30-06 Recommendations

[Pumpkin]

Hard to go wrong with the 30-06.
One of my most uncomfortable rifles to shoot is a M70 lightweight in 308.
Two of my Mossberg 810 30-06’s have recoil pads and one old 721 has the original aluminum butt plate.
I don’t consider the felt recoil any worse or noticeable than my M70.
But don’t shoot the 721 without at least a light jacket.

[taylorce1]

@USAF Ret, knowing the issues you have with your neck. There isn't really a reason to step up to the .30-06 even if you use a break or suppressor. It'll recoil more than the .308 rifles you already shoot. If .308 recoil is on the edge of what your body can tolerate, then there is no need to move up to .30-06.

If you just have to get a .30-06, then I'd look for a collector rifle M1 Garand, 1903/1903A3, or a 1917 in .30-06. Something shootable for a few rounds and to BS about on the range. Just hand load your ammunition in one of the bolt rifles to .308 levels and enjoy. You won't be able to download the Garand, but it's operation should tame some of the recoil forces.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by taylorce1

@USAF Ret, knowing the issues you have with your neck. There isn't really a reason to step up to the .30-06 even if you use a break or suppressor. It'll recoil more than the .308 rifles you already shoot. If .308 recoil is on the edge of what your body can tolerate, then there is no need to move up to .30-06.

If you just have to get a .30-06, then I'd look for a collector rifle M1 Garand, 1903/1903A3, or a 1917 in .30-06. Something shootable for a few rounds and to BS about on the range. Just hand load your ammunition in one of the bolt rifles to .308 levels and enjoy. You won't be able to download the Garand, but it's operation should tame some of the recoil forces.

Thanks buddy, you got me rethinking.

[MZ5]

Originally Posted by taylorce

[T]he .30-06 even if you use a break or suppressor (will) recoil more than the .308 rifles you already shoot.

That's why the '06 is so excellent a choice. If you want full power, it's available. If you want to load it down to 308 levels, you can do that. If you want to load it down to 30-30 levels, you can do that, too. If you want to see why or whether a .300 Blackout might be fun, you can load the '06 down to do that, too!

Personally, I like streamlining. I load '06 for an M1, so I have bullets, lots of brass, dies, etc. I also shoot 6.5 Creedmoor a LOT, which uses the same powders as the '06 (loaded to full power). So for me, a 308 would be dumb since it would require new brass and dies, and different powders. An '06 has absolutely every aspect of the 308 covered, and then some. If I shot factory ammo, I'd recall the last serious shortages and recall that '06 was available when 308 was not.

For someone who shoots a lot of 308 or 223 (same or similar powders), and doesn't intend to use the higher performance of the '06 (especially with heavier bullets), the situation would be different and a 308 would make a whole lot of sense.

[44 AMP]

7.5lbs is the listed weight for a Rem 700 in 06. (wood stock)

The 1903 Springfield and 1917 Enfields are softer feeling recoils because they are about a pound heavier. The M1 Garand recoils softer yet (felt recoil) partly because of the semi auto action, but mostly because it is a 9.5lb rifle.

I don't have personal experience with muzzle brakes but the ones that work "right" are reported to significantly reduce the felt recoil.

I do have a couple guns with ports, but those are compensators intended to reduce muzzle rise, not rearward thrust.

[mehavey]

If one uses a true brake to minimize recoil, it will direct muzzle blast backwards at an angle such
that one actual might feel the blast wave coming past the tips of your earlobes.
(First time I fired my BeoWooF I thought I might have pierced a primer)

But it dramatically reduced recoil of that 440gr bullet doing near 1,800fps

[taylorce1]

@MZ5, I'm not arguing against the .30-06. I'm advocating USAF Ret not bother since he has physical issues that don't allow him to tolerate recoil. I'm not 100% sure on his recoil tolerance without aggravating his neck issues.

This is why I'm against him stepping up to a .30-06 when he already owns .308 rifles. So why buy a .30-06 hunting rifle with a $1000 or less budget, just to have to shoot reduced recoil rounds for his uses? That's why I suggested if he really wanted a .30-06, to buy a WWI/II battle rifle and just enjoy the history and taking it to the range. A really nice battle rifle will cost more than his budget, but he'll save on buying optics.

[old roper]

taylorce1, Isn't USAF Ret old enough to select rifle he wants.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by old roper

taylorce1, Isn't USAF Ret old enough to select rifle he wants.

