It is STILL the cartridge by which ALL others are judged.
It is amazing to me to read various cartridge performance data, and realize that when all-around performance is sought, the .30'06 is still the most versatile performer of them all. Modern magnum rounds provide higher velocity, but modern technology is pushing '06 performance up to what was until recently only magnum performance.
I have noticed that smaller calibers do have flatter trajectory, but deliver less impact at longer range. Magnum rounds like the .338 deliver heavier projectiles, but with .30'06 trajectory. Even the 270gr. .375 H&H approximates .30'06 trajectory, so....there's no getting away from it. It appears to have defined the general limit of all-around cartridge performance, when all factors are considered.
H-mantle bullets increase hunting performance in standard weights, indicating that if a game animal can be properly hit, the .30'06 compares well to heavier bullet magnums. The .300WM does not perform well with bullets over 200grs. Companies like Conley Precision offer factory loaded 250gr. bullets, and other weights and designs, all at impressive velocities.
When ammunition availability and the use of standard actions are considered, the field-proven .30'06 has a lot to commend it as an all around hunting, military, and general use cartridge, even from this vantage point in the 21st. century.
The P.O.Ackley IMPROVED modification, increasing powder capacity by lessening the case taper, can deliver 150 to 200 feet per second more velocity, with the rifle still being able to fire STANDARD ammunition. This also preserves magazine capacity over the belted .300WM. With moly-coated bullets it can equal standard magnum performance, it still can fire 220-250gr. projectiles as does the parent case, and even use stripper clips for fast magazine recharging in military actions, which can be handy when using the .30'06 on dangerous game like black bears and wild boar.
Belt measurements vary so much from brand to brand and even case to case that a belt has no practical effect on headspace, an original rationale for the design, as well as to enable the use of .458WM in double barreled rifles. Shouldered cases do not need this. At its introduction, the belt appeared to strengthen the case, but this has also proven to be unnecessary.
The .30'06 still rules the roost, IMHO.
Excellent summary, PM. I love my Rem 700 '06. Shoots anything I stuff in it well.
Well said my friend !
"This Nyala was taken with .30-06 in South Africa. The author took only a .30-06 and killed everything from mountain reedbuck and impala at ranges of 300 yards plus, to a waterbuck at 375 yards. These are long and unusual ranges for Africa, but the .30-06 with 165-grain bullets handled them with aplomb." -Terry Wieland
Slim reveres the .30-06, showing once again he was brought up right.
As a matter of fact I have one that needs sighting in right now.