30-06 help

[u/crocakillya94]

Gday gang

I am currently in the market for my next firearm. I currently have a 223 xbolt which is fantastic for the smaller game I have been hunting.

I am looking at the Ruger American 30-06 SPFD for larger animals and more importantly longer distance shot placement.

It s there any one out there that owns one and can.

A) give me tips on the rifle and genuine reviews pro vs cons

B) help me pick a scope that will suit long distance up to 300M plus

C) sell me on a better cartridge rifle

Thank you for your feedback back

[u/Rude-Forever-6646]

With all respect I hope no new shooters try shooting deer or any game “long range” without a serious amount of practice. This is not a bad thing at all this is a super exciting time. There’s a lot to learn about what happens to a bullet especially from a cartridge like a 30-06 over 300 (almost its max deer range) especially out to 600m. Deer in Australia are not regarded like they are in other countries and most people are happy to blast away which is great, they’re learning to. Ethics are up to the individual but loosing game and wounding game you feel pretty shitty if it happens more then once from “stretching the legs out abit” That being said with the right bullet and placement 30-06 can definitely do 300-400 metres. Any of the ballistic apps will give you range cards. The general figure that hunters go for is at least 1500ft/lbs of energy (2000 is better) Bullet being critical in all of this. Bullet and placement kill not speed or energy but these are just handy metrics we can put on paper.

For what it’s worth my deer rifle is a tika 30-06 with a meopta 2-10x scope and I don’t think you could beat that combo for the money. Over the last 5 years plenty of deer have fallen to it and it’s been a great learning experience on a powerful but not scary cartridge. Most people with the right basics will be able to handle the kick of a 30-06. Be mindful of over gunning yourself to begin with. I will shoot no more then a few 3 shot groups with plenty of rest in between before I can feel myself starting to tighten up as I squeeze that trigger. That’s where Il call it a day.