The WW-1 30-06 military loads were 150 gr @ 2700 fps. By WW-2 it was up to 2800 fps and modern hunting loads are usually around 2900 fps.
I can get 3000+ fps from my 22" rifle with 60 gr of H4350 which is 2 gr below max and with a powder that is not temp sensitive. There is no reason 3100 fps shouldn't be safe with a max load and a longer barrel. I actually hit 3050 fps from my gun with a max load, but got a little better accuracy at 60 gr. If 3 shots aren't inside an inch it is because I pulled a shot, the load and rifle are capable. I could care less what it does with 5 shots, I'll never shoot at game that many times.
I've loaded 165's to 2900 fps and 180's to 2800 with the same powder. All have been MOA, all are at or below book max loads and I don't consider any of them to be excessive.
I've read of guys using loads that beat those speeds by 50-75 fps;in rare cases 100 fps with really long barrels. To me it just isn't worth it for less than 100 fps. If I need more than the speeds I'm getting then one of the 300 mags will beat my speeds safely with an additional 200-300 fps.
But on the other hand I see no reason to handicap the 30-06 with the older WW-1 era loads either.
