30-06 or .308

[jaeger]

.308

.30-06


Before I start this is not meant to open a can of worms. I really just want to know if there is that much of a differance between 06 and .308 to warrant a new purchase if a .308 is already owned?

[bigbuddy21]

no

[Lng Rng]

I prefer the 30-06 for hunting, mainly because with the 24 inch barrel, and handloads, I can get a little better velocity with handloads and heavier grained bullets.

But, the 308 does the job for a lot of people.

[ArkansasHunter]

The 308 is kinder to the ears and shoulder, my Remington 742 30-06 sounds like an artillery piece going off the recoils not bad.
The 2 calibers are proven on White Tail Deer which is the largest game we can hunt where I live.
The 30-06 will handle heavier bullets but where I live 150 grain to 180 grain is all you need so the 308 is an excellent choice because it's accurate and not as loud and hardly kicks.
A.H

[Bravo]

In these polls, I look at the reason for the choice. You already have a 30-06, and therefore I would say that you have no need for a .308. I have both a 30-06 and a .308, and my .308 sits in my gun cabinet. Both are outstanding cartridges. If you were looking for a benchrest gun, then a .308 with a heavy barrel/bedded stock might be worth the investment.

If you're looking just for a hunting rifle, then the 30-06 will do everything that a .308 will, and then some.

[ArkansasHunter]

I agree Bravo but what if you don't reload and White Tail Deer is the only big game you have to hunt and I'm sorry for high jacking the thread jaeger, I want to learn too.
What if were both shooting 150 grain reloads and you have the 30=06 and I have the 308 is there very much differents in the 2 ?
What i'm asking is there an area where the 2 cartridges and calibers are close to equal ?
I sure would like to know...A.H

[jaeger]

AH go ahead. I do own a 30-06 (never fired it) but it is a pump and I just dont like it. I use .308 for everything. I used it in the Marine Corps for iraqis and afghans, and I use it to kill every game I go after including white tail, elk, black bear. My brother in law sparked this whole thing today at the range. He was giving me some ridiculous ballistics for his 06 hand loads (3500fps 3600fpe) or something like that. And my retalliation was my lowly .308(2850fps 2700fpe)has done everything I have ever asked it to do. My question came to me after the range (about a 6 pack later) weather I was missing something about the 06. I know they are about the same on paper, but I have never seen a deer made of paper.

[Lng Rng]

If your BIL was talking about Accelerator bullets, it is very possible he got those velocities.

[AKHunter]

If you live and hunt in NJ and the region, you have either already, whichever it is will suit you fine. Personaly, if all that is the case, I would not purchase the other.

[nathangdad]

Personally, the .30-06 has a bit more power but if you already have the .308 I would not purchase a .30-06. However, if a good .30-06 became available and the trade was right, I would trade up to the .30-06.

This is a forum so you will get a wide variety of answers.

Good luck and good shooting.

[FS00008]

I dont' have anything against a .30-06, but my rifle is in .308, I made my first distance shots in .308, and I learned to shoot at 300 yds. + on a .308. So I'm gonna stick to a .308 :-)

[Sav .250]

Had a Win 100 in .308. Notice I said...had. Never did like the .308......period.
Have had a 30-06 for many years and for "me" it`s my choice between the two.

[aht_six]

Any excuse for a new gun is good enough for me. That being said, I have both and the .308 is just collecting dust.

[texnmidwest]

LOL!! I have been debating the same thing as the poll! I own several 30-06s and every time I find a super deal on a rifle it is almost always 06. I don't think there is enough differences to worry about.

If you have an 06 and can shoot it well and don't need an excuse to buy another rifle then stick with that. An 06 can do anything a 308 can do.

[samuel]

Originally Posted by Lng Rng

If your BIL was talking about Accelerator bullets, it is very possible he got those velocities.

Hodgdon,s reloading manual: 110gr bullet,59gr Varget=3452fps at 48000 CUP.This means a 110gr bullet could be pushed to 3600fps with a 52,000lb CUP load,but probably the bullet wouldnt stand it.The difference in .30-06 and .308 nis the -06 has a high volumn case that allows slow burning powders to be used,producing higher velocities at lower working pressures.This is possible only if you have a longer barrel to utilise slow burning.powders.This also lends to longer barrel life.The .308 must use faster burning powders because of less case capacity and in heavier bullets the high bc bullets take up powder space.Using factory fodder the -06 has about 35yds more pbr than the .308.Reloading,the -06 can be loaded to higher velocities but has about 5lbs more recoil.The .308 allows less recoil and lighter hunting guns.I,as a reloader would go for the -06,but as a hunter that might have to carry a gun a long ways,or shoot high volumn in competition, would go for the .308. sam.

[rfc357]

Not much to choose between them with 150 grain bullets and lighter, but the .30-06 really starts to shine with heavier bullets. Just look in the ballistic tables and reloading manuals.

They are both excellent cartridges. I have shot both extensively out to 600 yards and cannot detect any difference in accuracy. Beyond 600 yards, for target shooting, the .30-06's velocity advantage becomes significant. I don't shoot beyond 600 yards, so either would do for me.

For hunting, I think the .30-06 is a bit of overkill for deer, but it certainly useable. I prefer larger caliber bullets for larger game, but the .30-06 is certainly capable of taking anything in North America.

[SwedeSteve]

Can't really add much more than what has already been said. I voted for .308 as that is what I've had for years and years. She is my "go to" rifle.

[ArkansasHunter]

Beleive it or not I voted for the 30-06 because of the 100's bullets available and reloading data available too.
I've heard for years there Not another caliber that has as much reloading possibilitys as the 30-06.
But some don't reload ...A.H

[Bravo]

Jaegar, if you're not happy with your 30-06, then that is good enough reason to get a new rifle. At least for me it is

[Silent Shooter]

You obviously have some range time with the .308. Stick with what works for you Marine.