30.06 / 308 semi opinions sought

[rocinante]

I did a quick scan on gunbroker looking for semi automatic rifles in either 30.06 or 308 that aren't too military or evil looking so ar10s, fals, cetmes, socoms etc are not in the discussion. Not interested in the merits of any other calibers either at this time.

I invite any comment on these models or ask for any other semi automatics in 30.06 or 308 that aren't on the list. What I would like to acquire is a semi automatic that is accurate as can be out to the 600 yards generally given as the max effective range given for these calibers that gives a good show against the bolt actions and comparable black guns. More interested in target shooting although deer hunting is an option. Comments as on quality, ease of maintenance, and ease of mounting optics are welcome also.

30.06
=====

Benelli R1

Browning 654

browning bar

FN49

HK SLB 2000

Merkel SR-1

Remington model 4

remington 742

remington 7400

springfield garand

Winchester 521009228 super x G1


308
===

Benelli R1

Browning Bar

French MAS49-56

HK Model 770

H & R Ultra Rifle

Norinco M14

Remington 742

Remington 750

Remington 85683

SAIGA

Springfield M-21

Vepr

Winchester 100

 

[Jim Watson]

Based on personal contacts and published reports, I doubt any rifle listed would give accuracy comparable to a "black rifle" semiauto or a good bolt action.

A National Match M1 or NM M14/M1A/M21 would be the closest thing available.

While I have not personally worked with a .30 caliber auto, I put a good deal of money into a Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle trying to produce an accurate wood-stocked .223 auto. It is about three times as accurate as a stock Ruger... and about half as accurate as my AR15 with equivalent work.

 

[rocinante]

thanks jim

 

[browningguy]

From your list I own a HK SLB2000K in 30-06, BAR's in 30-06 and .308, FN49 in 8mm, I've shot M1's bit. Personally any of the sporting models would be fine, prferably with a 22-24" barrel if a lot of long range shooting (over 300 yards) was planned.

For accuracy The HK is pretty good, mine averages right at MOA with factory 150 gr. ammo, it hates anything heavier. Probably not the best choice as the short barrel seems to bleed off much needed velocity for any long rage shooting. Perfectly fine out to 300 yards at least.

BAR's are reasonably accurate and very dependable, mine can shoot MOA occasionally, but more often around 1.25" - 1.5"guns.

FN49 is not even in the same league for accuracy, it's a main battle rifle and will shoot Minute of person only. But they were so reliable even the Egyptian military could keep them running.

M1's, while I love them are not "accurate" rifles unless you put some time and effort into them. Like the FN49 they are battle rifles. However if you spend the money they can be very accurate, some trigger work and a good bedding job work wonders. I have shot one of the Match grades, may have been the 21, and it was easily a 1.5 MOA rifle.

Benelli and Merkle both have good reputations for accuracy and reliability although I don't have personal experience with them.

All of the other mil types, VEPR/Saiga/AK will be combat accurate but not absolute accurate. Most all of the ones I have seen are 3+ MOA rifles.

My experience with the Remingtons and WInchesters has been that they generally do not shoot as well as the BAR's or HK. They should do as hunting rifles but I would not expect better than maybe 2 moa.

 

[rocinante]

For accuracy The HK is pretty good, mine averages right at MOA with factory 150 gr. ammo, it hates anything heavier. Probably not the best choice as the short barrel seems to bleed off much needed velocity for any long rage shooting.

I really like the look of the hk best of all I saw. Thanks for the info browningguy.

 

[Snapping Twig]

The Browning BAR (steel receiver) is quite accurate. I know little of the aluminum versions.

I have a Remington 740 in 30-06 and with proper reloads it offers 1.5" groups @ 100 yards.

Nothing beats a good bolt gun, but for hunting, semi's are good.

 

[ArmedBear]

The new Remington 750 shoots very accurately, better than some bolts.

The only guns made for sustained fire, though, are the military designs. The hunting rifles are made for a few quick followup shots; barrels get hot and need to be cooled a bit. It makes sense, given the intended uses of each rifle.

The upside of a sporter design is lighter weight. A 750 is a quick-handling rifle, 7.5 lb. with walnut stock and 22" barrel. An M1A with walnut and a 22" barrel weighs 9.8 lb.

 

[kk5ib]

Remington 7400 30-06

I have a Remington 7400, 30-06, black stock and forearm. Definately not as accurate as a bolt gun, but doesn't kick near as much. Be sure that the scope mount, scope screws, and forend stock screw have some locktite on them as they will all vibrate loose. Also make sure brass is either full-length or small base sized for consistent action. Very fun gun to shoot with Eagle 10 round magazines. My gun seems to like 165 gr bullets better than 150 gr ones. Haven't found a good load for 150 gr Speer Grand Slams yet. Hope this is of interest.
Darryl

 

[mainebear]

I've got a Remington 742 in 308. Pretty good recoil and close to moa at 100 yds with reloads. Not much experience with other makes, but I'm pretty impressed with that old 742. Maybe I'm just lucky and got a good one. Nice rifle.