.308 Vs 30.06

Alec · 10-23-2009, 04:00 PM

I would be grateful for views on which of these calibres would be best for my purposes. I have red deer shooting in Scotland and will probably shoot Sika and Fallow as well as Roe. Will no doubt see some foxes so would take them as well.

I would also like to shoot Boar probably driven and have an invite for shooting moose in Canada and culling antelope in S. Africa.

I don't really want anything heavier than the above and I lean towards the 30.06 but would I gain much over the .308?

I will handload as well so does that change the bias?

Thanks in advance

Alec

thrillbilly · 10-23-2009, 04:22 PM

Really? Seriously? You aint joking?
I am done with these threads....people just get pissed because everyone doesn't like their pet caliber. I would have a suggestion, but it seems unless it's a .30cal my opinion doesn't count....so I'll let the educated folks who have "been doing it for decades" tell which is best.

"I won't. I won't....the hell I won't"......270Win!

kman · 10-23-2009, 04:27 PM

as you can tell already this type of post has been talked numuors times and tends to get heated rather quickly, some are tired of answering these post,but you asked which means your not sure so lets see if i can help.

i have both, with that being said i love both. this topic is one of those that can go on and on and never end, because both rounds in my oppion are pertty darn close at the ballistics stand point. for example with nosler partition 150 gr the 06 is 2498 fps & 2078 ft lbs the .308 with same load 2380 fps & 1880 ft lbs so you see they are close. with a little background info coverd i will say if I were going to shot a moose my chocie with the given rounds ( 30-06 & .308) would be the 106 year old proven round the 30-06, not saying the .308 with the right bullet powder combo could not be just as effective just my choice. others will disagree and some will agree.

thrillbilly · 10-23-2009, 04:28 PM

http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/gen...-would-go.html (Dangerous Game Caliber, What is the smallest you would go with?)

http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/gen...-vs-308-a.html (.270 vs .308)

http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/gen...a-shotgun.html (45/70 rifle or 12 ga. shotgun?)

http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/gen...0-win-mag.html (338 win mag vs. 300 win mag)

http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/gen...get-rifle.html (30-06 or 308 for BBL Target rifle?)

skiking · 10-23-2009, 04:39 PM

I don't think it will matter much if at all which you choose. They are both great hunting rounds. The 30-06 doesn't push the bullets that much faster than the .308, and I would ignore the whole 100+ year history argument, it may be relevant when you are considering a flashy new ultra super-short whizbang or a 30-06 but, between the two you are considering they are both proven.

grizcty · 10-23-2009, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alec

I would be grateful for views on which of these calibres would be best for my purposes. I have red deer shooting in Scotland and will probably shoot Sika and Fallow as well as Roe. Will no doubt see some foxes so would take them as well.
30-30 Deer
22-250 Fox
I would also like to shoot Boar probably driven and have an invite for shooting moose in Canada and culling antelope in S. Africa.
45-70

I don't really want anything heavier than the above and I lean towards the 30.06 but would I gain much over the .308?

Just what are you going to use to defend yourself if need be in S. Africa?

I will handload as well so does that change the bias?

Thanks in advance

All of this info is USELESS.
Until you LEARN, what is legal to use.
Where YOU, plan on hunting!

Alec

Hunting rifles are kinda like going on a fishing trip.
You have to know what your fishing for, to know what tackle to bring.

nathangdad · 10-23-2009, 04:50 PM

I feel the .30-06 is superior to the .308. Remington.com has an interesting ballistic comparison allowing you to check out various loadings in these bullets.

In terms of factory loadings there are a wide variety of bullet weights and types available on dealer's shelves.

The .30-06 has a one hundred year plus history of taking all game in North America and a great deal of game in Africa.

When it comes to the .308 case my favorite is the 7mm/08 - not the .30 caliber loading.

Purdy · 10-23-2009, 04:53 PM

The '06 can handle heavy bullets a little better than the 308. Might be handy for moose and some of the larger "antelope" in Africa.

ninjatoth · 10-23-2009, 05:04 PM

simply put,they aren't much different ballistically.What one can do the other could do just the same.The 30-06 is just a little more powerful,but if you want a .308,go for it,it will do the job just the same.

Swe_shark75 · 10-23-2009, 05:09 PM

Go with 30-06 and load with 200 grains bullet at 800 M/S.(2600 fps) that will do the job on any moose or boar. ive taken 4 Mooses and 15 Boars with that combo.

Swe_Shark75

Cyrano · 10-23-2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thrillbilly

Really? Seriously? You aint joking?
I am done with these threads....people just get pissed because everyone doesn't like their pet caliber. I would have a suggestion, but it seems unless it's a .30cal my opinion doesn't count....so I'll let the educated folks who have "been doing it for decades" tell which is best.

"I won't. I won't....the hell I won't!"......270Win!

Now you just clam down, G.W. Any of the calibers you talk about will do to cull Cuthbert out of the herd and keep his cotton-pickin' paws off Katie.

