.30-06 Springfield: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 21:46, 19 March 2006

Revision as of 21:56, 19 March 2006

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==Performance==

[[Image:Garand_clip.jpg|thumb|300px|Eight .30-06 cartridges loaded into an ''en bloc'' clip for the [[M1 Garand]]]]

The .30-06 is a powerful round designed in an age when 1000 yard (1000 m) shots could be expected. In 1906, the original .30-06 cartridge consisted of a 150 grain flat base cupronickel jacketed bullet. During World War I, the United States military desired better long range performance out of machine guns and a streamlined, 172 grain, boat tail, cupronickel-jacketed bullet was used. The .30-06 cartridge with the 172 grain (11.1 g) bullet was called the 'M1 Ball'. Later, the US military realized that M1 Ball was traveling beyond the safety limits of ranges constructed for the 1906 cartridge. Rather than engage in massive construction projects, it was decided to switch back to the original profile bullet.

A 150 grain flat base copper jacketed bullet was adopted and resulted in the creation of 'M2 Ball'. According to US Army Technical Manual 43-0001-27, M2 Ball specifications call for 2740 feet per second (835 m/s) velocity, (measured 78 feet (24 m) from the muzzle). M2 Ball was the standard issue ammunition for use in US military service rifles until the retirement of the M1 Garand service rifle.

Commericially manufactured rifles chambered in .30-06 are popular for hunting. Current .30-06 factory ammuntion varies in bullet weight from as110 high asto 220 grains down(7.1 to 11014.3 grainsg) in solid bullets, and as low as 55 grains with the use of a sub-caliber bullet in a [[sabot]]. Loads are available with reduced velocity and pressure as well as increased velocity and pressure for stronger firearms. The .30-06 ranks as one of the most popular sporting cartridges in the world.

== Ammunition types ==

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*'''Ball, M1'''

:The M1 has an 173 grain (11.2 g) boat streamlined projectile designed for aerodynamic efficiency. Though it had a lower initial velocity, velocity and energy were greater at longer ranges due to its efficient shape.

*'''Ball, M2'''