.30-06 Springfield
Also called: 30-06, thirty-aught-six, .30-06
An American classic from 1906 that has taken nearly every kind of North American big game, and is easy to find ammunition for.
- Type
- Centerfire Rifle
- Bullet diameter
- .308 in
- Case length
- 2.494 in
- Overall length
- 3.34 in
- Typical bullet weights
- 150 to 220 grains
- Typical muzzle velocity
- About 2,400 to 2,900 fps
- Recoil
- Moderate recoil
- Quarry
- Deer, hogs & pronghorn, Elk & moose
- Typical range
- Deer to about 400 yards; elk with premium bullets and good placement
- Availability
- Very common
What it is good for
- Deer, elk, black bear, and most big game.
- Hunters who want one rifle and ammunition choices from light to heavy bullets.
- Handloaders, thanks to a huge range of bullets and powders.
Where it falls short
- Recoil is noticeable, especially in light rifles.
- Its long case needs a long action, so rifles are a little larger than short-action ones.
- It is not a match for the largest dangerous game.
Easily confused with
- .270 Winchester: uses the same case necked down to a narrower bullet; both fit the same rifle actions.
- .308 Winchester: a shorter case with similar bullet width and slightly less power.
Field notes
Adopted by the U.S. military in 1906, the .30-06 has been used by hunters ever since. The range of bullet weights makes it flexible: lighter bullets for deer, heavier ones for elk.
Related guides
Numbers are typical factory-load figures, not guarantees. Use only ammunition that matches the cartridge stamped on your firearm and is made by a reputable manufacturer, and follow the manual. Legal game cartridges, minimum calibers, and non-toxic shot rules differ by state and area. Check your state's current regulations; our state resources directory links to each state's official rules. Not sure which rifle to buy? Try our hunting rifle wizard.