.308 Vs. 30-06

[sureshot]

It would mainly be used for hunting, and I mean hunting as in deer, moose, elk, bear, and coyotes. I like the 30-06 because of the wide spectum if bullet grains available for it but I also like the dependability of the 308 I am familliar with all but the .308 recoil is a slight issue but only slight I'm looking at buying a browning X bolt rifle

 

[Maverick223]

If recoil is an issue (and it sounds like it could be), I would highly suggest a 7mm-08 over any of the aforementioned. It will perform just as well as the .308, with the trajectory of the .30-06, and less recoil than any of the above (assuming that the "7mm" that you mention is the 7mmRM).

 

[Bear70]

I was a die-hard .30-06 and .270 fan because that is what I was raised on. Recently I wanted a dedicated bench/varmint rifle and picked up a 700 SS varmint in .308. It took me exactly 4 shots to zero and every shot thereafter has been in the 10 ring. Now I only shoot at the 300yd bench because anything closer gets too boring. Absolutely amazingly accurate! I thought my .270 was accurate but it is a scattergun compared to my new .308.

My point? I guess if it is only a dedicated hunting rifle, I guess go with the .30-06. However, it you want it for hunting and bench, go with the .308 and you will not be disappointed. Believe me, I was one of those who thought the .308 being more accurate round was just hogwash until I fired one. I am a believer. Now I know it might be apples and oranges since my .308 rifle was engineered to be a bench rifle, but still. It's almost too easy.

 

[jem375]

the 308 does everything I need in a hunting rifle.

 

[Driftertank]

Not sure of the relevance here, but I once read an article discussing the relative "Efficiency" of various rounds, which relates to how a particular round converts it's powder load to PK, in the broadest sense, but also discussed things like effects on barrel life, recoil v. bullet energy, etc.

The findings were that many of the modern military standard loads rank very highly on the "efficiency" chart, which is not too surprising, considering the time, money, and effort the militaries of the world put into maximizing the effectiveness of the rounds they use, as unnecessary bulk, recoil, weapon wear, and excessive use of raw materials are all things the military seeks to avoid.

I don't remember where I read the article, or who wrote it, but IIRC, they found that the most efficient rounds were in the .35 caliber range, like the Whelen and Ackley(Improved). But IIRC, the .308 Winchester was the most efficient .30 caliber loading, with the 30-06 somewhere around 3rd place or so.....but as I'm recalling from (poor) memory, I could be way off.

For what that's all worth, anyway....

 

[Maverick223]

I don't remember where I read the article, or who wrote it, but IIRC, they found that the most efficient rounds were in the .35 caliber range, like the Whelen and Ackley(Improved). But IIRC, the .308 Winchester was the most efficient .30 caliber loading, with the 30-06 somewhere around 3rd place or so.....but as I'm recalling from (poor) memory, I could be way off.

In general the more a round is underbore the more efficient it is (take the extremely efficient 12Ga. shotgun for instance). OTOH the efficiency doesn't necessarily make the round very good at range, because of the poor trajectory of highly efficient cartridges (such as the very efficient .45-70Govt.).

 

[Art Eatman]

If you're not going to handload, and if the rifle choices pretty much have 22" barrels, the .308 is equal to the '06 as long as the 150- and 165-grain bullets are used. There might be a bit of advantage in an '06 with 180-grain bullets from that short barrel; I haven't checked that out.

The .308 would likely be a few ounces lighter, given the short action. Recoil is easily dealt with via today's butt pads; they're far superior to those of past eras.

 

[Ky Larry]

Apples or oranges.
Ford or Chevy.
Rock or country.
Coke or Pepsi.
Hamburgers or hot dogs.
Pretzels or peanuts.

 

[kestak]

Greetings,

30-06 vs 308... Another of those eternal arguiing contest with no winner.

I have both. Love both. Reload for both.

In my book, the 30-06 kicks a little bit more on the shoulder. 30-06 and 308 have the same kickdown (I truly hate this expression, but it is the one people understand the better) under 500 yards. No deer came back to tell me the 30-06 hurt less.....

Rifle wise or ammunition wise, I never felt I had less choice in 308 than 30-06 and vice versa. Bullets wise, it is the same thing Yay!!!

There is a difference in reloading between the 2 calibers. Not a big one, but a significant one that makes a difference in my grouping. The 30-06 is just at the limit of some powders that you can use for 308 and under. For example, Ramshot TAC can reload 223 up to 308. There are some loads for 30-06, but you will get "relative" better results with Ramshot Big Game.

Brass wise, it is easier for me to put my hands on free 30-06 brass but it lasts less than the 308. I can get 2-5 more reloads with the 308 brass.

Thank you

 

[Bear70]

Apples or oranges.
Ford or Chevy.
Rock or country.
Coke or Pepsi.
Hamburgers or hot dogs.
Pretzels or peanuts.

Apples
Ford
Country
Coke
Hamburgers
Pretzels

 

[Kentucky_Rifleman]

Someone mentioned the often overlooked .280 Remington (7mm-06) as an outstanding hunting cartridge. I agree; it and the 7x57 are my go-to cartridges, but I reload, so ammo isn't an issue for me. I would personally consider 7mm a bit light for elk and bear, which you mentioned hunting. I know lots of elk and several bears have been cleanly killed with 7mm cartridges, but I would feel more confident pulling the trigger on a heavier .30 cal round with elk or bear.

I have a 30-06 and .308 and reload for both. My .308 is the old Remington model 600 with the carbine barrel. The 30-06 is a 721 with the 26" barrel. It's not a fair comparison since the rifles are so different, but I can load my 06 to do some amazing things, and it is more efficient with the heavier bullets in the .30 lineup.

Hope this helps,
KR

 

[06]

LOL, Duh-wonder which side I am going to fall into--Hmmm. My first deer was with a 308, I keep a 700-M1A-and a FR-8 Mauser in my truck, all in 308. BUT, I hunt with '06s of various designs and collect a few also. Short distance ballistics are too similiar to quarrel about but IMHO the 06 excells the more distance used. Both are excellent rounds. 06

 

[Al LaVodka]

Not Enough of a Difference...

...to go with a .30-06 over a .308 except that the .308 has a nice, short, action. However!

If you can't buy one direct I would go with a .30-06 and have it slightly reamed to Ackley Improved -- it will still use regular off-the-shelf .30-06 but will get 100 fps more if you reload those fire-formed cases.

The verstile .30-06 Ackley Improved I call the .308 Magnum!

Al

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Cool to see several fans of the .280 Rem (aka 7mm Rem Express).
I'm a fan as well. My only rifle for it so far is a NEF Handi Rifle, but I hope to have a nice bolt action chambered in it eventually.