Home Rifle Ammo .30-06 Springfield

.30-06 Springfield

Average Cost Per Round

$1.76/rd
↓ $0.03 (1.9%) in the last 30D
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Price Trend
-1.9%
Yearly Price Points
14,267
Dealers
8
Products
38

.30-06 Springfield Prices

PRODUCT PRICE/RD
$1.09
400 Rounds
$1.18
500 Rounds
$1.24
500 Rounds
$1.24
500 Rounds
$1.27
200 Rounds
$1.27
500 Rounds
$1.29
400 Rounds
$1.31
200 Rounds
$1.34
500 Rounds
$1.34
200 Rounds
$1.40
200 Rounds
$1.40
200 Rounds
$1.41
200 Rounds
$1.54
200 Rounds
$1.57
200 Rounds
$1.69
200 Rounds
$1.69
200 Rounds
$1.73
100 Rounds
$1.74
200 Rounds
$1.75
200 Rounds
$1.75
200 Rounds
$1.75
200 Rounds
$1.78
200 Rounds
$1.82
200 Rounds
$1.87
200 Rounds
$1.88
200 Rounds
$1.93
200 Rounds
$1.95
200 Rounds
$2.03
100 Rounds
$2.13
200 Rounds
$2.16
200 Rounds
$2.32
200 Rounds
$2.35
200 Rounds
$2.35
200 Rounds
$2.41
200 Rounds
$2.48
200 Rounds
$2.83
200 Rounds
$3.09
200 Rounds
Showing 38 Products

.30-06 Springfield Overview

The .30-06 Springfield stands as one of the most successful and versatile rifle cartridges ever developed. Introduced in 1906 (hence the "06" designation), it served as America's primary military cartridge through two World Wars and later became the country's most popular big game round. Its combination of power, accuracy, and moderate recoil continues to make it a benchmark against which other cartridges are measured.

Modern ammunition development has kept the .30-06 relevant well into its second century. The cartridge's versatility allows it to handle everything from varmints to the largest North American game. Its widespread availability, broad selection of bullet weights and styles, and proven track record maintain its position as a go-to choice for hunters and precision shooters alike.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros

  • Excellent power and range
  • Wide selection of ammunition available
  • Proven effectiveness on all North American game
  • Good balance of power and recoil
  • Available anywhere ammunition is sold

Cons

  • More recoil than shorter cartridges
  • Requires long action
  • More expensive than .308 Winchester
  • Heavier rifles than short-action calibers
  • Not ideal for AR-platform rifles

Similar Calibers Compared

Caliber Typical Bullet Weight Muzzle Velocity Muzzle Energy Energy at 500 yds
.30-06 Springfield 165gr 2900 fps 3089 ft-lbs 1650 ft-lbs
.308 Winchester 165gr 2700 fps 2719 ft-lbs 1450 ft-lbs
.300 Win Mag 180gr 3050 fps 3719 ft-lbs 1890 ft-lbs
.270 Winchester 130gr 3060 fps 2702 ft-lbs 1425 ft-lbs

What .30-06 Springfield Does Best

Big Game Hunting

The .30-06 truly excels in big game hunting, where its versatility and power make it suitable for everything from deer to elk and moose. The cartridge's ability to handle bullet weights from 150 to 220 grains allows hunters to optimize loads for different game and conditions. Its moderate recoil compared to magnum cartridges helps ensure accurate shot placement, while maintaining enough energy for clean, ethical harvests at reasonable hunting distances.

Long-Range Precision

For long-range shooting, the .30-06 offers excellent accuracy potential and good resistance to wind drift with heavier bullets. While newer cartridges may offer marginally better ballistics, the .30-06 remains capable of consistent accuracy at extended ranges. Modern match-grade ammunition and bullets with high ballistic coefficients have kept the cartridge competitive in precision shooting applications.

All-Around Performance

As an all-purpose cartridge, few can match the .30-06's versatility. From lightweight varmint loads to heavy brush-busting bullets, it handles every hunting situation effectively. This versatility, combined with the cartridge's widespread availability and broad selection of factory loads, makes it an ideal choice for the hunter who wants one rifle to do it all.

Types of Projectiles

Soft Point (SP)

  • Traditional hunting ammunition with reliable expansion and penetration

Polymer Tip

  • Modern hunting loads with high ballistic coefficients and controlled expansion

Match Grade

  • Precision ammunition for target shooting and long-range hunting

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

  • Practice ammunition and military surplus options

Common .30-06 Springfield Bullet Weights

150 grain

  • Higher velocity for deer-sized game and flatter trajectory

165-168 grain

  • Versatile medium weight for all-around hunting and match shooting

180-220 grain

  • Heavy bullets for large game and maximum penetration