I want to get a Browning lever rifle and can't decide between a .308 or 30.06. If I get the .308, I can get it in short action. Is there much difference between these rounds? It will be used for North American game, mostly white tail, so I'm sure either one would be fine. Is there anything to pull me in one direction or the other?
.308 or 30.06?
- Thread starter TX1911fan
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If you can only get one in short action, then I'd make sure to get the long action so as to have the option of switching barrels if I wanted to. that being said, mil surp ammo makes me lean towards .308, make friends with one of the brasshoppers off the military shooting teams and you can get some dirt cheep match grade ammo.
10-Ring
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I have an M1A, so I would lean towards the 308 
Mostly for cost reasons
Mostly for cost reasons
Lennyjoe
Member
If the majority of your hunting will be in Texas then the .308 round will be fine.
Now if there's a chance you can go after Elk or bear later on then by all means go with the 30-06. The -06 is a very versitile round that will cover all the bases.
Matter in fact, I'd just say the hell with it and get the -06
Now if there's a chance you can go after Elk or bear later on then by all means go with the 30-06. The -06 is a very versitile round that will cover all the bases.
Matter in fact, I'd just say the hell with it and get the -06
ID_shooting
Member
I choose 30-06. 06 and 308 share the same performance will you get up to around 165 gr bullets, then the 06 steps away from 308, clear up to and over 200gr.
If you must have short action, then 308 is what you want. If you can get away with long action, I prefer the more flexible 30-06.
As for cheap ammp, there is still plenty of mil-surp 06 out there.
If you must have short action, then 308 is what you want. If you can get away with long action, I prefer the more flexible 30-06.
As for cheap ammp, there is still plenty of mil-surp 06 out there.
Old Time Hunter
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The .308, because of the shorter action. .308 is to a 30-06 as a .300WSM is to .300 WMag. Pretty much on the less than 180 gr bullets the 308 is in some ways superior, if you plan on 200+gr then go to the 30-06.
'Card
Member
You can't go wrong with either one, but I stick with the .30-06, personally. It will do everything the .308 will do, but gives you a few more options. Remember too that the .30-06 is the most popular big-game cartridge in North America, so in general you'll find more choices and options (as far as commercial ammunition, I mean) for the .30-06.
R.W.Dale
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For what you're looking to buy I'ed shop PRICE and CONDITION first and then caliber.
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