.308-vs-30-06-vs-7mm Mag

[ILVSMOG]

I have rifles chambered in each and I like them all for different reasons. My .308 rifles are battle-rifle oriented (one AR platform and a M1) and they are great in that role. A little lighter than my older 30-06 M1 and my 1903a3 with lighter recoil. My rem. 700 is chambered in 7mm and it is my range/bench gun and it works great for that. Excellent trajectory for target shooting and easy to get nice, tight groups with. Finally, My 03a3 and M1 in 30-06 are knockdown monsters and the preferred hunting round in N. America. As others have said, each will work great, but they each hold a slight advantage over one another depending on intended use.

[drunktank]

Have you considered the .300 win mag, since you have the .243 for smaller game? You have to really ask yourself if you want to limit the range to 300 and what size game you'll be hunting in the end.

On that note, I'd opt for the .30-.06. 7 in second, and .308 last. Wouldn't be disappointed with either of the three, really. The reason I put the .308 last is because I don't care if it's a short action (I don't count ounces for the type of hunting I do), and I like the fact that the other two calibers have more potential with heavier loads. Paper punching, I'd get the .308 first, but you mentioned you have the .243.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you pick. On a side note, my cousins and uncle picked up synthetic vanguards. The standard ones in .270win for about $300 each. For what it's worth they each shoot .5 m.o.a. at 100 yards using hand loads. My buddy shoots the "cheap" synthetic savages every year when they give is company a shooting clinic. He's always sub m.o.a. at 100 yards using box ammo. Hope this helps any.

[resident-shooter]

.50 cal ftMFw, mang

[Jonathan Doe]

308 is my all around caliber. I can get pretty much anything within 300 yards, with a headshot.

[Variable2147]

For your purposes (-300yds), any of these cartridges will do.

I would recommend a different rifle though. I like the tikka t3 or t3 lite in 308 or 270.

I have a 7mm rem mag. but it doesnt shine over the other two calibers unless your shooting in the ballpark of 600yds. i love the flatter trajectory and shorter time in flight. less to think about.

[j4strngr]

For under 300 yds 30-06 is a great choice i personally like the 7mm Mag accuracy but it's splitting hairs. I Agree with Tikka T3

[FeuerFrei]

I like the 7mm Mag because it's the flattest shooting. I have seen situation hunting deer and elk where longer shots are required. You said nothing over 300 yards so I'd be tempted to go 308 because of the largest choice of ammo. Yes 30-06 is probably a close second as tons of ammo for that too. I had a falling block single shot 7mm Mag before and the accuracy of that rifle was amazing. Dime size groups at 100 yards were no issue. The longer the range shots I took the more I loved that rifle and the more it shined compared to my buddies 30-06.

Yes to that.
7mm Mag shoots like a laser which makes longer range easier without hold over issues. Never worry about knock down power.
However, if you plan to shoot it much you'll need a well fitting stock with some recoil pad on there. It will literally kick the health out of your shoulder. Money well spent for a custom stock and muzzle brake will really pay off.
06 will pound you too and is plentiful when buying ammo.
Same for 308 except the recoil is very manageable.
Good luck.

[homerm14]

I have hunted with all the above and now only own .308's. The 7mm will be better for longer ranges, but is more punishing on the shooter. The 30-06 trumps the .308 only with bigger bullets ie 220 grain IMHO. The .308 will do the task you require, is easy to feed for practice with surplus ammo, is less punishing on the shooter and is a shorter action which is why I choose it.