30-06 vs. .308

[codybrown]

Which has the advantage over the other, and for what reasons, at distances from 200-800 yards? I'm looking at buying a rifle for varmint shooting and paper punching in the 30 caliber range.

 

[R.W.Dale]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=486876&highlight=30-06

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=484104&highlight=30-06

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=442916&highlight=30-06

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=458708&highlight=30-06

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=410517&highlight=30-06

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=415759&highlight=30-06

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=400164&highlight=30-06

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=399260&highlight=30-06

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=347244&highlight=30-06

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=328070&highlight=30-06

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=305934&highlight=30-06

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=318486&highlight=30-06

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=301338&highlight=30-06

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=283002&highlight=30-06

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=147056&highlight=30-06

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=75178&highlight=30-06

 

[MichaelK]

I could suggest flipping a coin. Both can be very accurate. It looks like more .308 rifles are now being build for long range work, like Savage's tactical rifles, so you're more likely to find a long-range .308 off the shelf in the configuration you want.

Realisticly though, I very much doubt you'll find practical use for varmits out past 300 yards. Shooting at paper a known distance is a lot easier than shooting at the head of dog sticking it's head out of the ground at what might be 250 or 350 yards.

 

[jem375]

If it is varmint hunting mostly, 223 or 22-250 would be a lot better and not bad for target shooting either...

 

[Boba Fett]

LOL didn't we just do this?


I suggest taking a look here: http://www.snipercentral.com/caliber.htm

 

[Uncle Mike]

yeaaah Krochus!

 

[Legionnaire]

I'll bite. The .30-06 can do everything the .308 can do, plus ... except fit in a short action rifle/carbine. For more info, read Krochus's list of threads.

 

[SaxonPig]

This should cover it...

Which is better, the .308 or the .30-’06?

64. Also include any questions regarding other calibers that are virtually the same. The 308 and the 30-’06 are so similar in performance that the difference would never be noticed in the field. The main advantage to the 308 is that it’s shorter and can be used in short action guns making them a bit more compact and lighter. Having a 308 on a long action makes no sense. There are many calibers that are nearly identical in performance to one another so why ask which is better when the answer is neither... or both if you prefer. There was once something of an advantage to the 308 when military surplus ammo was available at cheap prices. But that is no longer the case.

 

[codybrown]

The varmints I was thinking of would be coyotes this winter, and probably rockchucks next year.

 

[W.E.G.]

Which one shoots the hardest?

 

[janobles14]

varmints? well i personally wouldnt go any less than a 300 weatherby (but we do have some MONSTER chucks and yotes here).

i think krochus hit it on the head....

shoots hardest? as in recoil? ----> '06

 

[Big Bill]

30-06 vs. .308

I vote for .300 Win Mag.

 

[DammitBoy]

Which round wins the most competitions these days?

 

[janobles14]

^ gotta be the .308

 

[Steve Marshall]

There is no practical ballistic difference between the two. The receiver difference is about 1/2" shorter for the .308, which translates to a few ounces of weight at best. Availability of commercial ammunition for either is a non-issue. The CMP will be getting another huge supply of surplus 30-06 so price of ball ammunition should favor the 30-06.
So the bottom line is that for a few years ball ammunition should be cheaper for the 30-06. Reloading would mitigate even that. The only other thing is that no military type semi-automatics are made in 30-06 while a few are in .308. And if that doesn't affect your choice, buy the best value for you. Also, if you are desirous of a military surplus firearm, the 30-06 wins easily there.

 

[scythefwd]

DammitBoy - the -06 isn't used much in competitions any more. There just isn't the same amount of factory match ammo for it as there is for the .308. It isn't the rounds capability, it is the rounds availability in that case.

 

[benzy2]

You need the 06 since it will push the heavier stuff better than the .308 and as stated already there are some MONSTER chucks out there that you need to be launching the real heavy stuff at.

 

[jim in Anchorage]

Thats right out of the 1890s

Which one shoots the hardest?

"I broke the stock cause I strained her on a long shot"

 

[codybrown]

Guess I shoulda done some research before asking......Looks like I'g going to go the 30-06 route.