But given that Alec has an invitation to hunt moose in Canada as well as cull antelope in Africa and wants to hunt driven boar on top of it, if he's going with one rifle I'd have to advise him to choose a .30-06. He can handload rounds tailored to the game he's hunting. The extra oomph that 3 mm longer case gives him will come in right handy when he goes after moose and boar.

That's the advice that I'd give him.

rimfirenut · 10-23-2009, 06:17 PM

Well you cant go wrong with either one, I would opt for the 30-06 for reason's stated above, heck, might as well check out the 300 Winchester magnum while your at it, then there is no concern about which one is better..

Rambo · 10-23-2009, 08:57 PM

Check with the local game officer where you are going. I hunted in Germany and was told a 30-30 was not allowed as it couldn't kill a deer ethically. I chose a 30-06 and that was allowed. It was the Forestmeisters call.

Tack Driver · 10-23-2009, 09:26 PM

.30-06

Jersey Jailer · 10-23-2009, 09:39 PM

What caliber ammo can you readily get? Some countries will not allow you to have military ammo. I don't think too many countries use '06 any more so that would be my first choice. Some African countries won't let you leave with your guns. Check out the laws where you're going. Years ago a guy I met used to fund his African Safaris by buying high end Remington 700s or Winchester 70s and selling them for 10x what he paid for them.

G. Green · 10-23-2009, 10:02 PM

Alec, your question is kinda like asking "Do you prefer beautiful redheads that are 5'6" or 5'7"? If you're not a handloader there's not much dif. Biggest dif I can see is that the .308 is available in a shorter action rifle than the 06. So you might look at which rifle you like best and see if it's available in both calibers. .308 and 06 ammo is about equally available around here.

G. Green · 10-23-2009, 10:07 PM

oops! Missed that part about you handloading. That probably makes the 06 edge out the .308 by a little, but not enough to pass on a rifle model you really like just cause you can only get it in a .308. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Ten Man · 10-24-2009, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alec

I don't really want anything heavier than the above and I lean towards the 30.06 but would I gain much over the .308?

I will handload as well so does that change the bias?

Alec

Based on YOUR data given, and the choice allowed, I would go with the .30-06.

I happen to have a Remington Model 700 SPS in .30-06 for those hunting duties requiring a light rifle with some versatility and punch.

ArkansasHunter · 10-24-2009, 01:34 AM

Personaly either one will serve you well. I own guns in both calibers. I now prefer the 308 because it's more pleasent to shoot.
I'm not recoil sensitive to either one though the 308 has less and the 308 has less report.
The 30-06 killed my ears the 308 is not as bad. I Like the short action better to for 308 boltactions.

Toss a coin either one you can't go wrong but if it was me buying it would be the 308...A.H

wunhunglo · 10-24-2009, 03:59 AM

Taking the moose into consideration, I'd have to go for the 30-06. The .308 is fine for everything else and maybe just a tad too much for the Deer & the Antelope. Considering you will be handloading, then the 30-06 has to be the way to go. It's easier to load down than load up.

10-23-2009, 04:00 PM	#1
Alec Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	.308 Vs 30.06 I would be grateful for views on which of these calibres would be best for my purposes. I have red deer shooting in Scotland and will probably shoot Sika and Fallow as well as Roe. Will no doubt see some foxes so would take them as well. I would also like to shoot Boar probably driven and have an invite for shooting moose in Canada and culling antelope in S. Africa. I don't really want anything heavier than the above and I lean towards the 30.06 but would I gain much over the .308? I will handload as well so does that change the bias? Thanks in advance Alec

10-23-2009, 04:22 PM	#2
thrillbilly Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ozark Hill Country Posts: 2,611	Really? Seriously? You aint joking? I am done with these threads....people just get pissed because everyone doesn't like their pet caliber. I would have a suggestion, but it seems unless it's a .30cal my opinion doesn't count....so I'll let the educated folks who have "been doing it for decades" tell which is best. "I won't. I won't....the hell I won't"......270Win! __________________ *" I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on."* John Wayne

10-23-2009, 04:27 PM	#3
kman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: hattiesburg,MS Posts: 130	as you can tell already this type of post has been talked numuors times and tends to get heated rather quickly, some are tired of answering these post,but you asked which means your not sure so lets see if i can help. i have both, with that being said i love both. this topic is one of those that can go on and on and never end, because both rounds in my oppion are pertty darn close at the ballistics stand point. for example with nosler partition 150 gr the 06 is 2498 fps & 2078 ft lbs the .308 with same load 2380 fps & 1880 ft lbs so you see they are close. with a little background info coverd i will say if I were going to shot a moose my chocie with the given rounds ( 30-06 & .308) would be the 106 year old proven round the 30-06, not saying the .308 with the right bullet powder combo could not be just as effective just my choice. others will disagree and some will agree. Last edited by kman; 10-23-2009 at 04:31 PM.

