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Massad Ayoob on the .30-06

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  • Acera

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    Dated article and thoughts.

    I would argue that the 5.56mm/.223 is vastly more popular today than the 30-06 (and probably was when the article was written). Even the .308/7.62x51mm might be more popular. While I have more guns in the 30-06 than I do the 5.56mm, it's the newer ones that always seem to be with me at the range, lease, etc. Would like to see sales numbers on each from then to now.
     

    bfm0072

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    This is from 2009.



    RCBS always puts out their list of top die sales for the previous year. 2009 is an interesting year because of the Obama-effect on gun and ammo sales - and therefore any shortage year boosts reloading sales as well. IMO, even though this happened, the perennial top sellers were still top sellers. They may have swapped places in the list by a small margin, but they are there as always.


    I have edited this list and put the ranking of each caliber in the 2005 RCBS list in blue behind.


    #1 .223 Remington 3
    #2 .45 ACP 7
    #3 9mm Luger 17
    #4 .40 S&W 21
    #5 .308 Winchester 4
    #6 .30-06 2
    #7 .357 Magnum/.38 Special (roll crimp) 12
    #8 .243 Winchester 5
    #9 .270 Winchester 8
    #10 .22-250 Remington 6
    #11 .44 Magnum/.44 Special 10
    #12 .300 Winchester Magnum 9
    #13 7mm Remington Magnum 13
    #14 .45 Colt 14
    #15 .223 Remington (Small Base)
    #16 .30-30 Winchester 20
    #17 .204 Ruger 1
    #18 .25-06 Remington 16
    #19 .380 Auto
    #20 7mm-08 Remington 22
    #21 .45-70 15
    #22 .300 Winchester Short Magnum 11
    #23 .270 Winchester Short Magnum 19
    #24 .357 Magnum/.38 Special (taper crimp)
    #25 .300 Remington Ultra Magnum 23
     

    Paul5388

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    RCBS die sales aren't a good indicator of the popularity of a cartridge. There are still some folks that don't reload and thus don't buy RCBS products. Ammunition sales might be a better indicator unless you factor in how many are rat holing .223s and .308s.
     

    Acera

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    RCBS die sales aren't a good indicator of the popularity of a cartridge. There are still some folks that don't reload and thus don't buy RCBS products. Ammunition sales might be a better indicator unless you factor in how many are rat holing .223s and .308s.

    Valid point.............

    How many of you are able to easily find 30-06 on the shelves at Academy and WallyWorld? I know I am, it's available just about everywhere I look, not the case for the other items topping the reloading list like .223/5.56, 9mm. etc. I notice .223 on that list twice, once for large base and once down a bit a#15 for small base, bet that #1 lead gets bigger when you add the two.

    Did not have a clue that in 1995 the .204 was so popular, I understand why as it came out in 1994, but how things have changed for that little screamer.
     

    Charlie

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    I've got an 8X57 "sporter" Mauser that I inherited from my father who inherited it from his father that I would like to have more information regarding this rifle. It has a barrel rib with some gold inlaid German text. I do not believe it was a sporterized military rifle. Any help would be appreciated for information or a website that would help.

    Full Mauser.jpg
     

    Catherine1

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    I enjoyed reading the article.

    Thank you for posting it!

    Cate
    PS: My husband still loves his older, bought NIB, bolt action 30-06 rifle along with his 30-30 Winchester and 45-70 Government lever action rifles. I believe that he shoots them more than his sweet .223 bolt action rifle too.
     
    Last edited:

    Texasjack

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    Popularity only applies to people who only shoot one caliber. Yeah, I might shoot more .223, but I also shoot .30-06. And .30-30, etc.

    A real shooter respects each caliber for what it brings to the table.

    The .223 is a great semi-auto cartridge. It won't reach out and deliver the punch that a .300 WinMag does. It's not as cheap to shoot as a .22 LR, and not as good as the .22 for small game. A .30-06 or it's baby the .308 will knock down any game in the continental USA with very tolerable recoil.

    I feel sad for anyone who doesn't have a variety of guns and calibers to play with.
     

    Gorp2007

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    Here's a not so good picture of part of the barrel rib with the inscription/writing. I have no idea what it translates to.
    View attachment 263639

    Based on some light sleuthing, looks like it could have been put together by Val Hafner, a one-time royal gunsmith out of Cassel/Kassel, Germany. I’m not a fine arts and antiquities dealer, so I can’t tell you much more than that. But if you Google “Val Hafner guns” you find some really cool pieces and similar engraving on the nice stuff.
     

    Axxe55

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    Based on some light sleuthing, looks like it could have been put together by Val Hafner, a one-time royal gunsmith out of Cassel/Kassel, Germany. I’m not a fine arts and antiquities dealer, so I can’t tell you much more than that. But if you Google “Val Hafner guns” you find some really cool pieces and similar engraving on the nice stuff.

    Welcome to TGT.

    Please stop over in the Intro Section and say hello to everyone.
     

    Charlie

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    Based on some light sleuthing, looks like it could have been put together by Val Hafner, a one-time royal gunsmith out of Cassel/Kassel, Germany. I’m not a fine arts and antiquities dealer, so I can’t tell you much more than that. But if you Google “Val Hafner guns” you find some really cool pieces and similar engraving on the nice stuff.
    Thanks for the tip, sir! I will definitely do that. And welcome to the forum. I've been here a little while and enjoy it. Seems to be a good crowd and would be better if some of the members didn't like to argue as much. Lots of knowledge from the members if one can filter out the B.S.
    1626688490618.png
     
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