New to Hunting, looking to buy my 1st rifle
- Thread starter D.A.1
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- 308 vs 30-06
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urbaneruralite
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The /06 is that it does not offer enough over the .308 in performance to put up with the special requirements of longer action and increased expense for ammo. In an easy shooting, heavy barrel rifle, recoil from either with 165gr or less isn't much of an issue.
If you're recoil sensitive and don't mind ammo expenses, the .260/6.5 Creedmoor will do all a 150gr .308 will and do it further out with less recoil.
If you're recoil sensitive and don't mind ammo expenses, the .260/6.5 Creedmoor will do all a 150gr .308 will and do it further out with less recoil.
d2wing
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I am a long time fan of the 30-06, but I too have a bad shoulder. I recommend the .308 over the 06. The 270 is roughly the same to a 30-06 as the 7-08 is to the .308. With the same weight bullets they are roughly the same. Necking down bullets doesn't make them shoot really flatter or faster unless you reduce the weight of the bullet then the difference is only slight. But all three are effective to reasonable range. The 7-08 will have the least recoil
Almost a wash between the 308 and 270. The .270 will have more velocity with a lighter bullet and a little better BC so a tad flatter, but the .308 is more stable and better for long range accuracy. I went with the 7-08. Rounds are more expensive and harder to find but it is effective, accurate and has milder recoil. All of them are great and will do the job at normal hunting ranges for pigs and deer.
Almost a wash between the 308 and 270. The .270 will have more velocity with a lighter bullet and a little better BC so a tad flatter, but the .308 is more stable and better for long range accuracy. I went with the 7-08. Rounds are more expensive and harder to find but it is effective, accurate and has milder recoil. All of them are great and will do the job at normal hunting ranges for pigs and deer.
Gtscotty
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I was going to throw the .270 out there for consideration too. I reload .308, '06 and .270, and although the .270 was a new addition this season, it's really growing on me. The recoil of the .270 to me is less than full tilt '06 or .308 due to the lighter bullets you tend to use in the .270. Another pro to the .270 is that the 130 gr bullets often used have very similar sectional density and ballistic coefficients to comparable 165 gr .30 cal bullets. So on game like deer and hogs you get similar performance to 165 gr pills out of a standard .30 cal, but with a little less recoil and a little flatter trajectory. All of that said, you won't be able to find .270 and '06 quite as cheap as steel or surplus .308... Don't know if that matters to you, it doesn't to me, decent hunting ammo for all three are about the same price.
To echo an earlier poster, i'd pick the rifle first... When it comes to deer, there really isn't that much difference between the performance of most of the popular rounds. I personally like Tikkas, X-bolts and M70s, but if I was just getting into hunting rifles I'd also go hold the Vanguard S2, Howas and Savages to see which one fit best.
To echo an earlier poster, i'd pick the rifle first... When it comes to deer, there really isn't that much difference between the performance of most of the popular rounds. I personally like Tikkas, X-bolts and M70s, but if I was just getting into hunting rifles I'd also go hold the Vanguard S2, Howas and Savages to see which one fit best.
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Corn-Picker
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Fit really is the most important. You for example, like the x-bolt. I tried an x-bolt, and I couldn't figure out how to shoulder it without the butt pad resting halfway above my clavicle. The Vanguard on the other hand, with its Monte Carlo and extreme drop at the heel, fit me perfectly. Fit is something that is difficult (if not impossible) to determine over the internet.
TexasPatriot.308
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7mm-08 or .308, for a newbie... a Savage....great price hellacious rifle.
Inebriated
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Gun fit is important, but out of the ones mentioned (savage axis, 11, ruger American, etc), fit will be nearly identical.
If I were you, I'd lay out exactly what I need. What's my budget, what's my expected round count (will I shoot for fun in the offseason or take to the range the week before deer season), what game am I shooting, do I care about aftermarket, do I want a heavier barrel for range fun or do I want a lighter barrel for walking weight?
Stuff like that will help you really narrow in on something.
If I were you, I'd lay out exactly what I need. What's my budget, what's my expected round count (will I shoot for fun in the offseason or take to the range the week before deer season), what game am I shooting, do I care about aftermarket, do I want a heavier barrel for range fun or do I want a lighter barrel for walking weight?
