I'm 67 and have owned several 30/06's and taken a lot of big game with them. The deer, elk, antelope and bear that I have taken with them all have one thing in common - none of the animals I took with a 30/06 ever stood up and complained one way or another.

3006 is the best cartridge ever made.

The .30-06 is the best all around caliber for big game for any typical hunter. Ammo is usually easy to find and in a wide variety of loads. I'll take it and its 117 year history and performance over any modern day cartridge. Our great grandfathers and grandfathers got this one right.

As someone who doesn't have a 30-06 rifle. I still want one.

When I turned 16 my mom asked me what I wanted for Xmas and I told her a 30-06, she laughed and said what else I told her a car!😊 I got a 30-06!

Even in hard times, I was always able to find 30-06. 30-06 can take every game animal on the North American continent.

30/60 full of versatility with nothing but ability 😂 ❤

The 30-06 was my first big game rifle and I still have it. I am in central MS and rarely see game over 150 yards away. I have used the 150 grain Nosler partition for years. It has never failed to have complete pass through and usually have DRT results. I don't use it much any more as the rifle kicks like a mule to my 75 year old bones but it simply gets the job done.

I don't own a 30-06 (I have a 308 Win and 300 Win Mag), but I do give it the respect it deserves. Tried and true, it has and will knock down anything in North America. Ammunition is available anywhere. You can reload very light to very heavy and be rest assured it will perform well and not let you down. When all the latest fad cartridges come and go, the 30-06 will still be around. Stay safe and happy shooting.

Thank you for not cutting the 30/06 down . The history behind it is great. It's been reliable in war and putting food on the table for a long time. It's just as reliable today as it ever was. My dad was a gunsmith , I got home from work one Saturday night and said follow me. We went down to the gun room and he started handing me parts by the following Tuesday I had my model '98 Mauser 30/06. I'm still hunting with it today, that was 50 years ago this month. Thanks dad.😊

30/06 is a great round and deserves all the accolades it gets. I'm a 308 guy because it does anything and everything I want. I chamber it in several different weapons weather bolt action or a semi-auto variant. I like keeping all my rifles one caliber that happens to be incredibly ubiquitous i.e. 308/7.62x51. It makes stocking up much easier ;)

Thank you very much for this factual presentation of the 30-06. I have hunted for 55 years with this caliber, and it has never let me down!

What's nice about the 30-06 is that it is very versatile. It can be loaded to hunt everything from squirrels to Kodiak bears.

My primary hunting rifle is a Ruger M77 I purchased 42 years ago. With my favorite hunting load, 150 gr Nosler BT over 52 gr IMR 4064, will keep 3 shots in just over a half inch if I do my part. I'm in my 70's and I've had four rifles in .30-06 and loved them all. I find the recoil not at all a bother and certainly never notice it when shooting game. Best all round cartridge in the world in my opinion.

If I were hunting anything larger than black bear, I'd choose an '06 without hesitation. It and the .308 are my top two choices. In fairness, I've drop large deer with a .223 and they dropped on the spot but I patiently did my part. Anyways, if my bullet choice was over 150 grains I'd gladly use the '06. The most important choice is to get out there and live the good life. God bless all of you, happy hunting.

Thanks for this great update on a great cartridge! I am quite old and my first reaction to the titular question was "Me". I was at the transition of rifles in the Army. I hated the new rifles (M14?)that were forced on us in around 1960. I had very little range time with it as well. But the M1 was very much loved and trusted. We had tons of ammo to shoot, left over from Korea, and could get quite comfortable with our M1s. I don't believe the rifle ever failed me while shooting literally thousands of rounds. I certainly defer to all of the hunters who have had more recent experience. Ar my age(81), however, if I ever buy another rifle it will be a 30-06.

For the woodlands of northern Ontario, the .30-06 is all the rifle I need. It covers everything from coyote to black bear and moose, and everything in between. Not to mention something that's been stated a billion times, yet has so much merit: the .30-06 is just so incredibly versatile. Factory ammo can be bought anywhere, the amount of handload components available are endless (literally over 500 combinations of bullet types, brands, sizes, etc. alone), and with modern bullets its ballistics are now much better at longer ranges than what many people would ever give it credit for. Ultimate Reloader just did a recent video featuring the same 212 grain Hornady ELD-X bullets mentioned here, and with 56.3 grains of Superformance powder it shot 2,590 fps at the muzzle, produced 1,627 ft.-lbs. and 1,859 fps at 600 yds., AND has literally identical wind drift numbers right across the board as a 6.5 Creedmoor shooting 143 grain ELD-X, due to the 212 grain ELD-X's even higher BC of .663 (using Hornady's ballistics calculator). All this equals sure death to ANY elk shot at sane distances out west. With modern bullets, and especially handloaded, the "old" .30-06 ain't the same round grandad shot back in the day. With modern components it's an even more capable round than it ever has been, and is CERTAINLY far from being "obsolete" or "irrelevant". Modern bullet design is breathing new life into the .30-06, and I just think it's going to take a bit of time for some people to realize that the .30-06 is just as relevant now as it has ever been. Long live the .30-06!

