308 vs 30-06 availability

[geewizz]

I'm about to purchase a bolt action rifle for hunting and was wondering about the availability of 308 versus 30-06 as far as reloads supplies go. I have a m1a already so I was going to stick with 308 but with all thats going on I'm not seeing much as far as 308 is concerned out there. Has either one traditional been more available in the past? I'm just getting into reloading so I'm trying to make a wise choice between the two. I hope most of this is just due to the craze out there about ayatolah obama. I appreciate any opinions or advise

 

[LJH]

Either one should be fine as far as reloading goes. Both use 308 bullets, large rifle primers, and mostly the same powders. Dies are readily available for both.

Good luck

LJH

 

[Hutch]

If it matters, you can still buy .30-'06 ammo, boxer primed and reloadable, for about a quarter a pop, from the CMP www.odcmp.com

That's an OUTSTANDING bargain these days.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Components for either caliber are basically the same except the case.

If it matters to you, the 308 cartridge has a reputation for being easy to obtain accurate loads for with a larger variety of components than the 30-06.

 

[wanderinwalker]

As said, so long as you have the cases, supplies are a wash. Both use the same bullets, can use the same powders and the same primers. The .308 will be more economical, running an average of 10-grains or so of powder less, per round. If my math is correct, that's like 70 extra rounds out of a jug of powder.

Having never loaded .308, I know the .30-06 is really easy to load for, and the .308 has a good reputation as well. Pick the one you get a good deal on!

 

[kelbro]

Flip a coin. 308, ballistics-wise, does everything that 30-06 can do (within a few fps) until you get bullets over 165gr.

 

[Ky Larry]

My local Sportsman's Warehouse is sold out of .308 and .30-06 brass (as well as everything else). I seem to pick up a lot more -06 brass than .308 brass at the range. Every thing else is pretty much a wash.

 

[geewizz]

Does anyone see 308 cases being less attainable in the future. At the local shops I've seen bags of 06 cases but the 308 is gone. I hope its not a sign of things to come

 

[LJH]

Perhaps the 308 cases are harder to find in your area. My experence is that both are sold out around here. As of now I cant even get primers, let alone brass. Try picking up brass at your local range.

 

[Linear Thinker]

Geewizz, you are worried over nothing. Both 30-06 and 308 are US military calibers, with billions of cases in private hands. Brass in both calibers is free for the taking at any DCM match.
Most competitive high-power shooters have buckets full of it.

That also means that derivative calibers, eg. 243Win, 7mm-08, 358Win, 25-06 etc can be easily made from military brass in 308/30-06.

Pick the caliber you like, and don't worry about it. Primers and powder - that may be a different story in the future. You can mitigate your worries by stocking up. You can always make your own bullets.
LT

 

[geewizz]

Well thanks for all the replies. I appreciate it. I'll just stick to my 308 plans

Thanks again

G