Two rounds rich with history and have seen their fair share of action both on the battlefield and the hunting field are the 30-06 and the 8mm Mauser. However, there are a lot of unanswered questions as to which of these two rounds is better and why. So in this article, we will compare the two cartridges to see which is truly better.
Here is the short answer:
The 8mm Mauser has a slightly larger bullet diameter, less velocity, and a worse trajectory. The 30-06 Springfield has a smaller bullet diameter, heavier bullet weight, better ballistics and, is better for hunting and long-range shooting.
With the short answer out of the way, we can look at each cartridge’s best uses, each cartridge’s ballistics, and how they compare to each other.
In-depth Look at the 8mm Mauser
The 8mm Mauser, also known as the 7.92x57mm Mauser, was developed by the German Empire in 1888. It quickly became one of the most popular cartridges in the world due to its accuracy, reliability, and versatility compared to the other cartridges of the time.
The 8mm Mauser has a not-so-good trajectory, making it an undesirable choice for those who like to shoot long-range. The 8mm Mauser is, however, a good choice for those hunting deer-sized game at close range.
Here is a ballistic chart of the 8mm Mause with a 170-grain soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2250 | 1911 |
| 50 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 2136 | 1722 |
| 100 | 0 | 1.3 | 2025 | 1548 |
| 150 | -2.3 | 2.8 | 1917 | 1388 |
| 200 | -6.9 | 5.3 | 1814 | 1242 |
| 250 | -14.4 | 8.6 | 1715 | 1110 |
| 300 | -24.8 | 12.8 | 1620 | 991 |
| 350 | -38.3 | 17.8 | 1529 | 883 |
| 400 | -55.5 | 23.7 | 1444 | 786 |
| 450 | -77.1 | 30.9 | 1365 | 703 |
| 500 | -103.5 | 39.1 | 1292 | 630 |
In-depth Look at the 30-06 Springfield
The 30-06 Springfield was developed by the United States Army in 1906. It quickly became the standard cartridge for the US military and has been used in various military and civilian applications. The 30-06 was used in both World Wars and saw some limited use in the Vietnam War in the Springfield model 1903 and M1 Grand.
The 30-06 is also popular among big game hunters for its versatility as it can shoot bullets that weigh from 110-220 grains. This means you can hunt game as small as varmints, such as coyotes, to as big game as large as as moose. The large variety of bullet weights is the main reason why this round is popular among hand loaders.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 30-06 with a 180-grain bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2700 | 2913 |
| 50 | -0.1 | 0.2 | 2584 | 2668 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.9 | 2470 | 2439 |
| 150 | -1.3 | 2 | 2359 | 2225 |
| 200 | -4.2 | 3.7 | 2252 | 2026 |
| 250 | -8.8 | 6 | 2147 | 1842 |
| 300 | -15.3 | 8.8 | 2045 | 1671 |
| 350 | -23.8 | 12.1 | 1945 | 1512 |
| 400 | -34.6 | 16.2 | 1848 | 1365 |
| 450 | -48.1 | 21.2 | 1756 | 1232 |
| 500 | -64.6 | 27 | 1667 | 1111 |
In-depth Comparison
When considering performance capabilities, there is an obvious disparity between these two rifle cartridges.
The biggest difference between these two rounds is their ballistics. The 30-06 has far more energy than the 8mm Mauser making it better for hunting big game. The 30-06 is also better for shooting at long range because of its better long-range energy retention, less drop, and less wind drift.
When it comes to availability and cost per round, the 30-06 is also the better cartridge. The 30-06 is extremely popular among hunters and hand reloaders while the 8mm Mauser is a round that has all but died out. As far as cost goes, the 8mm Mauser and the 30-06 cost about the same.
One area where the 8mm Mauser outcompetes the 30-06 is in recoil. The 8mm Mauser has roughly 13 foot-pounds of recoil while the 30-06 has about 20 foot-pounds of recoil. So the 8mm Mauser is better for those who desire a lighter recoiling rifle or for more recoil-sensitive shooters.
Conclusion
Both the 8mm Mauser and the 30-06 Springfield are excellent cartridges with their own unique features and advantages. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the intended application and personal preference. If long-range shooting and target shooting are the main focus, the 8mm Mauser is a great choice due to its flatter trajectory and higher velocity. On the other hand, if hunting large game and stopping power are a priority, the .30-06 Springfield is the better option due to its larger bullet diameter and heavier weight.