Over 50 years old and still using the 30-06 my grandfather gave me upon graduating basic training. In my opinion, it is one of the best all-around hunting cartridges still available. And as the gunslingers said, "Beware the man that trains with one gun.".

You’ll be glad to know I’m currently building one at the moment and the test rifle we were using yielded 2800+ fps with 208gr eld with a 26” barrel, 1.1fps ES and an SD of .4, all while using the most temp stable powder on the plant H4350!

I'm finally learning something. I'm particularly grateful because I had completely blanked this cartridge out. I bought my first hunting rifle after going on my first big game hunt at Laramie Wyoming where I shot three Pronghorn at approximately 200-300 yds using the Weatherby 257, 270, 300 belted magnums. I was ecstatic and the truckload of meat was rewarding. Without hesitation I went rifle shopping and settled on a vintage Winchester model 70 featherweight; it was said to be strong and reliable and it was beautiful too, having a fine thin Sako like barrel with sharp checkering on the perfect walnut stock. Same month, I drove up North of I-79 on Highway 13 saw a Deer near Meeker, took one shot at 150 yards and was back home eating the tenderloins before the 4 o'clock news. 180 grain Winchester Silver Tip cartridge. It was all so perfect until I bought into this idea that the 3006 could do it all and that there's alot of bullet weights and designs for everything. Naturally, hand loading accurate cartridges for bigger and smaller game and varmints became the to do, especially with the performance increases and extra meat. It all just took over. Sitting on the shooting bench at the Cherry Creek State Park testing my heavy Nosler Partition Elk loads and 110 grain spitzer varmint rabbit loads the owner of 300 Gunsmith came over to check on me. Allen thought I had problems ( I thought I needed to load and test every powder primer combination in three different loading manuals). He gave me some pointers and I listened. Several years later on my Safari downtime in East Africa my PH played the film Black Death for us.... First time I realized the shooter was Allen Duckworth back home. Anyway it all just kept growing I think because I started looking at what other people were doing. I saw these two guys kinda looking away from me so I watched them cleaning with dental precision almost like their barrels were gold. As luck would have it my first fine rifle experience unfolded to be the 222 Remington cartridge Securely attached to an XP 100 pistol action, Jewel trigger, glued into a McMillan Stock supporting a Shilen Select Match Grade 7 taper stainless barrel. But the owner if it talked me into building a different set up with his gunsmith. Anyway, now Im back and looking at the possibilities of wildcatting the 3006 case as I think it should be done. Ron made a pretty good video of the 06 cats but then he dropped out solid - sort of unexpectedly, he almost looked exhausted like he was saving up for the next wind. I never any if this stuff before KZfaq. I think when you jump in and swim the currents tend to dictate.

My first "deer rifle" was a Rem 700 .30-06 (80s vintage) given to me by my now deceased Grandfather and it has taken many whitetails for the last 20+ years. I have changed some stuff on it to bring it to the modern era... got the muzzle threaded, put a modern scope on it, added a better squishier recoil pad, put a leather shell holder with some padding under the cheek area to get myself a better cheek weld. I still love this rifle very much and it still retains most of the original essence that means so much to me. I'm taking it to Colorado elk hunting this fall and if I get an elk with it, it will probably become a bit of a safe queen... But one thing I know for sure is that I will NEVER get rid of it

A very strong argument can be made for the 30-06 simply based on the fact that many people already own one. No rifle in a cartridge that is effective and available needs to be replaced without a good reason. I "replaced" my 30-06 with a 7mm-08 as my primary hunting rifle because I got tired of recoil as i got older. I don't regret buying a 30-06 at all, it killed a bunch of elk and other critters for me.

Because it just works. To me it is simply a reliable tool I bought almost 30 years ago & it has brought down many deer and elk.

