Am I missing something without a 30.06?

[savanahsdad]

I'm somewhat surprised to find the .308 brought into this thread about whether to get a .30-06 or not. As previously stated, once the bullet weight becomes 180 grains or more, the similarities between the two cartridges disappear. I have done extensive load development for LR shooting with both cartridges using the 190SMK, and have found an honest 200fps difference with the two.

.308: 190SMK, 47.0gr N550 - 2700fps
.30-06: 190SMK, 60.7gr RL22 - 2900fps
.300WM Fed. Gold Medal Match: 190SMK - 2900fps

26" barrels were used in both cases.

Don

LOL..... we could play this game all day I just looked up 300win mag. 180gr bullets with IMR4831 from 60rg to 80gr will get you 2599fps to 3253fps seems your right in the middle with your 300WM ,

anyway, there is enough ammo out there and load data out there to make any of the three look like it is the best , but the 30-06 fits in the middle most of the time , if the OP is looking for that middle gun , then go for it , the 30-06 has been killing things for over 100 years , but for me I like the handy, lite , less recoil of the 308win and the bigger bang ,longer range of my 7mmWSM


to the OP you NEED a 270win ! ( yep I opened another can of worms )

 

[mdauben]

I don't need a 30.06, but everything I've heard says this is a legendary caliber that just needs to be part of a collection.

If you are putting together a "collection" of representative american hunting rifles, then yes you should have a .30-06 as its a classic cartridge with wide availability and flexibility. If you want one gun that can be used for any north american big game, you should have a .30-06 as its probably the most recommended "do it all" cartridge.

If you are just worried about covering your stated needs for causal range shooting and white tail deer hunting then you don't really need one as there are other choices that do those particular tasks better.

 

[PJSprog]

The .30-'06 is arguably the most versatile rifle cartridge in North America. You should definitely own at least one rifle for it ... nah, make that two; one to hunt and one military (love my '03 Springfield).

 

[GBExpat]

Some wags may even suggest that God carries a .30-06 ... except, o'course, when He is carrying a .30-30.

 

[mainecoon]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I guess I definitely need one . Now just need to join the moose permit lottery.

 

[Robert101]

Yes, you do need to join the .30 caliber club.

 

[Ks5shooter]

THIS^^^^^^^^^^

 

[MJ]

You can do just about anything with a good 30-06 from 25 yards to 1000 yards.

 

[savanahsdad]

^^^ nice weapon ya got there MJ.

 

[powder]

Currently I've got a 22-250 for targets and a .243 for deer. I don't need a 30.06, but everything I've heard says this is a legendary caliber that just needs to be part of a collection. Is it worth looking for some 30.06-worthy animal to shoot to justify the purchase?

No.

 

[DRYHUMOR]

I hadn't had an '06 in 24 years... then last year I came across a basically new M70 barreled action that was too good to pass up.

The way I have it shooting; it's a keeper.

 

[fragout]

Since this is about a “want”, and not about any foreseen “need”, then 30-06 is a great choice, and as good as any other. Plenty of rifles too choose from with this cartridge in mind.
Not sure who brought up 308, but there are even more rifles chambered for this cartridge compared to 30-06. If you were to combine them, then the sky’s the limit when you go to make a choice, and especially if you want to “justify” buying it for use as a big game hunting tool.

I’m not a ballistics expert, but FWIW……..I ended up with the following average muzzle velocities (10 shots each thru same chronograph on the same day) between 308 and 30-06. ( Both rifles are Rossi’s and sport the same bbl lengths…….. so the comparison should give you a decent look at the differences between the two.
The first comparison uses the 165gr Federal sierra Game King BTSP with a BC of .405. (both cartridges) (Note: I ran the average numbers thru a ballistic program to calculate the rest, and to include elevation, and atmospherics on this particular day.)

Note: These are factory loads.

