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November 19, 2006
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I’ve never owned a ’95 in .30-06. I owned a .30-03 and I did shoot it but only with my own reduced power handloads. I was not comfortable with the idea of shooting current .30-06 factory ammo in it.
In a ’95 .30-06, what is the advisability of shooting factory .30-06 ammunition?
The ’95 was manufactured into the early 1930’s (and well into the 1930’s on special order). How would a box of factory ammunition in the 1930’s compare to currently manufactured rounds?
I have a friend who would like a ’95 in .30-06 to hunt with. He is not a handloader. Part of the appeal of the .30-06 is the ready availability of factory ammunition (plus he really does like the cartridge). He is not interested in a reproduction rifle. He asked me if it was perfectly safe to shoot factory ammunition in a .30-06 ’95. I told him I wasn’t sure.
The above question assumes the rifle used would be in excellent condition with no head space issues. Speaking of headspace issues with .30-06’s and the M1895, I seem to have the vaguest recollection that Tim T. tried a no-go gauge in many of these rifles – and the bolt closed on all of them?
Here’s a nice late manufacture ’95 that I think would be a good candidate for what I’m talking about:
April 15, 2005
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Steve,
First, there is no safety issue with shooting 30-06 ammo in a rifle factory chambered for the 30-03 cartridge. Both cartridges headspace off of the shoulder (which is dimensionally identical for the two cartridges). The only difference between the two cartridges is that the length of the neck is slightly longer for the 30-03 (.05″). The specified OAL for both cartridges is 3.34″.
If you load 30-06 to shoot in a 30-03 chambered rifle, it is advisable to seat the bullet in the neck .05″ further out than you would for a 30-06 chambered rifle (to eliminate/reduce the bullet jump into the lands).
It is my opinion that any (all) factory original 30-06 ammo is safe to shoot in a Model 1895 that does not have headspace issues. Current factory ammo is loaded to the exact same specifications as it was in the 1920s/30s.
Production of the 30-06 in the Model 95 actually ended in late 1927 (which is why Winchester used 1,300+ Model 95 30-06 barrels to manufacture the Model 94/95 Hybrid Carbines).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 9, 2002
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Steve,
That’s a really nice Rifle to take out and hunt with, and in a great caliber as you well know. I agree with Bert, as far as their not being a safety issue using the modern ammunition in it. I know I would be proud to take that rifle out in out PA, hunting property woods and back a Deer with it! As you are well aware of the seller being good to go also, as we’ve spoken about him before. 
Tony
September 19, 2014
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Let me add to what Bert said. In rifles (including carbines) with good headspace! In my experience, many in the .30-06 chambering have excess headspace! Those chambered in .30-03 tend to have good headspace. I am totally guessing that the latter were shot less in their lives, coupled with the loading for the 220 grain round nosed bullet that was the standard for military loading. The usual load for the .30-06 for military cartridges used a 150 grain bullet at significantly higher velocity. IF you or your buddy are serious about using an original 1895 in .30-06 caliber to hunt with, I would buy the set of headspace gauges (GO and NO GO) to find one with tight headspace. Alternatively, use more sedate loadings and only use the brass a very limited number of times or only once and dispose of them. Look for impending separation ahead of the web of the cartridge brass when a shiny ring forms around the brass. I occasionally shoot my NRA musket in .30-06, and the NO GO gauge allows the musket to close with absolutely NO resistance!! I use the brass ONCE only. Also have a broken cartridge extractor on hand just in case of a separation leaving the body of the brass in the chamber. I’ve not needed it yet, but…Tim
November 19, 2006
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Thanks to all for the input and comments. I am now reassured that the practice would be safe (assuming headspace is ok).
March 31, 2009
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One reason the older guns have excess headspace is that too many hot loads were shot. And no one years ago had the tools to measure the headspace and then bump the shoulder to the correct measurement. Fire form the cases then once they quit growing, base to case shoulder, size the case so you have about .002″ of headspace. You will need a headspace comparator for this caliber and a caliper.
Hornady makes kits.
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