(Pronounced thrity ought six)(Full name:.
30-06 Springfield) In 1903 a new cartridge, developed by Springfield Armory, was adopted to replace the 30 Army, or 30-40
Krag cartridge. The cartridge was the 30-03 or 30 Caliber of 1903. It was inspired by the
German's 7 x 57mm and 8 x 57mm
Mauser Cartridges. In 1906, the 30-03 was modified to have a shorter case neck and load a lighter bullet. It became the .30-06, or 30 Caliber Model of 1906, and was adopted by the U.S. military on October 15, 1906. It was first used in the M1 Garands and was the standard cartridge of the U.S. military until 1954, when the 7.62 x 57mm, or .308 Winchester, replaced it.
The .30-06 is an
American standard centerfire rifle cartridge. If you could only have one rifle, it would be a .30-06. Every
hunting rifle manufacturer would be stupid to not chamber their guns in .30-06 since its sales are greater than any other round in America. It is highly accurate, powerful, shoots flat enough for long range shots, and can deliver plenty of
downrange energy, making this round perfect for all game from fox to African plains game. While not quite powerful enough to stop a charging bear, buffalo, or any other dangerous game, it is the most used cartridge in the U.S. for North American game.
The famous
U.S. Marine sniper, Gunnery Sergeant Carlos
Hathcock, took many of his shots at 700 yards with his Winchester Model 70 bolt action rifle chambered in .
30-06 Springfield.