Stuff like that will help you really narrow in on something.
Inebtriated, some very 'sober' advice. ^^^
And dare I link this. I think I will, only because there's such a plethera of information on one sight: http://www.chuckhawks.com/index2d.rifles.htm
Both great choices, the 06 is a little more versatile with heavier bullets. But the.308 makes a fine compact lightweight rifle. However it can also have a robust recoil in say 6 lb. rifle. With a shoulder injury, that's something to consider. As others have said a .243/260/708 are viable alternative selections.
justin22885
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id get something you can find in a military rifle.. more history, often more accessories, more customizability.. id totally deer hunt with an M1 garand, or an M1A rifle, may even take my 5.56mm AK deer hunting soon, then you have a rifle that not only makes a decent hunting rifle, but you also have some level of history behind them as well
as for 30-06 vs 308, theres really nothing a 30-06 can do that a 308 cant, 308 rifles are far more common, utilize a shorter, quicker action, weigh less, and ammo is cheaper, theres really no reason to go 30-06 over 308 UNLESS youre interested in an old military rifle like the M1 garand or 1903 springfield which is already chambered in -06
as for 30-06 vs 308, theres really nothing a 30-06 can do that a 308 cant, 308 rifles are far more common, utilize a shorter, quicker action, weigh less, and ammo is cheaper, theres really no reason to go 30-06 over 308 UNLESS youre interested in an old military rifle like the M1 garand or 1903 springfield which is already chambered in -06
CaliCoastie
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I've bought one"budget gun", my last. Spend a little more, got a 7mm-08 tikka and haven't looked back. Look on the used racks, grab a rifle that fits. There are deals to be had, recently picked a first gen tang safety m77 in 250 Savage, and a 30-06 sako (early 60s) for a combined total under 900 (including redfield and leupold glass).
Determine what you want then have patience to find the deal.
Determine what you want then have patience to find the deal.
Corn-Picker
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Being his first hunting rifle, he likely won't know what he really wants until he practices and hunts with it a few dozen times. IMO theres benefit in going inexpensive with the first hunting rifle. After you hunt a bit you'll know what you need in a rifle as far as fit, weight, maneuvaribility, etc... Also, it's an inexpensive rifle, so if you do something boneheaded (strip the receiver mounts, scratch the barrel through improper care, gouge the stock, put it away wet, etc...) you can learn without losing as much money.
I think the milsurp idea is bad advice -- stick with a bolt action hunting rifle.
Skylerbone
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D.A., LOP can easily be changed on some rifles, others (think hollow plastic stock) cannot. Recoil pads can be changed as well but their general size will stay the same. If you turn a few rifles around and have a look, you'll see some differences. A Kardashian size will transfer energy differently than a Twiggy size pad.
I'd suggest a short action and I'd suggest not worrying too much about cost per round. In all honesty most guys don't shoot their rifles enough to see a difference but when they do, they start reloading (and not always for cost savings).
Of the calibers mentioned I'd favor 6.5 Swede or .243 because your shoulder is the most important factor in this equation.
I'd suggest a short action and I'd suggest not worrying too much about cost per round. In all honesty most guys don't shoot their rifles enough to see a difference but when they do, they start reloading (and not always for cost savings).
Of the calibers mentioned I'd favor 6.5 Swede or .243 because your shoulder is the most important factor in this equation.
I don't see that at all. Maybe it's a regional thing but 30-06 outnumbers 308 at least 10 to 1, or more, around here.
Go to a good gun store and shoulder a lot of rifles. Write down the ones that feel good and the ones that don't feel quite so good. I personally prefer shorter rifles, carbine length, because they "feel" good to me but I often hunt with longer guns as well. I am 6'1" but really like the way a carbine shoulders.
As far as caliber goes there are many that will do the job on deer and hogs and not hurt your shoulder. If I had to have just one hunting rifle and I was in any way worried about my shoulder then I would stay away from 30-06 or 308. Not that they are brutal but there are some fine calibers that have lower recoil and will do the trick. You CAN buy reduced recoil rounds in 30-06 (maybe 308 as well but I don't know). I have never personally fired any but my hunting buddy got his grandson an '06 and bought the reduced recoil loads. I hunt with a 30-06 quite a bit and have killed many deer with several different guns in that caliber. It is probably the most ubiquitous caliber in the USA for "big game" hunting.
