How Bad Does The 30-06 Suck?

Published on October 10, 2025
Duration: 12:59

This video from Banana Ballistics empirically tests the effectiveness of the .30-06 Springfield cartridge against various steel plates, debunking the myth of it being an obsolete 'fudd cartridge'. The host, demonstrating high authority in ballistics testing through systematic methodology and professional equipment, showcases how different loads, including military AP and API variants, perform. The .30-06 is concluded to be a highly capable round, comparable to the .308 Winchester, especially with modern or specialized ammunition.

Quick Summary

Empirical testing debunks the myth of the .30-06 Springfield being an obsolete 'fudd cartridge'. While some hunting loads may struggle with penetration, military-grade AP rounds can pierce up to 1 inch of mild steel, proving the .30-06 remains a highly capable and relevant cartridge comparable to the .308 Winchester.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to .30-06 Springfield
  2. 00:28Hornady 178gr ELD-X Test
  3. 01:18Federal 165gr Bonded Soft Point Test
  4. 02:03Military M2 FMJ Test
  5. 02:48Kinematics Research 147gr AP Test
  6. 04:04M2 Armor Piercing (AP) Test
  7. 04:55M14A1 Armor Piercing Incendiary (API) Test
  8. 12:36Conclusion and Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the .30-06 Springfield perform against steel plates?

Empirical testing shows that while some hunting loads like the Hornady 178gr ELD-X may not penetrate 1/2 inch mild steel, military-grade .30-06 AP rounds like the M2 AP can penetrate up to 1 inch of mild steel, demonstrating significant capability.

Is the .30-06 Springfield cartridge still relevant today?

Yes, the .30-06 Springfield remains highly relevant and capable. Testing reveals it performs comparably to the .308 Winchester, especially when using modern, high-performance, or specialized ammunition types.

What is the difference between M2 AP and M14A1 API .30-06 rounds?

The M2 AP is an Armor Piercing round designed for penetration, while the M14A1 API is an Armor Piercing Incendiary round, featuring an incendiary tip for added effect upon impact, often seen as a visible flash.

Which .30-06 loads are best for penetration?

Military-spec rounds like the M2 AP have demonstrated superior penetration against steel plates, successfully piercing up to 1 inch of mild steel. Specialized hunting rounds may offer different performance characteristics.

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