I think you have a great point Ray; After reviewing and using the .30/06 over a period of time, I consider it to be both the most overrated, and yet, underrated cartridge we have.

If you learn the trajectory, pick the game, learn shot placement in relationship to various animals, it offers much in a trim package with moderate recoil. The shootability adds to the package.

It really is the big brother to the 7x57 just as Eleanor O'Connor saw it decades ago.

JW

I have great respect for the 30-06, it has a superb track record, I have shot Cape Buffalo with it and most of the soft skinned species of Africa including Eland..I have used it on elk, moose, black bear, and deer in the USA.

I know a lot of PHs that shot their first Cape Buffalo, Lion and elephant with the 30-06 and the .308 btw..I know a couple of old time pros that use it on Lion as a matter of course when they are not hunting with a client. Phil Shoemaker AKA 458 on 24 hr. is a Master Alaskan Guide and gub scribe for Successful Hunter magazine, and well known and respected among his peers, and Phil recommends the 30-06 as minimum to his clients. Phil has killed many of the big Alaskan bears with the 30-06 and 180 gr. Noslers.
I have never heard a bad word about the 30-06 from anyone with experience using it, only from those who tend to speak about things they know nothing about, but profess a knowledge.

I didn't just decide that the 30-06 was a great cartridge, I had it proven to me over a decade of observation, conversation, and extensive use..If I don't use it as much today as I did in the past, it is because I just got bored with success, and felt a need to use other calibers for comparison, and I still compare most calibers to the 30-06, I owe it that.

It is truly a do it all caliber, but you must also do your part, but then that is required with a .470 N.E., you still must do your part!

It is a great and honorable caliber that has earned its throne.

++++

(A very nice treatise on the grand old '06 all summed up on a single sheet of paper.)

There are a certain number of bear hunters that have had trouble with the 300 grain Hornady bullets in the .375 H&H. All have been at longer ranges of more than 300 yards. This was one of my favorite bullets for many years, until I heard the complaints from hunters I load for. I switched to the Woodleight 300 grain and that ended all complaints.

Just as and aside, I have noticed the 270 grain Woodleigh in .375 H&H shoot much like a 180 grain bullet out of the .30-06. Just not a lot of head work between the two for hunting conditions.

You just don't have to worry about it (the Hornady) bullet at normal ranges for a 300 grain bullet. Just don't expect the same results at 300 to 350 yards. But that is really strenching it for any game hunting. Regardless of what folks say.

I also found the old Hornadys lacking in expansion at extended ranges..The new Hornadys are really tough bullets and probably better suited to Afrian hunting, but that is just a guess on my part..I do like them and I tend to accept less expansion than some and I generally require more penetration than most.

Like 3sixbits I love those Woodleighs..