Trading in my .30-06 is it really worth it?

[BlK Lantern]

Hello Everyone:

Currently I have an unfired .30-06 Bolt Action rifle that's been just sitting in the back of my safe for more than a year. The reason being is because I've had so much fun with my .308 that I've been thinking about trading/selling my .30-06 for another .308 (pref: semi-automatic). Or at the least selling the .30-06 to buy more .308 ammo. I initially purchased the 06' because it was the caliber my family used to hunt the rabbits, possums, wild pigs we ate when I was young boy. Now after using my .308 I recall how much I hated the recoil of my 06'. Currently I just shoot targets with friends & family but plan to hunt in California for the first time. My question to the forum would be if you had to decide between a .308 & a 30 06 which one would you keep and why?

[Bert Gamble]

If you decide to sell the 06, let me know. Depending on your location, I might be interested. I need to buy one.

[pyromensch]

also depends on the make and model. for sale that is.

308, has more surplus ammo currently
the 308 was designed to be ballistically equal to the 30-06, but handloading makes the 30-06 superior.
either would be a good choice, (not the answer you are looking for), i would opt for the 30-06.

[freonr22]

What is it?

[toby]

Until you start shooting 180 gr bullets the two are pretty much as EQUAL.

[Coyotegunner]

I am not a big 30-06 fan.My dad on the other hand has hunted only with a 30-06 for the past 51 years.I believe more guns the better.Like toby said,get into the elk killer 180,200gr,the 30-06 takes over.Keep it and save for the extra 308.Recoil is a funny.I shot a friends Winchester lightweight 308 awhile back.Had to be one of the worst kickers I have ever shot,and I shoot 300 mags regular.Put a nice soft pad on the 30-06 and you may decide to like it more.If you get into reloading,or buy lighter rounds for the 30-06,you can tame the kick as well.I shoot a Garand and love that 30-06.My Aero/Armalite 308 ate my cheek up until I put a Kickeez cheek pad on it.

[plumbum]

Tell us what kind of rifle it is. The .30-06 doesn't make much of a range toy if you aren't a reloader, but it makes for a darn good hunting round.

[toby]

If you decide to sell the 06, let me know. Depending on your location, I might be interested. I need to buy one.

There happens to be some real nice 30-06's for sale here right now.....

[BlK Lantern]

Browning Stainless Steel Stalker (A-Bolt)... However I'm still weighing out my options...

[arod427]

i have a remington 700 with a nice stock custom short barrel with brake and and 10 round mag it is very fun to shoot just as much as the 308. Looks awesome too! i would keep it.

[5.56Geo]

If you dont plan to hunt out of California would sell it and get another .308Win. Ammo is cheaper and if you reload you can develope target and hunting .308Win ammo. You will also use less powder per round over the 30-06. The only time the 30-06 will make a difference is in heavier grain bullets(160gr+), as already mentioned.

[REPR]

Hello Everyone:

Currently I have an unfired .30-06 Bolt Action rifle that's been just sitting in the back of my safe for more than a year. The reason being is because I've had so much fun with my .308 that I've been thinking about trading/selling my .30-06 for another .308 (pref: semi-automatic). Or at the least selling the .30-06 to buy more .308 ammo. I initially purchased the 06' because it was the caliber my family used to hunt the rabbits, possums, wild pigs we ate when I was young boy. Now after using my .308 I recall how much I hated the recoil of my 06'. Currently I just shoot targets with friends & family but plan to hunt in California for the first time. My question to the forum would be if you had to decide between a .308 & a 30 06 which one would you keep and why?

My choice would be the .308. The why, because I've been trained on and feel comfortable shooting it. I've used the .30-06 in my youth and never felt as comfortable with how it shoots as I did with the .308. Recoil is not an issue for me that's just how I feel. As for you thinking about a semi .308 rifle. If you've been having so much fun with your bolt .308, then you'll love a semi. Having the option to engage multiple targets without throwing a bolt is nice. Good luck with your decision.

[Shoobee]

Hello Everyone:

Currently I have an unfired .30-06 Bolt Action rifle that's been just sitting in the back of my safe for more than a year. The reason being is because I've had so much fun with my .308 that I've been thinking about trading/selling my .30-06 for another .308 (pref: semi-automatic). Or at the least selling the .30-06 to buy more .308 ammo. I initially purchased the 06' because it was the caliber my family used to hunt the rabbits, possums, wild pigs we ate when I was young boy. Now after using my .308 I recall how much I hated the recoil of my 06'. Currently I just shoot targets with friends & family but plan to hunt in California for the first time. My question to the forum would be if you had to decide between a .308 & a 30 06 which one would you keep and why?

When you get a gun because daddy had one, that is virtually always going to be the wrong gun.

So that's the mistake you need to correct, sure.

What is a .30-06 good for? As good as any gun for black bears, elk, deer, and pigs. These particular guns all hurt when you shoot them, so you need a shoulder pad of some kind for the range. And a good strong shoulder when you actually need to shoot one.

Quick side question: is there anything left of the rabbit or opossum after you have shot it with an '06? I know you would not have to clean it, because the bullet will have done that for you. But what about the pieces that are left of it?

[r3dn3ck]

I'd keep the browning. They're more expensive than you'll get money for on the secondary market. Then you'll regret the sale or plan an elk hunt and want the extra you can get in the 06.

[BlK Lantern]

Thank you all...