10-23-2009, 04:28 PM	#4
thrillbilly Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ozark Hill Country Posts: 2,611	http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/gen...-would-go.html (Dangerous Game Caliber, What is the smallest you would go with?) http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/gen...-vs-308-a.html (.270 vs .308) http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/gen...a-shotgun.html (45/70 rifle or 12 ga. shotgun?) http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/gen...0-win-mag.html (338 win mag vs. 300 win mag) http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/gen...get-rifle.html (30-06 or 308 for BBL Target rifle?) __________________ *" I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on."* John Wayne Last edited by thrillbilly; 10-23-2009 at 04:32 PM.

10-23-2009, 04:50 PM	#7
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 5,177	Personally, I feel the .30-06 is superior to the .308. Remington.com has an interesting ballistic comparison allowing you to check out various loadings in these bullets. In terms of factory loadings there are a wide variety of bullet weights and types available on dealer's shelves. The .30-06 has a one hundred year plus history of taking all game in North America and a great deal of game in Africa. When it comes to the .308 case my favorite is the 7mm/08 - not the .30 caliber loading.

10-23-2009, 04:39 PM	#5
skiking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Stumptown, MT Posts: 417 Images: 2	I don't think it will matter much if at all which you choose. They are both great hunting rounds. The 30-06 doesn't push the bullets that much faster than the .308, and I would ignore the whole 100+ year history argument, it may be relevant when you are considering a flashy new ultra super-short whizbang or a 30-06 but, between the two you are considering they are both proven.

10-23-2009, 04:53 PM	#8
Purdy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Montana Posts: 430	The '06 can handle heavy bullets a little better than the 308. Might be handy for moose and some of the larger "antelope" in Africa.

10-23-2009, 05:04 PM	#9
ninjatoth Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mid-Michigan Posts: 66	simply put,they aren't much different ballistically.What one can do the other could do just the same.The 30-06 is just a little more powerful,but if you want a .308,go for it,it will do the job just the same.

10-23-2009, 05:09 PM	#10
Swe_shark75 Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sweden Posts: 38	Go with 30-06 and load with 200 grains bullet at 800 M/S.(2600 fps) that will do the job on any moose or boar. ive taken 4 Mooses and 15 Boars with that combo. Swe_Shark75 __________________ /////KNOW YOUR LIMITS\\\\\ Last edited by Swe_shark75; 10-23-2009 at 05:45 PM.

10-23-2009, 06:17 PM	#12
rimfirenut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: michigan Posts: 564	Well you cant go wrong with either one, I would opt for the 30-06 for reason's stated above, heck, might as well check out the 300 Winchester magnum while your at it, then there is no concern about which one is better..

10-23-2009, 08:57 PM	#13
Rambo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,324	Check with the local game officer where you are going. I hunted in Germany and was told a 30-30 was not allowed as it couldn't kill a deer ethically. I chose a 30-06 and that was allowed. It was the Forestmeisters call. __________________ I live to hunt and hunt to live.

10-23-2009, 09:26 PM	#14
Tack Driver Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Caswell County, NC Posts: 392	.30-06 __________________ If pro is the opposite of con, is Congress the opposite of progress?

10-23-2009, 09:39 PM	#15
Jersey Jailer Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: SOUTH Jersey Posts: 669	What caliber ammo can you readily get? Some countries will not allow you to have military ammo. I don't think too many countries use '06 any more so that would be my first choice. Some African countries won't let you leave with your guns. Check out the laws where you're going. Years ago a guy I met used to fund his African Safaris by buying high end Remington 700s or Winchester 70s and selling them for 10x what he paid for them. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Austrailian Shepherds are like potato chips... You can't have just one

10-23-2009, 10:02 PM	#16
G. Green Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NE OK Posts: 464	Alec, your question is kinda like asking "Do you prefer beautiful redheads that are 5'6" or 5'7"? If you're not a handloader there's not much dif. Biggest dif I can see is that the .308 is available in a shorter action rifle than the 06. So you might look at which rifle you like best and see if it's available in both calibers. .308 and 06 ammo is about equally available around here.

10-23-2009, 10:07 PM	#17
G. Green Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NE OK Posts: 464	oops! Missed that part about you handloading. That probably makes the 06 edge out the .308 by a little, but not enough to pass on a rifle model you really like just cause you can only get it in a .308. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

10-24-2009, 01:34 AM	#19
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 17,218	Personaly either one will serve you well. I own guns in both calibers. I now prefer the 308 because it's more pleasent to shoot. I'm not recoil sensitive to either one though the 308 has less and the 308 has less report. The 30-06 killed my ears the 308 is not as bad. I Like the short action better to for 308 boltactions. Toss a coin either one you can't go wrong but if it was me buying it would be the 308...A.H __________________ IN GOD WE TRUST NRA MEMBER

10-24-2009, 03:59 AM	#20
wunhunglo Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: currently "Sunny West Africa" Posts: 4,102	Taking the moose into consideration, I'd have to go for the 30-06. The .308 is fine for everything else and maybe just a tad too much for the Deer & the Antelope. Considering you will be handloading, then the 30-06 has to be the way to go. It's easier to load down than load up. __________________ How can I 'Soar with the Eagles' when I'm working with such 'Turkeys'!