I've had 3 pre 64 M70's in 300 H&H,not to mention a slew of 30/06's with 22-24" barrels. The 300 H&H's would start a 180 gr bullet very easily at 3050-3090,which is about 200-250 fps better than a very warm load from a 30/06,and about what we get from most 300 Win Mags for that matter.
It's very simple to start a 165 gr bullet from a H&H at 3150;again this is at least 200 fps faster than you can move the same bullet from most 30/06 rifles as a steady diet.
Enhanced performance 30/06 ammo with 165 gr bullets gave me about 2940 with a 165 in a 22" barreled M70.
Seems to me that day in and day out a 300 H&H will give about 200-250 fps more velocity than a 30/06 with about any bullet and is superior to the 30/06 from a velocity standpoint,especially with the heavier bullets.
There really isn't any way around this. Load them both to the same pressures and the H&H wins every time because it has more powder capacity.That 200-250 fps will show up at distance if good bullets are used.
It's true the H&H needs a longer mag box than a 30/06 but any Rem 700 or post 64 M70 action is long enough to accept a 300 H&H , so the shorter action argument is sort of untrue.If you own either of those rifles you are already carrying a H&H length action.
But there is no sense arguing about popularity....the 30/06 wins hands down.
30-06 for the win!