A older fellow that was a friend of my Father.. lived in Alaska… He used a sporterized 1917 Enfield.. that he purchased mail order for less than $50 in the mid-60’s Over the years it was his only hunting Moose , Caribou , Elk and great bears .. using 180gr Remington Cor-lokt … He passed a few years back .. his son has his old Enfield..and Im sure its still filling the freezer

The 3006 just works so well on game out to 400 yards. 400 yards is where most people should stop shooting at game anyway………..

The reason myself and many others own a 30:06 is that it used to be easy to find the ammo everywhere. Some of the other popular calibers available today were ridiculously hard to find.

Joseph, I bought my first .30-06 from Z.C.M.I. in Ogden, UT back in the day. A Ruger M77R. I've had many over the years. I still have 3 at home. I just gave one way to my little brother. As you, I've taken many UT Mule Deer, and a number of Elk in the Monte Cristo range. Thanks again for reminding me of better days gone past.

Right on Ron! The old aught six is not apt to let you down. The first deer to fall for me was a 30-06 out of a 1917 Eddystone ( Montgomery Ward $19.95) with military peep sights in 1964. Carried more than one 30-06 over the years but gradually moved up to a 7mm Mag. Would go back to the old aught six in a minute with no regrets.

Always have and always will. There is nothing that the 30-06 hasn’t taken.

The 30-06 is a great cartridge and has performed for decades. Proves the point that for, the average and some above average, the cartridge is more than adequate. You can spend a fortune on superbang "new" cartridges when the 30-06 still economically puts down game.

I just sold my two .300 Winchesters because at 68 I got sick of being beat up. I still have two 30-06 rifles and a .270 Winchester for the field. Hornady 165gr BTSP bullets drop elk like a bolt of lightning in the 06. Plus the 06 is easy to load for. IMR 4350 on top of a Remington 9/2 primer. I've never lost an animal with a Hornady InterLock. But I don't shoot past 250 yards. To old for buck fever. I also am a western hunter (Colorado).

I have hunted with 30-06 for 52 years. It's never failed me yet! My first Deer rifle was a 30-40 Krag at 9 years old took my first Deer at 9.

Cut my big game teeth on an '06 back in the 60s. My Dad's sporterized Mauser action, is still in my safe today. Although I have added many other rifles since then, including a Remington semi-auto in '06, it's still a favorite. The question as I understand it, is like asking, "is the .22 rim fire still relevant?" Of course it is!

Hallelujah! Someone actually values smooth feeding in case design! To say a 30-06 feeds smoothly is an understatement! Smoother than Snot!😮

I had three Remington Springfield , one was a 03 and two Al’s. I lost them all in a WILD fire in 2013. I miss them. My interest in them are why i klicked on this Video.

An old '06 has always gotten the job done, right out to 400 or so yards, up hill, down hill, one shot, one kill. Love it, wouldn't trade it.

I would still buy a 3006 today easily available cartridges and still a great cartridge to hunt with.

With a lot of PA folks it's a family tradition. Personally I have my Grandpa's Springfield 30/06. I will pass it down also plus all of my own guns. I take Grandpa's old gun out at least once a year. It brings back memories of hunting with Grandpa.

It may never be the best for every niche, but it fills so many roles very well, especially if you live somewhere with elk and moose size game. It fits in any long action with room to spare. It pushes 200gr bullets in the 2700 fps range. This means you have enough mass to use cheaper bullets and still penetrate well. 150gr bullets at 3000 fps stay flat for any deer or pronghorn out to 450 yards. Use a copper bullet of the same weight and speed and you have a deadly combo for anything. You get an extra round in the box vs a belted magnum.

Very good presentation! I think you covered all the benefits of the 30-06 that sold me. You can reload them many times more than most of the magnums and other than finding primers nowadays the components and availability is pretty good.

Well... I own four Winchester Model 70's in .30-06. 13:35 Agree! When you're setting up camp four hours from 'anything', and you've discovered 'duh... I didn't pack my ammo'. You can generally find/buy .30-06. Heck, I've seen it in gas stations, grocery stores, etc.

The 30-06 is hands down the most modular cartridge out there. You have projectile weights from 60gr copper solids, 55gr sabots, 100gr cheap plinker bullets, all the way up to 220gr ELD-X in the standard 1:10 twist. Velocity can be tuned from 1000fps with light charges of shotgun powder, and light projectiles for squirrel hunting, to full house 220gr loads for big game hunting, and excellent BCs. The only drawback is that it uses large rifle primers. Edit: Also, I'd like to see you find 7mm PRC and 300 PRC for less than a dollar a round. Currently 30-06 S&B 180gr SP is 90¢+s&h.

