.308 or .30-06 for first bolt action rifle?

[1911 guy]

Flippin' the coin

I'd go with the .308 only because it's my personal choice. Having said that, the '06 is a great round, time proven and still effective after 99 years as a contender in the market. The advantage to a .308 is less likelyhood of shortstoking the bolt for a new bolt shooter, but that's only a problem if you're not familiar with your rifle. As for mag fed vs. blind mag, I prefer blind mags on my hunting rifles only because that's one less thing to think about if oyu're presented with a last minute hunting opportunity. Overall, for general purpose use, I'd go with the '06 in a blind mag.

 

[USSR]

Hugo,

If you don't reload, flip a coin, as the .30-06 is seriously downloaded in factory ammo. However, if you reload, the .30-06 leaves the .308 in the dust. I use a .30-06 for shooting at 1,000 yards, and my load launches a 190SMK at 2900fps. You would be hard-pressed to get 2650fps out of a .308 with the same bullet.

Don

 

[TheEgg]

'06.

But also consider a used rifle. Around here, used bolt guns in '06 are filling the dealer's shelves and you might be able to cut a good deal. Seems like everyone is trading up or out, leaving lots of very nice rifles at reasonable prices.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Around here, used bolt guns in '06 are filling the dealer's shelves and you might be able to cut a good deal.

Great! I'll have to get a few -- I only have 5 .30-06s.

(To be fair, I have a Ruger M77, shotgun safety model. Got it in '71 or so and hunted with it for many years. Naturally, I have an M1 Garand. And an '03A3 Springfield -- make that two, one by Remington and one by Smith-Corona. And who could pass up a good deal on a 1939 Model 70 Winchester?)

 

[JShirley]

Vern,

I like the '06. I have two- a 1917 and a sporterized '03. I like 'em- LOVE the Eatman special '03. I like the .308. I have one, and am getting another soon.

BUT- the Garand was SUPPOSED to have been in a smaller diameter caliber. The only reason it was not chambered for .276 Pedersen, was due to the US already having vast stores of .30-06.

There is certainly nothing wrong with the '06. It's a good cartridge with the potential to do just about everything an American hunter needs from a rifle cartridge, and it can be found just about everywhere. That in no way means that a neophyte might not be better served with something else, and (except for price and supply) something in the 6.5-7mm range might be about perfect.

Price? Supply? .308 or .30-06. Light-recoiling long-range SD on target? A 6.5x55mm or 7x57mm with good ammo would be perfect.

John

 

[Vern Humphrey]

BUT- the Garand was SUPPOSED to have been in a smaller diameter caliber. The only reason it was not chambered for .276 Pedersen, was due to the US already having vast stores of .30-06.

The .276 was also strongly opposed by the Chief of Cavalry, who found the '06 was more destructive to tires and automobile bodies.

But the issue in this thread is ".308 or .30-06?"

The answer is .30-06.

 

[TheEgg]

Great! I'll have to get a few -- I only have 5 .30-06s.

Yeah, me too. I have all the 30-06 rifles I would ever need, but it sure is hard to pass on some of the stuff you see around. Still sort of kicking myself over a like new Ruger No.1 with Leupold rings already installed (no scope) for $400. Passed it up. <Sigh>

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Still sort of kicking myself over a like new Ruger No.1 with Leupold rings already installed (no scope) for $400.

Whenever you have a problem like that, call me. I'll buy the rifle and hold it for you until the spell passes (for a slight fee.)

 

[Father Knows Best]

But also consider a used rifle. Around here, used bolt guns in '06 are filling the dealer's shelves and you might be able to cut a good deal. Seems like everyone is trading up or out, leaving lots of very nice rifles at reasonable prices.

Another +1 here. Good used .30-06 bolt action hunting rifles are practically a dime a dozen around here. My dad's gun shop won't take them on trade at any price, because they can't move the dozen or so they already have (o.k., they'd probably give you $10 for one, but that's about it). Everybody seems to want a .243 or .270, so fine used .30-06's (and the occasional .308) just gather dust.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

.308 or .30-06 for first bolt action rifle?

.30-06.

It's more versatile in its factory loadings and handloading options, as well as generally easier to find, and find more than one variety of, in most gun shops.

Many a lad cut his teeth on an '06 and never looked back.

It's plenty powerful, plenty long of range and doesn't kick the hell out of you.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Good used .30-06 bolt action hunting rifles are practically a dime a dozen around here.

I'm sending you 11 cents. (The extra penny is for shipping.)