The .30-06 is known for one thing in particular: enormous power. In fact, it’s capable of such overwhelming force that its felt recoil can be a bit much for some shooters. The average shooter can take up to about 20 foot-pounds of felt recoil before they begin to develop an involuntary flinch; a .30-06 loaded with 165-grain rounds produces around 20.1 foot-pounds of felt recoil. Keep that in mind if you’re introducing someone to this caliber for the first time, and use lighter rounds like 165 grain ones; don’t just toss them in the deep end, so to speak. .30-06 is a great cartridge, but it does take some getting used to.