Great video. Been using an 06 all my life on everything from black tail deer to moose and large black bear and I’ve never had a problem. As long as you’re using the right bullet for the job at hand and shot placement of course. I’ve taken deer and antelope out to 600 yds. But only on rare occasions.

Because it's Awesome!

.30-06 with 180gr bullets for Woodland Caribou and moose have done the job for me and my father here in Newfoundland. Winchester Power points were the cheapest factory ammo available and worked just fine. I reload now and the Hornady 3070 (180gr SP Interlock) is what I settled on (Speer Hot Cor is cheaper, might try them soon). Dad is still shooting out a box of Power Points. If he lives long enough he might use them all.

30-06 worked, works and will always work on big game at hunting distances. I personally have a 300 WSM for bigger/farther stuff and a 308 for deer.

I have a Ruger, M 77 in 30-06 and I love it very reliable and I have other very new modern rifle cartridges but still love my 30-06

Two of the most available cartridges in Canada are the 30-30 ,30-06 and 303 British. I’ve seen them in little grocery stores in Hamlets and gas stations in the highway. And the 30-06 spawned the 270 which I loved to shoot over my 30-06 due to less recoil. Shot an Antelope with 130 Win Silvertip bullets and 56 1/2 grs 4831 at 400 yards. That was in 69 when tons of 4831 surplus sold for $2.50 lb. loved the Silvertip and used it exclusively.

I am from nortern new brunswick in canada, and for moose hunting, the 30-06 is a perfect all around cartridge that can do it all, good video👍

One of the most versatile cartridges ever

My first rifle was a 30-06 that my grandfather bought for me over 30 years ago. Remington 760 pump action 30-06. It's unique enough that I'll never get rid of it.

30-06 is a fine game rifle, a very proven versatile cartridge and the ammo is readily and widely available most everywhere. Best deer rifle that I've owned next to my 300 winmag.

The first centerfire rifle I ever bought was a 30-06 that's been almost 50 years ago. I am still using that same rifle today. I know why they don't load it as hot as it could be because of all the old rifles still out there but I believe it could be tweaked with more modern powders and bullets to be just as good as all these new cartridges they came out with. It's not only a great hunting round it is also an excellent self defense shtf round After all it was designed to kill people originally. 223/5.56 don't have the range or punch down range and military surplus is still available. While everyone seems to have ARs when they come to take our guns you can bet the old hard hitting 30-06 will be the first one I grab to defend my god given rights

One of my favorite rounds, 30-06. I’ve loaded everything from 110gr to 220gr weight bullets for my ‘06 and it’s never failed to perform satisfactorily. I have other rifles that are easier recoiling etc.. however, if I could only have 1 and ammo wasn’t a factor, it would be 30-06.

Because its the best all around cartridge ever made

Best round ever made

For me the 30-06 is all about balance. Reasonable, availability, recoil, trajectory and hitting power. All in a package with an appealing history. My favourite cartridge here in the Yukon, though I do move up for Bison usually.

The '06 showed up 100 years before its time. THE classic high-power cartridge.

Thank you Joseph. Very thorough! I enjoyed your good grasp of history and the respect dearly deserved by 30.06. I have to admit the cartridge and firearm make an impression on the shooter that endures the test of time. And 30.06 pleasant every time you shoot it.

I happen to know a machinist who specifically built an ELR specifically in 30-06 because he looked at everything else and decided it was the all around best. He loves this weapons capabilities and sub MOA accuracy.

It's hard to go wrong with the old '06 within its limitations. In an accurate rifle, it will do anything one could reasonably expect from a centerfire rifle, the recoil is manageable for most people, and it's very versatile.

Great video! My first center-fire rifle was a .30/06 back in the mid-1960's for deer and groundhogs. My first practice ammo was some old military-issue ball with a '38 headstamp an old family friend gave me. I still own two .30/06's. I've killed many deer, two bull elk, two black bears, coyotes, badgers, feral hogs with that caliber and never lost an animal. Most average hunters aren't good enough shots with any caliber to ethically try a shot at a big game animal over 400 yards under hunting conditions, especially in the mountains.

