Max hunting range of 30-06?

[Bravo 4]

Good ole Chuck knows a thing or two but not someone who's opinion I take into consideration for about anything. Maximum point blank range has more to do with target size and velocity than anything. I actually use it at times, but that is just for close range quick target engagement and then dial after that. Even the fastest big game cartridges will have a MPBR of not even what I'd consider medium ranges. Not what this site is based around and sure not his specialty.

 

[HARPERC]

..........However, I am in the school of thought with Chuck Hawks.........His opinion is when it comes to hunting, the rule of thumb is you should not shoot past the rifles maximum point blank range....This range might vary somewhat with practice, confidence, environmental factors, loads, etc.........

Different definitions of PBR exist, what's Chuck's, or yours?

 

[ducky]

I keep reading/hearing about the 1800 fps recommendation for reliable bullet expansion and the 1500 ftlbs energy,

I haven't seen any hard numbers on what exactly it takes to kill an elk, plus I haven't seen any ML bullets bounce off an elk that have less than 1500 ft-lbs of energy usually by 50 yards. Plus how many handgun hunters have put away their single action hunting pistols that don't even generate that kind of energy at the muzzle. Do I think energy is important, yes to a certain extent. However, I don't think it is a good indicator to how well the cartridge is going to kill.

I first read of 1800 FPS for adequate expansion for Barnes bullets, for a mono metal I guess this might be a good number. I also see where someone posted Berger recommends this as well. I have to ask again what is adequate expansion, and will less than adequate expansion still not kill an elk? Is that inadequate expansion still going to be larger than some other smaller caliber bullets that carry energy and velocity numbers better beyond that of a .30 caliber.

So which one does a guy go by? If you go with 1800 fps then a 150 grain Accubond is basically a 700 yard bullet, if you go by ft-lbs of energy then it's only a 450 yard bullet. If you use the 215 Berger because you can make it carries both numbers to 800 yards, but you have a 400" bull at 875 yards do you pass on the shot if you have high confidence you can make it?

So we can mentally stroke our Johnsons all day over paper numbers for fun, and come up with multiple different answers depending on what bullet is used. I think on paper ballistics are a good place to start, but they aren't the final answer to anything. It's my opinion the answer of how far a .30-06 can be effective on elk can only be determined by the nut behind the trigger, and their confidence in their ability to reading the situation and environment at the time the shot on an elk or other game animal needs to be taken.

 

[Bravo 4]

OK, you convinced me.
Merry Christmas!

 

[Overkill338]

I haven't seen any hard numbers on what exactly it takes to kill an elk, plus I haven't seen any ML bullets bounce off an elk that have less than 1500 ft-lbs of energy usually by 50 yards. Plus how many handgun hunters have put away their single action hunting pistols that don't even generate that kind of energy at the muzzle. Do I think energy is important, yes to a certain extent. However, I don't think it is a good indicator to how well the cartridge is going to kill.

I first read of 1800 FPS for adequate expansion for Barnes bullets, for a mono metal I guess this might be a good number. I also see where someone posted Berger recommends this as well. I have to ask again what is adequate expansion, and will less than adequate expansion still not kill an elk? Is that inadequate expansion still going to be larger than some other smaller caliber bullets that carry energy and velocity numbers better beyond that of a .30 caliber.

So which one does a guy go by? If you go with 1800 fps then a 150 grain Accubond is basically a 700 yard bullet, if you go by ft-lbs of energy then it's only a 450 yard bullet. If you use the 215 Berger because you can make it carries both numbers to 800 yards, but you have a 400" bull at 875 yards do you pass on the shot if you have high confidence you can make it?

So we can mentally stroke our Johnsons all day over paper numbers for fun, and come up with multiple different answers depending on what bullet is used. I think on paper ballistics are a good place to start, but they aren't the final answer to anything. It's my opinion the answer of how far a .30-06 can be effective on elk can only be determined by the nut behind the trigger, and their confidence in their ability to reading the situation and environment at the time the shot on an elk or other game animal needs to be taken.

Barnes TSX and TTSX is 1800 fps, except the 168 grain TTSX in .308" it is 1500. However the .308" 165 TTSX is still 1800. The LRX is 1300 fps.

 

[betolatinlu]

30-06 Creedmoor,

Been trying to keep it a secret...

It shoots FLAT and is totally inherent just by the name proves that. only 52 inches of drop at 1000 yards when you sight it in just 323 inches high at 100. A buddy has one. Knocked a do-do bird off the back of a running unicorn at 3800 yards. Who else but Creedmoor!

Great---Wow ! What I've been missing .