Caliber Description
The caliber .30-06 R Stief is a fascinating and unique cartridge with roots traced back to one of the most influential rifle rounds in history—the .30-06 Springfield. Originating in the United States in 1906, the .30-06 Springfield served as a standard military cartridge for decades thanks to its excellent ballistics, versatility, and efficiency in a wide range of firearms. The "R" in .30-06 R Stief denotes "Rand," meaning rimmed in German, and "Stief" (or “Stiefel”) refers to a proprietary modification or brand variant. Rimmed versions of the cartridge like the .30-06 R were developed primarily in Europe for use in break-action rifles, such as single-shots and double rifles, where positive extraction is favored. This adaptation was especially welcomed in hunting circles where reliability in any conditions is paramount.
Practical applications of the .30-06 R Stief center largely on hunting and sporting use, particularly in break-action rifles popular in Central and Eastern Europe. Its excellent balance of power, versatility, and manageable recoil makes it a go-to choice for hunters who value precision and stopping power in the field. For reloaders, the .30-06 R Stief offers exciting flexibility thanks to the wide variety of bullets and powders compatible with the cartridge. The rimmed design aids with positive extraction in classic rifles and combination guns, ensuring performance is reliable whether hunting in humid forests or cold, mountainous terrain.
In terms of target species, the .30-06 R Stief is prized for its adaptability, suitable for pursuing game as diverse as roe deer, wild boar, red stag, and even larger species like moose. Its proven terminal performance offers hunters the confidence needed for ethical and effective shots on medium to large-sized game. The flat trajectory and robust energy delivery also make the .30-06 R Stief capable at longer ranges, allowing shooters to take on difficult targets in open fields or forested landscapes alike. Reloaders can tailor loads to ensure optimal penetration and expansion for the intended quarry, making this caliber a mainstay in reloading benches throughout Europe.
When discussing ballistic characteristics, the .30-06 R Stief mirrors the performance of the original .30-06 Springfield cartridge, though adaptations in throat design and chamber dimensions require some special attention during the reloading process. Typical bullet weights for this caliber range from 150 to 220 grains, with the most popular hunting loads sitting between 165 and 180 grains. Muzzle velocities typically range from 2,600 to 2,900 feet per second depending on bullet weight and powder choice. The cartridge’s strong case construction offers reliable cycling and pressure containment, while the rimmed design makes it easy to extract under all conditions. Handloaders will appreciate the wide range of available component bullets—spitzer, round-nose, bonded, and monolithic variants—enabling customization for specific hunting or ballistic needs. Additionally, the moderate recoil and excellent accuracy potential make this cartridge a favorite among European hunters and marksmen who prefer break-action rifles.
For reloaders, the .30-06 R Stief not only offers historical intrigue and proven effectiveness but also serves as an ongoing testament to the adaptability of the .30-06 case and its derivatives. Reloading components are generally available throughout specialist suppliers in Europe, and careful attention to sizing dies and case dimensions will ensure smooth reloads and top-notch accuracy. Whether you are preserving tradition or customizing loads for a prized break-action rifle, the .30-06 R Stief provides a rewarding and effective platform for a wide spectrum of hunting adventures.
Popular Load Recipes
no recipe
Cost per Reloaded Round
Let’s estimate the cost difference per round between reloading and factory ammunition for .30-06 R Stief (which is a rimmed version of .30-06, commonly used in certain break-action rifles). Because it is quite rare, I’ll use standard .30-06 prices as a proxy, since the costs would be nearly identical except perhaps for brass, which may be a specialty item.
Factory .30-06 ammunition typically costs about €2.50 to €4.00 per round in Europe (2024 prices), depending on the type. Let's assume an average price of €3.00 per round.
Reloading costs approximately:
- Bullet: €0.40 (typical hunting bullet, e.g., Hornady Interlock or similar)
- Powder: €0.15 (about 3 grams or 46 grains at €50/kg)
- Primer: €0.06 (European price per primer)
- Brass: If reusing cases, only a fraction of the cost applies; assume €1.00 new, but reused 10 times = €0.10 per round
Total reloading cost: €0.40 + €0.15 + €0.06 + €0.10 = €0.71 per round
Factory round: €3.00
Reloaded round: €0.71
Savings per round: €3.00 - €0.71 = €2.29
You save approximately €2.29 for every .30-06 R Stief round you reload compared to buying factory ammunition.
Technical Specifications
Safety Standard / Application
C.I.P. / Rifle Caliber
Most Suitable Bullet Weights
112 - 208 Grains
Case Capacity / Average Charge
69 Grains of Water / 52 Grains
Average Muzzle Velocity / Energy
2746 fps / 2628 ft-lbf
Case Length / Max. C.O.L
2.49'' / 3.34''