Greatest ever !!! Been around for how long??? And still the most efficient, effective, available, affordable and reliable cartridge ever. Available in pretty much every rifle made !!! 👍👍😃

It's such a versatile cartridge

Great subject to cover. Although I have plenty of choices, my favorite rifle is my 30-06. It's an accurized Savage 110. I shoot a 165gr Barnes TTSX over 63gr of IMR-4350 in a Federal case and CCI LR primer. It shoots just a hair over 3000fps. For an all around North American load, it just works. It kicks more than my 7mm-08 and doesn't hit like the 338WM, but it's manageable to shoot and hasn't ever failed me. Not to mention you can find ammunition just about anywhere in the world they sell ammunition.

30-06…one of the most versatile cartridges we have ever had. I have handloaded it for years (longer than you’ve been alive…LOL!) A 100 gr Speer Plinker ahead of Unique is great fun to play with. A 110 FMJ again ahead of Unique I have taken dusky grouse, rabbits, turkey and an unlucky bobcat coming into my turkey call at less than 10 feet. The 130 Barnes TTSX loaded hot (as you should with most monolithic bullets) is devastating on deer. I have taken several meat elk with the 165 Sierra Game king, a few with the Nosler 180 partition and a few with my favorite dark timber load using the 200 Partition. My biggest issue with it today is deciding which of my 30-06 rifles to use. You did a very good review of the grand old cartridge. Thanks for reminding me why I still use it.

Well done video Ron. Its rare to find content presented with the knowledge and class you have

Great video!! I’ve written some about the advantages of a .30-06 in todays world of newer “high tech” cartridges. You cover everything I’ve said and more. Thanks for a well made comparison noting both advantages and disadvantages. I look forward to more well made videos.

That may have been the best caliber description video I've seen. I'm always waiting for something I'll disagree with. He touched on every relevant topic of discussion and a few more than I would have came up with. It's a real breath of fresh air.

That's a really good question. The answer is, it's a terrific cartridge! You can shoot a light bullet very accurately and get remarkable speed, or use a heavy bullet and shorter ranges and get an awful lot of killing power. George Patton said it was the best damn gun the army ever bought. People on a budget take elk with it, bear and of course in the high country it is the deer cartridge. That's not to say there aren't other cartridges that do a wonderful job, but this has proven itself pretty effectively.

What an excellent video! I learned so much. Thank you!!

If you like a cartridge that has dropped every animal on earth, including Elephant, Rhino(including Earnest Hemingway’s running 300 yard 1 shot kill), Lion, Cape Buffalo, lots of Grizzly Bear, is accurate, medium recoiling, can shoots about as flat as the 6.5 creedmoor. Shoot bullets from 100 to 200 grains and stabilizes all of em with its 1-10 twist rate, then I suppose the 30-06 is alright I guess.

It's the grandfather of all modern cartridges. It's been used all over the world to take all kinds of game. With modern bullet designs, powder and loads it hasn't lost a step. I've used it since my youth and will continue to do so. It just works.

Few years back the only ammo I could find was 30.06. After that I knew I would never get rid of my old Ruger and have been tucking a couple boxes away every year since. It might not be the best answer for every situation but it'll do the job every time if I do my part.

My grandfather hunted deer every winter in the Poconos of Pennsylvania for food during the Great Depression of the 1930’s. I remember going out and having fun shooting water filled metal cans with his 30-06 and Winchester ‘94. Great memories!!! My dad hated going hunting with him so I never inherited those rifles. I purchased a Webley & Scott 30-06 recently and a Winchester ‘94 from 1968 (sadly not pre-64) to honor my family history. Love these rifles.

My first rifle was a 30-06. Loved it. Traded it for another 30-06. While I was happy with the trade, that first rifle will always remain in my list of "regretful trades." (Everyone has one or two). My load at the time was 180 grain bronze points. The Accutips are filling the absence of bronze points pretty well, but I still recall those bronze points favorably. My current love affair is with the 358 Winchester. A VERY much under-appreciated cartridge. No, it's not a "600 yard rifle". But I don't track deer anymore, and it (the rifle) has dropped an elk and a moose in reported spectacular fashion. Keep it within its working range, and you'll be very happy too. But this is a 30-06 article. I'll just say that you will find something better for some applications, but you'll NEVER be wrong for choosing a 30-06 as a "one rifle, do everything" cartridge.

I started deer hunting with a Winchester 32 Special but my Dad being a huge 30-06 fan bought me a used Remington pump action 30-06 when I was 14. I hunted with it for about 4 years or so and then started hunting strictly with a 44 Magnum revolver. At age 60 now I still use the old 44 Mag but at least once a year I take the old Remington out to the range and shoot at least 10 rounds through it. Great shooting gun at 100 yards and it always reminds me of hunting with my Father.

