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Discussion Forums
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> Medium and large game hunting
> Do I really want a 30-06 AI?
Do I really want a 30-06 AI?
@ 03:28 pm (GMT) |
Rob BirdI'm really considering the 30-06 AI built on a Tikka 695, using the Foster-Manson reamer, based around the suggested 208 gr (or thereabouts) pills. Is it going to be worth the potential shoulder beating compared to say, a 7 Rem Mag or 280 AI? This would be primarily an elk gun.I know people take elk even with 6.5mm. "It's all about shot placement." Of course it is, but you don't always make that perfect shot, right? So, for when you don't, is the 30 cal really gonna deliver that much more smackdown than the 7mm with its superior ballistics? Should I care that it won't shoot as flat, seeing as how so many hunting shots end up being under 400 yards anyway? |
Replies
@ 06:03 am (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Do I really want a 30-06 AI?Rob, since you said it’s “primarily an elk gun,” go with the 30 cal. If your primary quarry were deer, then 7mm. You can always use 150 grain bullets in 30 cal. for deer. With a 7mm, you can’t use 220 grain bullets for elk. |
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@ 06:47 am (GMT) |
Rob BirdRe: Do I really want a 30-06 AI?Right, thank you. Yeah, I already have a 7 Rem Mag, a 257 Wby Mag, and plans to build a 6.5-06 AI, so those bases are pretty well covered. (I guess I am answering my own question!) I think I just have this hankering for a 280 AI that I can't get rid of. Maybe I should just keep that as a future project. |
@ 07:17 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Do I really want a 30-06 AI?Hi Rob, regarding modern pills, the Tikka 695 (and onward) is not a good fit for either the .280 or .30-06, regardless of the reamer design.Perhaps see if you can find a replacement guard that can take an AIC mag box. This will allow you to make the most of either cartridge. Budget on around 2670 to 2720fps with the .30-06 AI from a 24" and around 2700 to 2750 with a 26" tube, shooting 195 to 208gr pills. The 225gr will go 2600fps or so. Thats the rough range. Don't be put off by wind drift comparisons. If you want the 06AI, go for it, then practice in high winds. I shot a 6" rock near dead center at just over 1km last week, 20mph winds, gave myself one shot to do it. This is beyond the effective killing range (wide wounding) for my 06, but I have been taking these single shots to keep my eye in. |
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@ 10:41 am (GMT) |
Rob BirdRe: Do I really want a 30-06 AI?Thanks Nathan. The mag box on mine is 3.5 inches. You had recommended a minimum of 3.480, no? Has your thinking evolved? |
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@ 01:26 pm (GMT) |
Rob BirdRe: Do I really want a 30-06 AI?Also....killer shot! |
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@ 07:55 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Do I really want a 30-06 AI?Thanks Rob, yep, I'll probably miss something at 300 yards next week in a 5mph and have to eat humble pie.The mag length you have quoted is ample, provided it is the internal measurement. |
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@ 12:19 pm (GMT) |
Rob BirdRe: Do I really want a 30-06 AI?Yes, most definitely an internal measurement. |
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