As a firearms expert with a deep understanding of ballistics and the history of ammunition, I can provide a comprehensive explanation of why the .30-06 Springfield cartridge is called by that name.

The .30-06 Springfield is a rifle cartridge that has been in service for over a century, and it has seen use in both military and civilian applications. The name itself carries historical significance and is derived from a combination of factors related to the cartridge's characteristics and its introduction into service.

The "30" in the name refers to the caliber of the bullet, which is .30 inches in diameter. This caliber is a standard measurement used to describe the size of the bullet's diameter. The caliber is an essential aspect of the cartridge's identity because it determines the size of the firearm's barrel and the type of bullets it can fire.

The "06" in the name signifies the year the cartridge was introduced into service, which is 1906. The .30-06 Springfield was adopted by the United States Army as a standard issue rifle cartridge in that year. This adoption was a significant milestone in the cartridge's history, as it marked the beginning of its widespread use in military service.

The full name, .30-06 Springfield, also includes the word "Springfield," which refers to the Springfield Armory, the location where the cartridge was developed. The Springfield Armory was a key site for the development and production of military firearms and ammunition in the United States, and its association with the cartridge underscores its importance in the history of American military firearms.

The metric notation of 7.62-63mm is another way of expressing the caliber of the bullet. This notation is used internationally and is a standard measurement in many countries outside of the United States. The use of metric notation helps to ensure that the cartridge can be easily identified and understood by users and manufacturers worldwide.

The term ".30 Gov't '06" is a colloquialism used by Winchester, a prominent firearms manufacturer. This term is a shorthand way of referring to the cartridge, and it emphasizes its government origin and the year it was introduced. Winchester's use of this term in their marketing and product labeling helped to popularize the cartridge and establish it as a standard for both military and civilian use.

In summary, the name .30-06 Springfield carries a rich history and is derived from the cartridge's caliber, the year it was introduced into service, the location of its development, and its association with a leading firearms manufacturer. Its widespread use and the respect it has garnered over the years have made it a legendary cartridge in the world of firearms.

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The .30-06 Springfield cartridge (pronounced "thirty-aught-six" or "thirty-oh-six"), 7.62--63mm in metric notation and called ".30 Gov't '06" by Winchester, was introduced to the United States Army in 1906 and later standardized; it remained in use until the early 1980s. The ".30" refers to the caliber of the bullet.read more >>