.30-06 Springfield

Full power

American full-power cartridge that served through two world wars: grandmother of the 7.62 NATO.

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Overview

Adopted in 1906 (hence '-06') for the Springfield M1903 rifle, it replaced the .30-03 with a high-velocity 150-gr spitzer bullet. Long bottlenecked case, more powder capacity than 7.62 NATO and a slightly flatter trajectory.

Specifications

Bullet diameter
7,82 mm (.308")
Case length
63,3 mm
Overall length
84,8 mm
Bullet weight
9,7 g (150 gr, M2)
Typical muzzle velocity
≈ 853 m/s
Typical energy
≈ 3500 J
Introduced
1906

Pros

  • +Energy slightly above 7.62 NATO.
  • +Universal availability in the hunting world.

Cons

  • −Long case: larger magazines and actions.
  • −Replaced in military use by 7.62 NATO.

History and use

U.S. standard from the M1903 to the M1 Garand semi-auto rifle (1936), from the Browning M1918 BAR to the M1919A4 and the M1941 Johnson. Gradually replaced by 7.62 NATO after 1957.

Weapons adopting it (2)

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