The 30-06 caliber was born around the turn of the 20th Century in response to European military forces’ turn to the use of pointed spritzer bullets. The initial caliber, designed by the United States Military, and brought into production in 1906, reached a muzzle velocity of 2 700 f/s, achieved a ballistic coefficient of 0.405 and reached a maximum range of 3 409 yards when loaded with Military Rifle (MR) 21 propellant.
This particular caliber served the U.S. Military well, as it was utilized in the First and Second World Wars as well as the U.S.’s involvement in the Korean War. In 1954, the caliber was replaced by the 7.62×57 NATO (also known as the 308 Winchester).
Having been dismissed from active duty has, however, in no way detracted from the 30-60’s popularity. In fact, since the 1950’s, the 30-06 Springfield has become a highly favored hunting caliber, particularly in the United States. Due to its success into the hunting foray, the popularity of this caliber has increased into the 21st century, and it is considered to be the most popular hunting caliber in both the United States and Africa.
This is most likely due to its ability to down a great variety of game, ensuring success on big game hunting trips (including whitetail hunting trips and elk hunting trips), as well as successfully hunting varmints. It is speculated that it originally soared to popularity in hunting amongst soldiers returning from war that were both familiar and comfortable with the 30-06 caliber.
Reasons for the 30-06’s prolonged popularity include the following:
- Reliability and accuracy: The caliber can reliably reach a 1 000 ft target and is considered to be one of the most accurate cartridges in the world for achieving hunting kill shots.
- Low recoil: Recoil on the 30-06 is comparatively low.
- Quick reloading-action of the casings: The caliber’s exterior was designed to assist and promote the feeding and extraction of the casing in both bolt-action rifles and machine guns, thereby respecting the integrity of the hunting rifle.
- Can kill game of almost any size: The 30-06 has been successfully used in hunting all game, regardless of size.
Animals you can hunt with the 30-06:
- Cougar
- Goats
- Antelope
- Deer
- Black Bear
Hunting rifles that make use of the 30-06:
- Remington Model 798
- Mauser M03 Extreme
- Blaeser K95
- Savage Model 110
- Merkel RX Helix
Peregrine Bullets For The 30-06
Peregrine Solid Brass
The Peregrine Solid Brass reloading bullet is ideal for dangerous game hunting or back-up. Due to the solid construction there will be no bending or fragmenting.
Peregrine Solid Copper
The Peregrine Solid Copper reloading bullet is designed to be used in conjunction with the Peregrine BushMaster range for sighting your hunting rifle. Due to the solid construction there will be no bending or fragmenting.
Peregrine BushMaster
The Peregrine BushMaster is ideal for any type of game hunting in thicket and is suitable for short to medium range applications. The Peregrine BushMaster is an expanding bullet with similar ballistics as the Peregrine Solid Copper bullet.
Peregrine PlainsMaster
The Peregrine PlainsMaster bullet is a spitzer hunting bullet designed for open terrain hunting with medium range application. The Peregrine PlainsMaster is also an expanding bullet, with a brass plunger that enhances nose expansion and mushrooming at high and low bullet velocities.
Peregrine Match
The Peregrine Peregrine Match Reloading Bullet is a competition shooting bullet mainly used for medium range target shooting and is a practice shooting substitute for the Peregrine PlainsMaster bullet. The Peregrine Match bullet has increased velocity but less recoil compared to to lead-core bullets.