable and this would be a true .30-06 LR load, not something downloaded to work in a Garand.

Not much out there for what I would call "Match" 30-06 and I have been looking.

Im not finding Fed GMM 30-06 with 168 SMKs at a reasonable price or local.

I was going to buy a case of relatively expensive SIG "Match" 30-06 loaded with 175 SMKs but when I was at their Pro shop they didnt have it in stock yet.

Currently Im shooting Creedmoor Sports Lapua brass, 167 Scenars Im buying from the CMP. Just picked up 100 a week or so ago was $135 IIRC.

I bought a shit ton of I4350 and plan on reloading.

Im standardizing my .308 bullets slowly but surely to 175SMK for .308 Win and 30-06.

Id be interested in what you got.
 
I have 8 rifles in 06, very relevant in my mind. If I could have only one rifle Win 70 Featherweight in 06.

I love my Model 70 Featherweight in 30-06. Not going to use it out past 500, but it's my go-to when hiking around the brushy Utah foothills!
 
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I am curious how many would be interested in a 208 AMAX factory load with Winchester brass, Fed 210M primer and either H4350 or IMR 4350? As you know H4350 can be a PITA to find. Price should work out to be pretty reasonable and this would be a true .30-06 LR load, not something downloaded to work in a Garand.
If the brass is weight sorted +- 1 gr., you will have something. If run of the mill bulk, not so much. Lapua has stupid consistent weights for their cases, and it really shoots better at LR, ELR. My 2 cents... I use Win. brass too, sorted with the MV for that batch on the box. Remembering to change the value input to the Kestral is the hard part. I have Nosler also, all shoot well, Don't mix them up though.
 
Custom run of 30-06 can definitely be arranged.
Want a 175 SMK, easy enough to do.
208 Amax for this tread, long range use.
What other bullet requests do we have?

Ammo will definitely be marked "For modern bolt action rifles ONLY".
 
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So I want to float an odd idea out here, what would be the draw backs of putting a 7 or 8 twist barrel on a 30-06? The reason for the fast twist is the ability to take advantage of some of the long subsonic expanding bullets coming to the market for the .300 Blackout as well as stabilize some of the long target solids such as the WTC Flatline.

My only concern would be over spinning the lighter 150gr bullets for hunting whitetails but that issue could be alleviated by utilizing monolithic bullets correct?
 
So I want to float an odd idea out here, what would be the draw backs of putting a 7 or 8 twist barrel on a 30-06? The reason for the fast twist is the ability to take advantage of some of the long subsonic expanding bullets coming to the market for the .300 Blackout as well as stabilize some of the long target solids such as the WTC Flatline.

My only concern would be over spinning the lighter 150gr bullets for hunting whitetails but that issue could be alleviated by utilizing monolithic bullets correct?

The 30-06 reaches a mile quite nicely with a 1-10 twist.
I can't think of any advantages of a 1-8 twist in the '06.

So I guess I would say...it seems you propose a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.
 
The 30-06 reaches a mile quite nicely with a 1-10 twist.
I can't think of any advantages of a 1-8 twist in the '06.

So I guess I would say...it seems you propose a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

It wasn’t so much the long range bullets that were the issue, though the 198gr Flatlines do recommend a 9 twist minimum, it was the long monolithic sub Sonics that were where I would be running into stability issues.

I like the idea of the quietness of a .300 Blackout bolt gun but can’t justify investing in that caliber if a fast twist 06 can do the same thing with far more versatility in the supersonic region.
 
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It wasn’t so much the long range bullets that were the issue, though the 198gr Flatlines do recommend a 9 twist minimum, it was the long monolithic sub Sonics that were where I would be running into stability issues.

I like the idea of the quietness of a .300 Blackout bolt gun but can’t justify investing in that caliber if a fast twist 06 can do the same thing with far more versatility in the supersonic region.

Ahh...so subs will be part of the equation....I thought maybe that may be your angle.

Well, without completely being a wet blanket, it's your rifle after all, I'd say this:
I've had a lot of weird projects, and I've learned a very important thing through wasting money.
If you build a gun, to do a broad range of things, it won't be "great" at any one thing.
Better to build two guns, than sink a pile of money in something that will only Excel in mediocrity.
 
So I want to float an odd idea out here, what would be the draw backs of putting a 7 or 8 twist barrel on a 30-06? The reason for the fast twist is the ability to take advantage of some of the long subsonic expanding bullets coming to the market for the .300 Blackout as well as stabilize some of the long target solids such as the WTC Flatline.

My only concern would be over spinning the lighter 150gr bullets for hunting whitetails but that issue could be alleviated by utilizing monolithic bullets correct?
If you or I were building a rifle specifically to use only monolithic solids in, then it would be a good plan. Those have shown the need for a faster twist for optimal results.

Otherwise, you’re asking for possible issues with standard fodder in a barrel that fast.
 