MV:
30-06: 2770fps
308 : 2680fps
Difference = 90fps

100 yards:
30-06: 2541fps w/ 2365 ft/lbs of energy
308: 2457fps w/ 2211 ft/lbs of energy
Difference = 84fps and 154 ft/lbs of energy

300 yards:
30-06: 2117fps w/ 1642 ft/lbs of energy
308: 2044fps w/ 1530 ft/lbs of energy
Difference = 73fps and 112 ft/lbs of energy

Not much of a difference when comparing both. Short action vs long, and the difference in felt recoil amounts to personal preference IMO. Everyone seems to have thier favorite, and thats a good thing I suppose. If you look at both, then your options really open up.

I’ll follow up with a 30-06 220gr load vs a 308 168 gr load later.

 

[Bird Dog II]

God no! Don't get one. If you do, you'll want another, and then a 3rd

The above comparison is valid. However, if you move up to 190s, 200s, 220s, the 06 clearly out slugs the short .308. I have a .308 and love it, but it ain't no 06 when you move up to heavies.

Plus, I promise you, you can reach and exceed 2800 fps with 165gr bullets in the .30-06.

 

[fragout]

Here are the numbers thru the same Rossi 30-06 rifle I used in the above post. Same chronograph. (Factory loads)

30-06 = 220gr Federal Sierra Pro-Hunter soft point round nose.

MV:
2400fps

100 yards:
2114fps w/ 2183 ft/lbs of energy

150 yards:
1979 fps w/ 1913ft/lbs of energy

200 yards:
1850fps w/ 1672 ft/lbs of energy

Just a reminder that these are factory loads thru a specific rifle. I'm sure one can reload and get faster speeds, but that doesn't mean they will automatically shoot well thru every given rifle. (308 as well as 30-06).


Just for giggles, here is what I put thru the Rossi chambered in 308 on the same day.......

165gr Federal Barnes Triple Shock X

MV:
2650 fps

100 yards:
2415fps w/ 2136 ft/lbs of energy

150 yards:
2301fps w/ 1931 ft/lbs of energy

200 yards:
2191fps w/ 1758 ft/lbs of energy

Note: BC for the above 30-06 bullet is .294
BC for the above 308 bullet is .38

Note: I have quite a few different factory loads thru both of the rifles above, and have taken notes on all of them.

If someone is interested in specifics, feel free to ask, and I'll post my findings on said load if I have put it thru the paces before.

I like both cartridges, so I say the OP would have even more options concerning a rifle by looking at both. (IE...... Instead of looking at it as 1 vs the other, look at it as an addition when the time comes to pick the rifle.)

I also firmly believe that any of the 4 loads I posted above will kill anything living in Maine, provided that the shooter does his part.

 

[Gtscotty]

Reach and exceed is correct, my hunting load for my 30-06 X-bolt is a 165 gr SGK at 2920 fps.... wicked is the best word to describe it. I loaded 180 gr Nosler Partitions up above 2800 fps, but couldn't find the accuracy I wanted, so I backed it down to the mid 2700's.

Edit: fragout, I think the fact that they are factory loads is the kicker, the '06 is kind of hobbled by it's extensive history when it comes to factory loads (read: usually limited pressure wise). Once you crack the load book and get to work, it becomes quite apparent that there is some potential (and capacity) in the case that is generally untapped in factory loadings.

The 6.5x55 addicts preach it all the time, but these older cartridges aren't always best judged by their factory loadings.

 

[back40]

with reloading,the 30-06 will clearly outshine the .308. with heavier bullets 30-06 offers an option that .308 simply cannot provide. i've read many times of guys safely loading 30-06 to factory .300 winmag levels.

as for the action, i don't get where all the bellyaching comes from. it's a mere 1/2" more. i hear all the time about how the .308 is a "light and handy" rifle, as if the 30-06 is somehow an unbearable pig at a whole 1/2" more overall length and maybe 6 ounces more. i've owned both calibers in the exact same gun, and i can tell you it didn't make a difference.

.308 may have a slight edge with regards to accuracy, but at normal hunting ranges it won't make a bit of difference. it gets the nod when we're talking match grade ammo and long ranges far beyond normal hunting situations. the shooter's skills will be far more important than the slight accuracy difference between the two.

recoil is subjective, and load dependent, and although i can tell my 30-06 has the faintest bit more, it certainly isn't enough to matter, especially when hunting.

i own both calibers and love them both, but the OP asked about 30-06 for hunting, which in my mind is the better choice. it's a classic that offers great versatility.

