Question on 30-06 rifle

W

wes1761

Private
Minuteman
Feb 13, 2010
22
0
54
St Charles County Missouri
#1
I picked up a Weatherby Vanguard 30-06 with a simmons scope for $300 from a buddy that runs a pawn shop. The reciever is stamped 30-06 only, I am more familiar with my AR and AK's, so on this rifle, can you fire 30-06 Springfield through it? Is there a difference between 30-06 and 30-06 Springfield? I grabbed 2 boxes of 30-06 springfield in 150 grain and 180 grain to try out different loads, but I want to be sure I can fire these rounds through it......Thanks in advance!

Wes
 
#6
Re: Question on 30-06 rifle

Sounds like you got a good deal. However it is not fair to tell us about your new rifle without showing us a picture.
grin.gif
grin.gif


30-06 SpringField ammunition will do just fine. The 30-06 is a fine old cartridge. Do a search and read about the rich heritage of the cartridge you selected. I believe General Patton said the 30-06 in the Garand was the finest military rifle there ever was(at that time). I believe he said it was why we won the war?? Check it pout. There is some great history there in that cartridge. It was a also the cartridge used in one of my favorite rifles. the 03A3 SpringField bolt action rifle. That is the ones you see when you the veterans do their memorial services. Or at least that is the rifle that our local VFW Honor Guard uses.

The original cartridge was called the 30-03. That meant a 30 caliber military rifle that was created in 1903(Hence the 03A3 SpringField rifle-bolt action). Then the cartridge was slightly changed in 1906. So the new name became 30-06. You did not ask for all this information. But if your read and study some of this old information about our old military cartridges--well IMO it can be a lot of fun. Tom.
 
#7
Re: Question on 30-06 rifle

I tell all my kids in Hunter Education about the different designations on cartridges, IE, the 30-30= .30 cal. with 30 grains of powder from the early black powder cartridge days. It is extremely interesting!

I remember watching my brother bloody his nose when we were kids with an '03 springfield. Held it a bit tight and dug his thumb into a nostril on the first shot....

I'll get a pic ASAPof the new toy..

Thanks again folks!!

Wes
 
#8
Re: Question on 30-06 rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wes1761</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I tell all my kids in Hunter Education about the different designations on cartridges, IE, the 30-30= .30 cal. with 30 grains of powder from the early black powder cartridge days. It is extremely interesting!

Wes </div></div>


Sorry Wes but you got that one wrong. The 30-30 was originally called the 30WCF. But Marlin did not like the idea of stamping his rifle with the WCF stamp. So Marlin added the -30 to the name of the cartridge. The 30-30 or 30 WCF was the original smokeless powder cartridge for the lever action model 1894 Winchester. And the actual -30 stand for 30 grains of "smokeless powder", it has nothing to do with the "early black powder cartridge days". The actual name was done more as a marketing ploy than an actual representation of the cartridge. Alot of the early cartridges were what you described. And alot of them even had an additional number that designated the bullet weight. However It was not done that way for the 30-30.

For instance the 45-70 was first called the 45-70-500 because of the 500 grain bullet. But then it was changed to the 45-70-405 which became the standard government Trapdoor load. And then they actualy shortened it to the 45 Government cartridge. But the 45-70 is what stuck. This was an "original black powder cartridge". Tom.
 
#10
Re: Question on 30-06 rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Thorax</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Holy mis-informed Wikipedia definition, Batman.



</div></div>

Personally my information came from my copy of "Winchester 1of1000" reference book that I personally bought from Mr. Madis in 1992. And my earlier Marlin rifle books that I read. And I do not think it is mis-information. As far as Wikipedia is concerned. I did look at their site to confirm what I read before. But where do you come up with mis-informed?? The 1894 Winchester was designed as a smokeless powder rifle with the 30WCF being the original chambering?? So what is your problem?? Or maybe you have a problem with someone checking their "facts" before they post about something?? Tom.
 
#12
Re: Question on 30-06 rifle

I believe that the full name of the 30-06 cartridge is 30-06 Springfield. "Springfield" because it was developed by the <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Springfield </span></span>Armory for the M1903 Springfield Rifle. I believe that the difference between the 30-03 and the 30-06 was primarily in the bullet and powder loading. The 30-03 had a 220 round nose bullet and the 30-06 had a lighter flatter shooting 150 grain spitzer bullet. The bullet change was accompanied by a slight change in case dimensions. My 1974 Speer Reloading Manual # Nine says that existing M1903 rifles were modified for the 30-06 cartridge.

M1903/A3 Springfield rifles were produced during World War II. The "03-A3" had a different stock configuration with a sort of ("scant") pistol grip and some other production detail changes. One significant change was the rear sight was on the rear reciever bridge instead of on the rear of the barrel.

Here is a link.

http://www.surplusrifle.com/03a3/index.asp

This is probably more than you ever wanted to know.
smile.gif
 
#13
Re: Question on 30-06 rifle

Your rifle will be happy with essentially any commercial .30-'06 hunting or target load. While probably better suited to hunting than target shooting; it should give you long, satisfying service.

This all assumes that it was in good shape when you bought it. If there's any doubt, a reputable gunsmith can provide an inspection (and hopefully a borescoping), and any anxieties would be put to rest once and for all.

Greg
 
#18
Re: Question on 30-06 rifle

I don't know. Good question. Nasty bastard? Don't know about that, either.

I do know I'll always have a relatively accurate .30-'06 bolt gun as long is I'll have my Garand, and my Garand will be in the family for as long as there's a family. Every family needs a really good Main Battle Rifle handy now and then. I mean, what's a family for..., right?

Greg
 
#19
Re: Question on 30-06 rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: asbestosglove</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm ready to be flagged as a nasty bastard, but what is a guy asking that basic a question doing teaching Hunter Education? </div></div>

Because the barrel was stamped 30-06 only, and the Ammo I bought said 30-06 Springfield....I have never owned a 30-06 before and wanted to be sure it was the same. In Hunter Ed class, the book states

" Match your ammunition to the data stamp on the reciever exactly"

I dont tell them what to shoot, how to shoot, or how to hunt, we preach safety and safety and safety.
 
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