Old Roper, I am plenty old, haha. Taylorce1 and I have been friends for a few years and he knows things about my medical issues that most folks don't. I appreciate the thought, but I also respect his opinion as well. He knows me well enough to know I am also an impulse buyer. Thank you.

[tjmga]

I agree with Paul B. The 30-06 is always a great choice. I have recently migrated to lever actions and the associated cartridges. I do have a Sako AV in 30-06. I feel it is the perfect North American caliber. I think so many people are lead into the latest, bestest caliber because they thats what is presenty the "in" caliber.

[Jack Ryan]

"The 30-06 is always an excellent choice."
Exactly.

If I'd have bought my 30-06 Garand FIRST, I'd never needed any other rifle. As it is, I also have a Savage 110 in 30-06.

[georgehwbush]

tjmga: i agree completely, flavor of the month latest and greatest often fades into memory with the next fad that comes along. stick with something that works for you that you like and if the new kid on the block gains traction of time then you might think about it then... at least time tested best sellers were good enough to be remembered.

[MZ5]

@taylorc1, that reasoning (for suggesting 308 rather than the '06 to this friend) makes great sense, and was one of the things I mentioned in my last post.

[44 AMP]

Perhaps I'm not calibrated finely enough, but in equal weight rifles, with equal stock fit to me, and shooting the same bullets at the same velocities I can't tell the difference in recoil between 06 and .308.

Taking the 06 to its upper end, I can feel a small difference, but not a lot. Burning around 10gr more powder and getting around 150-200fps more is enough to notice, but not, for me, enough to be bothered by.

Everyone is different, stock fit does matter, more than many realize. A .308 with a poor stock fit to the shooter can feel like it kicks worse than an 06.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by 44 AMP

Perhaps I'm not calibrated finely enough, but in equal weight rifles, with equal stock fit to me, and shooting the same bullets at the same velocities I can't tell the difference in recoil between 06 and .308.

Taking the 06 to its upper end, I can feel a small difference, but not a lot. Burning around 10gr more powder and getting around 150-200fps more is enough to notice, but not, for me, enough to be bothered by.

Everyone is different, stock fit does matter, more than many realize. A .308 with a poor stock fit to the shooter can feel like it kicks worse than an 06.

I am a hobbit, haha. So, I always get rifles with adjustable stocks. I cannot shoot most standard stock configurations comfortably. 13 1/4" LOP is my sweet spot.

[bamaranger]

Would a Kimber Hunter fill the bill? With 'scope, loaded with sling plenty light. Might kick like a mule though......but portable and 24" tube.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by bamaranger

Would a Kimber Hunter fill the bill? With 'scope, loaded with sling plenty light. Might kick like a mule though......but portable and 24" tube.

I can't handle kicking like a mule, haha.

[USAF Ret]

I ended up ordering a HOWA barreled action from Brownell's. They had a pretty good discount and I can order the stock I want. We shall see if the recoil is too much, as I am stretching my limits. Looking at the Bell and Carlson stock, as it has a little shorter LOP and does not break the bank.

[taylorce1]

Originally Posted by USAF Ret

I ended up ordering a HOWA barreled action from Brownell's.

You might want to look at some of the Stocky's brand stocks for the Howa 1500 action. They aren't more than $100 over some of the B&C options. I don't know if the LOP can be adjusted or not, might be worth an email.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by taylorce1

You might want to look at some of the Stocky's brand stocks for the Howa 1500 action. They aren't more than $100 over some of the B&C options. I don't know if the LOP can be adjusted or not, might be worth an email.

Thanks buddy, I have them tagged on my shopping list. The stocks they have available are the lightweight carbon, which are really nice. They are about $240 more, but I love the profile on them. They are a 13.5" LOP, which works. I like about 1/4" shorter, but that is a comfortable length.

I even thought about a Boyds traditional wood stock decked with the checkering and the forend cap.

[stagpanther]

Don't overlook MDT or Bravo chassis--I've used them both and they are excellent values for the money.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by stagpanther

Don't overlook MDT or Bravo chassis--I've used them both and they are excellent values for the money.

Thank you sir. Will look at those.

[taylorce1]

Blems of the Stocky's 1500 stock appear from time to time. Keep an eye out for them, they usually run $299.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by taylorce1

Blems of the Stocky's 1500 stock appear from time to time. Keep an eye out for them, they usually run $299.

Thanks buddy. Will do.

[Red Devil]

Originally Posted by zoomie

https://www.eurooptic.com/Tikka-T3x-...JRTXRT320.aspx

My thought as well.




Red