 

[Slamfire]

The 30-06 is a great cartridge. There is not much it can't do. I still shoot this 30-06 target rifle, kicks more than a 308 but sometimes you still have to bring out the old smokepoles.

 

[fragout]

Edit: fragout, I think the fact that they are factory loads is the kicker, the '06 is kind of hobbled by it's extensive history when it comes to factory loads (read: usually limited pressure wise). Once you crack the load book and get to work, it becomes quite apparent that there is some potential (and capacity) in the case that is generally untapped in factory loadings.
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I agree with you Gtscotty.

However you slice it, 30-06 uses the same bullets and has a longer case, so the potential is there, provided that the specific rifle likes a load such as you described.

Is the difference enough to matter when it comes to hunting critters found in Maine? I don't believe that it is, but it's just my opinion.

Will every "mom and pop" store sell anything other than factory fodder?
Most likely anywhweres is goona be factory stuff. ( Remington and Federal seem to be the 2 factory ammo "everywhere" leaders of the pack.)

With that said, 308 factory made match ammo is much more common around here vs a 30-06 equivalent. ( In case the OP sticks with his 243 chambered rifle for a hunting tool, and makes his 30cal rifle into something else.)

 

[BigBore44]

110-220 grn bullets. One of, if not the, most popular hunting cartridge of all times. Still a proven performer for almost all big game on the planet. Readily available almost everywhere. One of the only cartridges always available during the panic.

My advice? Don't get one. Horrible cartridge. Completely worthless. No options if you're a reloader. Way underpowered. Super heavy recoil. No one makes rifles in that chambering anymore.

 

[dvdcrr]

I'm not missing a 30-06. I've got a 270wsm that will take down anything a 30-06 will.

 

[savanahsdad]

I'm not missing a 30-06. I've got a 270wsm that will take down anything a 30-06 will.

a 270WSM is just over kill... you should just drop that over sized canon off at my house and go get a 30-06



it would go good with my 7mmWSM



.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

I believe this road is so high that everyone's heads are swelling. What is wrong about owning and enjoying a multitude of cartridges and rifles? It does not have to be that my stick is bigger than your stick......... unless you are emotionally prepubescent.

 

[fragout]

I received a request from a fellow member here, (who hails from the northeastern part of the U.S.) and he asked me if I had put any Remington 150gr Core-Lokt PSP's (BC = .315) thru both of my rifles posted above.

The above factory loads are common where he is from, and they are both abundant around my neck of the woods as well.

When I told him that I had ran both cartridges thru both rifles on the same day/under same conditions, he asked that I post it here for all to utilize for information...as well as the OP.

Here are the average velocities concerning my rifles chambered in 30-06 and 308 using the above mentioned factory 150gr load from Remington.

30-06:
MV = 2900fps
100 yards: 2607fps w/ 2263 ft/lbs of energy.
150 yards: 2468fps w/ 2028 ft/lbs
200 yards: 2333fps w/ 1813 ft/lbs
300 yards: 2076fps w/ 1435 ft/lbs

308:
MV= 2810fps
100 yards: 2523fps w/ 2120 ft/lbs of energy.
150 yards: 2387fps w/ 1900 ft/lbs
200 yards: 2255fps w/ 1695 ft/lbs
300 yards: 2002fps w/ 1335 ft/lbs

 

[back40]

fragout, how do the twist rates on those rifle compare?

 

[fragout]

I believe this road is so high that everyone's heads are swelling. What is wrong about owning and enjoying a multitude of cartridges and rifles? It does not have to be that my stick is bigger than your stick......... unless you are emotionally prepubescent.
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LOL.

As soon as Ruger gets around to building a complete upper chambered in 260 Remington and/or 243 for my SR762, then I'll be right there enjoying them multitudes.

If I had to sell off every long gun I own and only keep one, then the rifle would most defiantly be one of the 3 pictured below.