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Honestly, if you want subsonic do a 300 BO for that and us 30-06 for launching the heavier, super high BC bullets.
Can you do both? Yes. However, subs from -06 is a compromise at best IMHO.
Rem 700 in 300BO works REALLY well and is plenty inexpensive.
1E4090D1-68E9-43DB-9911-52E14B799829.jpeg

Factory 700 AAC-SD, 16” bbl, TBAC 30-P1, 208 Amax subsonic, 5 rds @ 100 & movie quiet.
 
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Ahh...so subs will be part of the equation....I thought maybe that may be your angle.

Well, without completely being a wet blanket, it's your rifle after all, I'd say this:
I've had a lot of weird projects, and I've learned a very important thing through wasting money.
If you build a gun, to do a broad range of things, it won't be "great" at any one thing.
Better to build two guns, than sink a pile of money in something that will only Excel in mediocrity.
If you or I were building a rifle specifically to use only monolithic solids in, then it would be a good plan. Those have shown the need for a faster twist for optimal results.

Otherwise, you’re asking for possible issues with standard fodder in a barrel that fast.
Honestly, if you want subsonic do a 300 BO for that and us 30-06 for launching the heavier, super high BC bullets.
Can you do both? Yes. However, subs from -06 is a compromise at best IMHO.
Rem 700 in 300BO works REALLY well and is plenty inexpensive.
View attachment 7093421

That’s kind of what I was concerned about, I love the 30-06’s but of the 5 I own the newest one is from the 1970’s and they are either hunting rifles or iron sighted US military rifles. I’ve shot a few subsonics but the 10 twist limits my options so now that I’m looking to add a modern 30-06 to my stable I was planning on making it as versatile as possible.

The only 30 cal I have with an 8 twist is a win mag but that is set up strictly for shooting the 225gr bullets so there is no concern with over spinning light hunting bullets.
 
If you already have .30-‘06 in other rifles to do the other tasks, either get a dedicated rifle for subs or a long fast twist barrel for solids and ELR shooting. Depending upon your thoughts as to which you have the most interest. A 9 twist is doable for a bit more flexibility, if wanted, but faster is better for the modern solids.
 
Yes. Ask me in 50 years and the answer will still be, yes.
 
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Did you get some Sig ammo?

No.

Despite calling a week ahead they didnt have it on the shelf in their "Flag ship" pro shop when I took my class.

The counter help looked at me like I had two heads asking for it.

Another class in October, maybe than.

This was Creedmoor 167 Scenar in Lapua brass.

Still have to get up and slap the bolt open to extract brass.

Something is screwed about this chamber.

Builder had a chance to make it right and didnt.

Thinking Ill have to bite the bullet and have someone else do it.
 
No.

Despite calling a week ahead they didnt have it on the shelf in their "Flag ship" pro shop when I took my class.

The counter help looked at me like I had two heads asking for it.

Another class in October, maybe than.

This was Creedmoor 167 Scenar in Lapua brass.

Still have to get up and slap the bolt open to extract brass.

Something is screwed about this chamber.

Builder had a chance to make it right and didnt.

Thinking Ill have to bite the bullet and have someone else do it.
That's a shame. Sounds like headspace could be excessive. If you feel froggy, get a NOGO gauge and you'll find out right quick.
 
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Looking to do some loads out of a 30-06 using the 208g A-Max. These will be flying out of a Sako L61R, 24” barrel. Any suggestions on where to start?
 
There are a number of loads listed in the Reloading Depot .30-06 thread, though the first few posts are hard to read. This is due to the fact that they were rescued in a hurry during the transition from Scout.


Here’s an example:

There is some guys over on LRH getting some amazing velocities with 17 and the 215 hybrid and the 208 Amax.
Here is a OCW target I worked up for the 30 06 208 AMAX and RE-17
I shot over tandem chronographs in tandem and noted the velocities on the target
All shots were fired "Round Robin".
208RE17.jpg
 
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There are a number of loads listed in the Reloading Depot .30-06 thread, though the first few posts are hard to read. This is due to the fact that they were rescued in a hurry during the transition from Scout.


Here’s an example:
Holy Crap! 2700fps from an 06 with a 208g pill. I gotta get that going. Good shooting Lash. Mind sharing what your setup is? Thanks again!
 
Holy Crap! 2700fps from an 06 with a 208g pill. I gotta get that going. Good shooting Lash. Mind sharing what your setup is? Thanks again!
That was not my post nor my load. I cannot take credit for the shooting either, though it is good shooting.

My ‘06 is still a project waiting in the wings. Right now it’s a basic R700 Long Range, 26” barrel with only new trigger and the bolt polished. It’s only had factory stuff through it so far, but I plan on 208s for it once I get the dies.
 
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MontanaMarine is getting 2800 out of his with 208s but he has a 26”.
I will be trying out RL23 soon since it is a new powder that is ‘supposed’ to replace RL22 performance but with temp stability.
Will report back in a month or so with that if all goes according to plan.
 
