The caliber .30-06 Springfield (decimal caliber 7.62 × 63 mm) is one of the most commonly used rifle calibers in Germany and worldwide, alongside the German caliber 8 x 57 IS and the Anglo-Saxon caliber .308 Winchester .
Due to its wide availability, almost all rifles are offered in this caliber. The ammunition is also readily available everywhere and comparatively inexpensive.
".30" stands for the bullet diameter of 0.3 inches, "-06" for 1906, the year it was introduced in the US Army.
The caliber .30-06 Springfield is closely related to the .308 Winchester cartridge, which has the same bullet diameter but is "shorter": .30-06 has a stronger propellant charge and therefore a longer cartridge case.
In direct comparison to .308, .30-06 is faster. This means that due to the higher muzzle velocity, the projectile flies in a relatively flat trajectory. Additionally, it delivers more energy to the target than .308. The downside of the higher propellant charge: .30-06 has a stronger recoil, and shooters tend to flinch more easily in anticipation of it. Therefore, .308 is often said to have higher precision. If a short, light barrel is used, it may be that the potential of the cartridge is not fully utilized because the propellant charge does not burn completely before the projectile exits the barrel. This results in a strong muzzle flash and a very loud muzzle report. For the caliber .30-06, a barrel length of 60 cm is recommended, or a special load for short barrels.
.30-06 Springfield can be used in Germany for hunting all game animals and is therefore also excellent suitable for novice hunters.
The next larger caliber in the ".30 group" is .300 Winchester Magnum (7.62 x 66.5 mm).
For an overview of the common calibers
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More exciting reports on the topic of caliber
Exciting, interesting, and informative reports on the topic can also be found with our premium partner, the hunting magazine Jagdzeit., for example, in the overview of all articles on the topic of caliber.