The 243 is a great option with reduced recoil. Flat shooting at most hunting distances and plenty capable of killing deer and hogs. Ammo is everywhere.
Lately I have been hunting with a sporterized Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55 and I cannot say enough good things about the gun. Short, light and extremely accurate. I have dropped every deer I have shot with it and a 14 year old girl got her first deer this year using the gun. Very light recoil. Ammo is not available at Walmart but can easily be had online or at most of the Bass Pro/Cabela's type stores.
The 25-06 is a good caliber for deer but I have never shot a hog with one. Light recoil but ammo isn't nearly as common as 30-06 or 243.
I don't personally own a 270 but I have fired a few of them. The recoil, to me, is close to a 30-06 but that could just be the guns I have fired. Plenty of gun for any animal you will likely shoot. Ammo is plentiful.
The 30-30 is a tried and true deer gun that has very light recoil. It may be more of a challenge if you will be shooting at distances over 200 yards as the bullet drops off quickly at those distances but it is a great gun at 150 yards and in which is where the vast majority of deer and hogs are taken. Short, light and plentiful ammo.
You can certainly kill deer and hogs using the 7.62 or the .223. Many will say not to use the 223 (it is illegal in some areas) but it is a decent deer cartridge and you know how light the recoil can be. Hunting ammo is available though not all that common in normal gun stores.
As far as a brand I really don't think anyone can help much with that. My favorite 30-06 is a plastic Savage with the accu-trigger and the Swede has a custom wood stock. I have a BAR and several other 30-06 rifles that I rarely take to the woods. Tikka, Browning, Savage, Ruger, and plenty of others make good quality guns that will come in at around $400-$600. Spend another $400 or so on a quality scope and you will be set to hunt for the rest of your life with ONE gun. Yeah, Right!!!!
greyghost01
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It depends where you live and what you want to hunt, And legal caliber for your area to hunt, Some states allow a 223 for up to deer size animals other states do not.
There is multi calibers to choose from, Study each caliber and legality and go from there.
A 308 will cover most varmint to large game in North America, So will a 270
A rifle is like shoes or boots, You need more than one period.
For your first I would choose a Bolt gun and a 4-12 scope or in that range
There are many fine auto loaders in 7.62 - 308 also 6.5 and 6.8 the sky is the limit or your bank account. Enjoy
There is multi calibers to choose from, Study each caliber and legality and go from there.
A 308 will cover most varmint to large game in North America, So will a 270
A rifle is like shoes or boots, You need more than one period.
For your first I would choose a Bolt gun and a 4-12 scope or in that range
There are many fine auto loaders in 7.62 - 308 also 6.5 and 6.8 the sky is the limit or your bank account. Enjoy
TexasPatriot.308
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a .243 is OK, but the .308 just leaves it in the dust with not much more recoil and many more options as far as loads and ammo. proven over and over in hunting and combat.
d2wing
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I don't recommend semi autos for hunting or military rifles. The reason is that they usually much heavier front heavy and bulkier. And some are harder to carry and bring to the shoulder. I would stick with a standard bolt action. If fact I had to chose this year between 2 Remington semi autos, 2 AR's and an AK, a Lever, a Pump and a 7MM mag bolt. I sold the bolt to my son and used an AR. Afterwards I went out and bought a Tikka T3 in 7-08. I think it is the perfect rifle for me. I have had all the rest.
To say it leaves it in the dust means it's dramatically different. in what way is 243 eating dust? I will admit that my expertise with both cartridges is limited to deer size game and smaller but with an 85 gr tsx I've never had to go find an animal,unless you consider walking to where it was standing when I shot it. If you look at a drop chart the 243 out performs 308. No way there are more load options for a 308. And most the deer I've killed have been 300+. At best I would say they are comparable and I much prefer the lighter recoil and flatter shooting cartridge since it is more than sufficient in north America. Comes down to bullet selection more than anything. Imho
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