.30-06 Spring. Load Data

Introduced by the U.S. Army in 1906, the .30-06 Springfield (7.62x63mm) evolved from the .30-03 by adopting a lighter spitzer bullet that dramatically improved range and trajectory. It became the standard U.S. service cartridge through two World Wars and Korea, powering the M1903 Springfield, M1917 Enfield, BAR, and the iconic M1 Garand before being replaced in service by 7.62 NATO. Its enduring popularity with civilian shooters and hunters is fueled by excellent versatility, widespread rifle availability, and a huge ecosystem of components. The .30-06 also spawned influential offspring such as the .270 Winchester, .25-06 Remington, and .35 Whelen, further cementing its place in reloading history. In both SAAMI (.30-06 Sprg) and CIP (7.62x63) contexts, it’s one of the most globally supported .30-caliber cartridges.

For reloaders, the .30-06 delivers broad application bandwidth. It excels in North American big-game hunting, classic service rifle competition with the M1 Garand, and mid-to-long-range target work in modern bolt-actions. Its generous case capacity and 1:10 twist in most rifles accommodate everything from light varmint bullets to heavy, high-BC projectiles for extended range. Component availability is a major advantage: brass is common, die sets are plentiful, and bullet selection is immense. Garand shooters should pay attention to gas-system friendliness and port pressure (many use suitable burn-rate powders or an adjustable gas plug to protect op-rods), while modern bolt guns comfortably handle the full pressure envelope within published specs. Typical sporter barrels run 22–24 inches, balancing velocity and handling.

On game, the .30-06’s effectiveness is well-proven. For deer, pronghorn, and feral hogs, 150–165 grain bullets offer flat trajectories and reliable terminal performance. For elk, black bear, and moose, 180–200 grain premium bullets provide deeper penetration and controlled expansion. It’s also viable for African plains game where legal, with many hunters choosing bonded or monolithic designs in the 180–200 grain class. Lighter 125–130 grain bullets can be tailored for varmints and predators when minimal pelt damage or high speed is desired. Recoil is moderate to stout depending on rifle weight and bullet choice, but remains manageable with proper stock design, pads, or brakes.

Typical .30-06 bullet weights range from 125 to 220 grains, with 150, 165/168, 180, and 200 grains being most common for hunting and target use. Most rifles use a 1:10 twist, stabilizing long, heavy .30-caliber bullets effectively. SAAMI maximum average pressure is 60,000 psi (CIP Pmax 405 MPa). Case length is about 2.494 inches with a standard overall length near 3.34 inches, using a Large Rifle primer. Case capacity hovers around the upper 60s in grains of water, enabling excellent flexibility across bullet classes. From 22–24 inch barrels, common field velocities run roughly 2,800–2,950 fps with 150s and about 2,650–2,750 fps with 180s, depending on rifle and component choices. Brass tends to stretch; regular trimming and periodic neck annealing can extend case life.