.308 vs. 30-06, pros-cons...

[Bullcoop]

Looking at buying a good medium to long range rifle.
I know in my area the 30-06 is considered a hunting caliber and the .308 is considered a military caliber. Both have 160-170 grain cartridges and both have roughly the same ballistic and trajectory charts. I haven't priced ammo, but assume .308 is less expensive since it's made in larger quantity for NATO and you could get military surplus, but I could be mistaken.

So my question is which do you prefer and why? Which in your opinion is better at say 500 meters? Is there a remarkable difference between them in regards to functionality?

Let me know, to me they're essentially the same if I go strictly by the books, but practical experience may be completely different.

Thanks, BC

[Bug Splat]

308.

Its just a better designed cartridge. Both perform the same in numbers but the 308 is more efficient and more accurate due to more consistent powder burn rates so I'm told. Now, the 30-06 is a hell of a round and can be just as accurate but the 308 is easier to make accurate.

[Subotai]

If you want to hunt, use the 06, if you want to be a sniper, 308.

[Bhobbs]

The .308/7.62 NATO was developed to replicate the trajectory of M2 ball .30-06 which was a down graded loading to work in the M1 Garand. If you hand load you can really take advantage of the case capacity of the .30-06 and get a few hundred feet per second over the .308 with heavier bullets. If you want to shoot 155 grain bullets stick with the .308. If you want to shoot further then a .30-06 will allow you to do so easier. I load the 208 A-Max for my '06 but don't have a chrono to check to velocities. I still am working on the load so I haven't reached the max yet.

[30Cal]

Unless you have a specific use, I'd say it's a toss-up. Any accuracy edge the 308 might have is very very subtle. The 30-06 can throw some pretty heavy bullets if you hunt big game (ie. elk or moose). I like the 308 a little more just because the of the shorter action (less movement to cycle the bolt).

[Bullcoop]

Unless you have a specific use, I'd say it's a toss-up.

Kinda what I thought. Especially since I don'y have a specific reason.

Cool, thanks guys.
I'm leaning toward .308 mainly because there seems to be a larger assortment of platforms and the .308 cartridge is so abundant.

Keep em coming maybe someone has a deal breaker concerning one rifle or the other, something I havent taken into consideration.

Oh, since it might matter [according to above replies] I don't reload, so I cant "play" with loads, or tolerances.

BC

[Bullcoop]

If you want to hunt, use the 06, if you want to be a sniper, 308.

That seems to be the consensus in my area [large hunting community].

My thinking is at 300 meters does that mean I can't kill a deer with a .308 or conversely I can't kill a human with a 30-06?

They are virtually the same on paper so why do people "type-cast" these two firearms? IMO I could hunt or snipe w/either.

Not putting down your opinion, just curious as to why one rifle is for this and the other for that, when they are so similar?

BC

[pontiacpratt]

Type cast... like when an anti says high caliber weapon like 5.56 AR but a hunting rifle in 30-06 is ok. Lol

[redcliff]

Federal Gold Medal Match in .308 is running about $10 a box cheaper than the 30.06 variety... I'd go with the .308 if you don't reload.

[Full Clip]

I'm leaning toward .308 mainly because there seems to be a larger assortment of platforms and the .308 cartridge is so abundant.

A great reason to pick the .308.
I shoot 30-06 (as I hunt with a sportered M1917 and plink with a variety of other milsurps), but if I wanted a modern precision or hunting rifle, I'd buy a .308.

[winxp_man]

If you want to hunt, use the 06, if you want to be a sniper, 308.

This made me laugh a little. hehe



+1 for .308 Win

[Merc1138]

If you want to hunt, use the 06, if you want to be a sniper, 308.

But what if I want to hunt snipe? Which one do I use then?

[Bhobbs]

But what if I want to hunt snipe? Which one do I use then?

.30-06. It will fly faster and flatter than a .308 allowing you to hit such a small, quick bird.

I do get your joke though.

[Subotai]

That seems to be the consensus in my area [large hunting community].

My thinking is at 300 meters does that mean I can't kill a deer with a .308 or conversely I can't kill a human with a 30-06?

They are virtually the same on paper so why do people "type-cast" these two firearms? IMO I could hunt or snipe w/either.

Not putting down your opinion, just curious as to why one rifle is for this and the other for that, when they are so similar?

BC

With 06 you have access to heavier bullets, which may be needed down range with larger animals. A downrange human is easily taken with 308.

[CK_32]

But what if I want to hunt snipe? Which one do I use then?

Lol^

Op Go with the 308. Found just about anywhere for a decent price. I think the 30-06 has slight better ballistics for longer range and hunting but the added recoil make it less pleasent to shoot and take away from a smoother follow up shot. I'm not sure if hand loaded which is better or can be better fine tuned but I know some guys are doing some great things with the 308 round. I'm still fine tuning my hand loads havnt found that sweet spot yet.

IMO go 308 just simpler and a more popular round. I bet there is more reasons but im still hung over/half asleep from yesterday and am too lazy to go into more detail nor write anymore. That bsing said I'm out haha