I agree every shot sets its own limits but that wasn't the question from the OP, he wants to know it's capabilities not your personal limits so "We can quote FPS and energy numbers till every one has sore fingers from typing" and give him the answer he asked for.
Max hunting range of 30-06?
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xsn10s
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I have a can RL26 just for the 215gr Berger. The problem is no Bergers around lol. I've been tempted to trade for a 26" heavy barreled 30-06. I'm wondering if 2800 fps is doable with RL26 and the 215gr Hybrid.
If I get to testing before you I'll let you know what I get.
codyadams
Well-Known Member
This depends on many things and will vary a lot. Assuming top performance as your stating....
In a 26" 30-06, I would start with the 215 Berger. loading all the way out to the lands making the most available powder space, 2700-2750 should be achievable with certain powders. We were shooting the Hornady 190 BTSP at 2800 fps out of 24" barrels using H4350 and no pressure signs, so 2700+ with better powders and a little longer barrel should be doable.
Then comes what you consider max potential. Do you consider 1000 ft. Lbs, 1500 ft. Lbs, or the recommended minimum velocity the max for elk?
Then comes where you hunt elk. The 8000 ft + I hunt at would prove to have different ballistic max's than a 4,000 ft hunt somewhere else.
For where I live (and hunt pronghorn) at 7000 ft elevation, this is what I come up with.
Max for 1600 fps velocity, 1210 yards.
Max for 1500 ft-lbs energy, 1005 yards.
Max for 1000 ft-lbs, 1410 yards, though the velocity is below the threshold where I would feel comfortable.
Where I hunt elk at would come up with even farther numbers, as it is another 1000-3000 ft higher in elevation. VASTLY different numbers from the 600 yards that most are posting.
Just goes to show, no one situation is the same, and a simple change of a bullet can nearly double your max effective range. The rest is up to you, the shooter.
In a 26" 30-06, I would start with the 215 Berger. loading all the way out to the lands making the most available powder space, 2700-2750 should be achievable with certain powders. We were shooting the Hornady 190 BTSP at 2800 fps out of 24" barrels using H4350 and no pressure signs, so 2700+ with better powders and a little longer barrel should be doable.
Then comes what you consider max potential. Do you consider 1000 ft. Lbs, 1500 ft. Lbs, or the recommended minimum velocity the max for elk?
Then comes where you hunt elk. The 8000 ft + I hunt at would prove to have different ballistic max's than a 4,000 ft hunt somewhere else.
For where I live (and hunt pronghorn) at 7000 ft elevation, this is what I come up with.
Max for 1600 fps velocity, 1210 yards.
Max for 1500 ft-lbs energy, 1005 yards.
Max for 1000 ft-lbs, 1410 yards, though the velocity is below the threshold where I would feel comfortable.
Where I hunt elk at would come up with even farther numbers, as it is another 1000-3000 ft higher in elevation. VASTLY different numbers from the 600 yards that most are posting.
Just goes to show, no one situation is the same, and a simple change of a bullet can nearly double your max effective range. The rest is up to you, the shooter.
bigngreen
Well-Known Member
If I built a 30-06 with maximizing it's range potential on elk I would be comfortable going over 1000 yards into the 1100-1200 BUT that is based on very specific criteria, bullets I KNOW will open at that range due to pushing them in a 308 and 300 and having a solid idea that, very, very narrow window.
Russell Sonner
Active Member
Russell Sonner
Active Member
I shoot a 210 Nosler Accubond LR who's minimum expansion velocity is 1300 fps. The range for my rifle at that velocity is 1300 yds. I think given the right presentation for the shot this would be a doable range.
Still a difficult shot, not sure if my old eyes and 16x scope would let me see that far lol
Oh to be young again lol
Russell Sonner
Active Member
Without a doubt! My scope max is 25x and I would still not want to take that shot without trying to get much closer. If you kill it your going to have to get 1300 yds closer anyway haha! May as well do it on the front end and give yourself a better chance .
memtb
Well-Known Member
A friend of mine killed, a previously wounded (by another hunter) cow elk at somewhere north of 800 yards. However, he would be the first to tell you.....it's "not" an 800+ yard elk cartridge! He "only" attempted the shot to dispatch a crippled elk.....and he had done a "lot" of long range shooting at extended ranges! memtb
bigngreen
Well-Known Member
Lets remember the bullet has a LOT to do with this scenario, the case we use to push them is just that, from there the bullet has to do the work. I can take a legit 1000+ yard rifle and turn it into a 500 yard rifle just with a bullet and the opposite is true as well, take a rifle shootinh a Partition and load a Berger or ABLR and you double your range.
I concur, most guys don't understand you can load a .308 appropriately and it can out perform (retained velocity, energy, wind deflection) a 7mm RM out past 500 yards if the 7 is loaded with a "regular" flat based hunting bullet.
Or that a .308 @ 1000 yards and high elevation can do the same to a .300 WM loaded with the same projectiles at sea level. Difference in both those scenarios is drop.
Or that a .308 @ 1000 yards and high elevation can do the same to a .300 WM loaded with the same projectiles at sea level. Difference in both those scenarios is drop.
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walleyerod
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500 yards