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I have a S&B 5-25X not being used and have had an interest in things AI while at the same time Im a 700 guy.........hmmmmmm.
 
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It’s a Badger FTE brake. Very effective. I’ve got them on three different rifles. It’s basically a ripoff of an old school AI brake; at least it looks that way to me.

Everybody on the firing line hates me because of it although the guy who usually shoots near me on the line has a little bastard that I’m only running a close second to.
 
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Here is a fairly recent pic of my 06’... 28” bartlein HV slings berger 200.20x’s at 2740-2750... 8mils exactly to 1,000 yards

was shooting them around 2800-2810 but decided to back it down some if i wanted to get more than 4-5 loadings from the primer pockets.
 

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Here is a fairly recent pic of my 06’... 28” bartlein HV slings berger 200.20x’s at 2740-2750... 8mils exactly to 1,000 yards

was shooting them around 2800-2810 but decided to back it down some if i wanted to get more than 4-5 loadings from the primer pockets.
I would say that is pretty relevent.

As I stated before, if people wake up to the new .30 cal bullets out there (you have ?), the .30-06 becomes relevant all over again.
 
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Thanks guys... i sold the gen 1 razor a couple of moths ago and now it has a gen 2 razor ebr7c on it.
 
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There’s a pretty nice 30-06 M70 in a McMillan with PTG bottom metal and a 27” PacNor over in the FS forum right now..... it’s down to 2/3 of his asking price, last I looked.


The seller is a really solid guy and I would deal with him in full faith any day. If I needed another rifle I would pick it up.

I just sent him a message about two weeks ago asking if he had any magazines that he could spare for my AI 30-06 project. He sold me two at a great price and then drove to meet me in a absolute down pour.

I purchased a barreled action from him years ago and it is still shooting ragged clover leafs to this day.

Kind Regards,

- Jon
 
The seller is a really solid guy and I would deal with him in full faith any day. If I needed another rifle I would pick it up.

I just sent him a message about two weeks ago asking if he had any magazines that he could spare for my AI 30-06 project. He sold me two at a great price and then drove to meet me in a absolute down pour.

I purchased a barreled action from him years ago and it is still shooting ragged clover leafs to this day.

Kind Regards,

- Jon

I wish I had an extra $1600, the 30-06 Winchester 70 is gorgeous!
 
Went to the local 400 yard range last night to do a little load development.

IMR 4350 - 168 Hornady Amax
Reloader 15 - 208 Hornady ELD- M

Both loads looked great and the 208’s put a hurting on steel at 400 yards.

The first group pictured was shot with factory 180 Remington Core Lokt. The Core lokts held a 3.5” group out to 400 yards.
 

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Nice?
You are more than welcome to swing by SW Michigan and shoots dimes, quarters, half dollars or what have you with me anytime. ? Post some pictures my wise cracking friend let’s keep the ole 06 thread going.
 
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You couldn’t cover a group my -06 shoots with Flavor Flav’s clock... Well maybe, but just. The last set of groups I shot were with my Kidd 22- averages 1 moa at 50y, across 9 groups.

That is some mighty fine shooting my friend. I don’t think I would ever sell that 10-22 and if you do call me first.

We have an egg shoot every month at the range in my pictures. It always floors me when the .22 LR’s out shoot the center fires at 100 yards. Tie breakers are settled with 1/2” gum balls or dum dum suckers and then a 1/8” dot target for the guys who clear 15 of the 1/2” targets?.
 
Late to the party, but I kept mine relevant too. Looking for a better chassis, this one is good for bench and stand, but I can not get comfortable with it in any other position.
 

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This...

I read on another post here on the hide of someone running 200+ pills in a longer barrel at speeds that really compare it to a 300WM. I don't recall who posted or what thread it was so I could look for more info but still, pretty much the 30-06 can definitely hang!!!
My 06 shoots 208gr at 2700fps, and I've taken it to 1600. Yea, they can hang.
 
My 06 shoots 208gr at 2700fps, and I've taken it to 1600. Yea, they can hang.

Playing around with Reloader 15 and the 208 Hornady ELD bullets. Shot four answered a text from the misses and forgot my fundamentals.
Don’t text and shoot my friends?

Can’t wait to chrono this guy and see how hard I am pushing them. Seems like a mild load and it still lays some serious energy on targets at range.
 

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This thread and other data is making me seriously look toward the 30-06 instead of a .308 for my next bolt rifle build.

Any data here for a 225 ELDM? The data I’ve read with folks using it in a .308 is impressive and I’d love to compare it directly with a 30-06.
 
Yeah your thread with the pre64win.com build is very nice.

I’m thinking more Origin/Defiance in a MCS or an Eliseo tubegun chassis. I just need to get my hands on an Eliseo to see if I like it or not. Any highpower shooters out there for a try out?