Help Me Pick a Rifle - .308 or 30-06

[Legionnaire]

Not much to add. You see the tradeoffs. Maximum versatility comes with the .30-06, especially if you reload. The .308 can do just about everything the ought-six can do with up to 165 grain bullets.

To me, the advantage of the .308 is the shorter action. My "go to" hunting rifle is a Remington Model 7 in .308. I love the pointability of the short, carbine length gun, especially in the eastern hardwoods.

I like and reload for both cartridges. I do not own a Garand. In your situation, I'd agree with those suggesting the KISS principle. Get a bolt action in .30-06 and start reloading for it.

 

[KodiakBeer]

I'm all about the short action, lower weight and compact sizes of so many .308's. It's something you won't notice till you're half way up a mountain and then it becomes very relevant. I think it's a definite advantage in the field, unless you're a stand hunter where weight and size don't matter.

Of course, if I got a great deal on a 30.06 I'd take it. If price is near the same I'd always go with a short action rifle.

I truly love my Model seven (though it's a .350) for it's size and handling characteristics. I don't own the Ruger Scout, but after handling one at the gun store I think it may even be a better choice than my Model 7.

 

[Kachok]

If the aditional recoil is not an issue for you, and you don't mind carrying an extra 1/2lbs, or you want to sling 200+gr bullets for moose go with the 06.
If you use normal bullet weights (125-180gr), like a more compact lightweight rifle, and perfer a lighter kicking rifle with less muzzleblast, the 308 is the clear choice.
Both have their appeal, but I lean to the 308, if I want to sling 200gr+ bullets at monster game I will get a 338 cal, they are better for that purpose anyway.

 

[lefteyedom]

308 verse 30.06.....modern pot-belly stove version of the 270-30.06 discussion that got Moses and Methuselah kicked out of the Pearly Gate Deer Club...

Buy the 308.
A. If a 165 grn 308 round won't do it you will alot more than a 30.06 to get it done.
B. Short action, Short barreled rifles with good scopes are great hunting rifles
C. It is good not to mix Garand loads with "full powered" up the loads.. (weak but a reason)
D. Having a .308 makes it easier to justify buying a thumper as an Mastodon/Bear/Elk rifle.


For the record I answer the question by building a 7-08 leftie savage to keep my 338 Win Mag 116 leftie company.

Really just buy the rifle that fits you best you won't go wrong with ether caliber.

 

[FlyinBryan]

you have an m1 already?

buy the 30-06.

even if you didnt have the garand, get the 30-06. its just more versatile.

 

[cpt-t]

308 vs 30-06

My Son and I shoot them both he likes the 308 and I go with the 30-06, it gives us something to augure about on the drive to where we are going hunting. I really belive for the first rifle an 30-06 is best. Go to wal-mart and look at the slection 125gr thru 220gr and at the right time of year you can get some 55gr sabot ammo I think you still can. You usually have twice as maney choices with the 06. This is what you will at most stores and any rual mom and pop shop out in the middle of no where. Pick a rifle that fits you I like a longer barrel 22-24 inch for your 1st hunting rifle, Get a scout rifle the 2nd time around if you think you need one still. Brands of rifles we have a few different but really take a real hard look at a Savage or a CZ we think they are the best going really great triggers, smooth action, and we don`t have a Savage or CZ that won`t shoot under an inch at a 100 yrds,(( dont buy the there cheap model for this rifle you will give to your grandson when you are thru with it )). Buy a good scope and mount it low the first time. Good luck on your choice. ken