Keen observation about smooth feeding

The 30-06 is a good all around chambering. Good for antelope, deer, elk and moose.

I use several rifles from .243 Win up .300 Weatherby Magnum but my trusty .30-06 is still the most versatile. My go to load out is 180 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip. BC of .507 about 2750 FPS

Nice hat, Joseph! You make a great addition to Ron Spomer’s channel. Not just because of your hat, either. You speak clearly and make many good points. 👍🏽

Woodsmaster model .742 30-06. The goat.

You made a good case for the 30/06. I would like to see a similar treatment for the.270 Winchester. Both of these have been around a long time and have done well. But because they have been around awhile, and there is always something new, people lose interest and forget or never realize how effective these older cartridges still are, especially with newer powders and bullets.

Rarely see a video I 100 % agree with. Everything you said is viable. Great video on a great cartridge.

There awesome that's why! Lots of different load combos.

Close loads in my world. 180 accubonds over H4895. So accurate from my CZ. Great conversation going on!!

I loved having a rifle and handgun in the same 30-06 cartridge, though the loads were different. My favorite 30-06 rifle was a converted pre-war DWM 98 Mauser action. I reloaded one shell 41 times without excessive case wall thinning.. WW case, trimmed to length a few times, various 147-165gr bullets and H414, IMR 4350 and IMR 4064.

Same reason I love 450 Bushmaster. Fun.

I can't help but envision Joseph as a 6 year old talking with the same voice he has now.. Has he always sounded like this? Great videos! Thank you.

I like the 30-06 for handloading...I get 3500 ftlbs of muzzle energy from my 22" howa...(225eldm at 2650fps) that's starting 300wm energy levels...also smooth feeding, and extra capacity are a big plus.

Yes, I agree with your comment. I own and love my 30-06. I don't shoot over 300 yards usually, I shoot 190 grain Nosler partition when hunting moose and I use 220 grain bullets if/when I need to back up someone else.

Thanks Ron! Great presentation!

30-06 discussion done very well. It's not overwhelming in performance. But no where is it underwhelming in it's capabilities & access around the country. Nail on the head in my book

06 is the ultimate North American deer round. Given that, while still using 30-30 for deer hunting, Hornady's LeveRevolution 160g in the Marlin 336SS is my choice. To each their own.

The most important advantage to me (as mentioned by the presenter): logistical. The round is ubiquitous and can pretty much be found pretty much anywhere for a decent price. Animals have not changed since the cartridge was first introduced as a hunting rifle cartridge and will still succumb to it. Our penchant for extending our shooting distances, and the performance and choices of the cartridges used at these longer distances, have. As well, our collective abilities at actual hunting ability, fieldcraft, and the ability to get closer to our pursued game have changed, also.

ive had rifles of many calibers and in years past, never shot a deer at over 50ft. haha,,,ive been able to do target shots at all sorts of ranges, but in reality, i make it a point to scout the game area several months ahead of time to find travel trails, feed and water areas, and bedding spots. The closest ive ever killed was an 8 point white tail 210 lbs or so at a range of 6 ft. haha. i try to hide very well and when i see them coming along the trail, i wait until they get as close as possible before standing or exposing myself. Thats worked well for me,,,,looking back on it all, i now realize ive never had a use for sights!!! Good video, many thanks,,,bill in alabama 78 yr old

Thank you for the 30-06 review, have one in the Weatherby style and it is a true machine with any 180 grain bullet.

Here near the Appalachians, it's pretty rare to find 400 yds that isn't obstructed by trees, hills or a mountain without an Interstate on it. Both of the places I go to practice 1500 yds have a ridge or two between me and the target, and the ridges have over 200 ft in elevation change that often have opposing winds. It takes over 3 miles of logging roads and a half mile hike just to get to the target 1500 yds away.

I lugged my uncles 06 around Mississippi when I was a teen. I hammered a few deer with it but it kicked like a mule. For deer, I dont need it. Ive owned 270,280,7mm-08 and now ive settled on the .308. Shorter, easier to carry, less kick.👍

Your presentation is very revealing and true. I too have gone through al kinds of calibers and actions and as you said they have specific advantages. Not a one is as well rounded and versatile as the 30-06 and offered in as many make,models and actions. Put in a situation where I have to pick one gun to live with it would differently be the 06 and probably in a BAR from the old Belgium build.