30.06 or .308?

[natedogg1777]

Is there a reason to prefer one caliber over another in a bolt action rifle? thanks!

[ocabj]

Theoretically, the .30-06 will allow you to shoot the heaviest of the 30cal bullets at longer ranges. Heavy as in 190gr+. Accuracy wise, the cartridges are the same, side by side.

[Gunsrruss]

As usual.....

Theoretically, the .30-06 will allow you to shoot the heaviest of the 30cal bullets at longer ranges. Heavy as in 190gr+. Accuracy wise, the cartridges are the same, side by side.

What he said.......

[Fjold]

30.06 is + 5% more power, +5% more recoil, 1/2" longer and about 2-3 oz heavier in identical rifles.

[FatKatMatt]

.30-06 has a slightly higher velocity, a slightly higher amount of energy, and is 12 mm longer than the .308. It also can accept the heaviest .30 caliber bullets.

You can take basically all game in N. America with the .30-06 since it accepts the heavier bullets.

[rksimple]

30.06 is + 5% more power, +5% more recoil, 1/2" longer and about 2-3 oz heavier in identical rifles.

+1. And, if you're a reloader, 10% or more powder. The 308 is more efficient.

[hybridatsun350]

A phrase I always like to say when I get into debates with my .30-06 loving friends (I have a .308) is, "Just remember 20% more recoil for 8% more power!" They always say they want that extra 8% for when they need it, and I always say you've got to deal with the 20% even when you don't need it!
I'm not sure how much fact is hidden within that phrase, but it helps me win the argument for the .308!

[redneckshootist]

uhh get both, thats what I did

[Timberwolf]

I have both and the '06 gathers dust. The 308 will do most anything the '06 will do just more efficiently.

[Mr. Beretta]

Started with an 06 and see no reason to change. Owned several great guns in this caliber. Can take any game on this continet.

I'm surpised nobody has mentioned the obvious as well. A case of factory 7.62 is running between $500 to $1100 for a case of 1000.

Don't get me wrong, the 7.62 is a good caliber. On the other hand the .06 is still and always will be the king IMHO.

[califcowboy]

With a 308 you can get a bolt rifle with a short action.

[Fjold]

With a 308 you can get a bolt rifle with a short action.

That's why I have a 300 WSM.




I also have a 308 though, you can't not have one if you're a rifle crank.

[xrMike]

Theoretically, the .30-06 will allow you to shoot the heaviest of the 30cal bullets at longer ranges. Heavy as in 190gr+. Accuracy wise, the cartridges are the same, side by side.

Some stuff I've read suggests that .308 is inherently more accurate than .30-06:

http://yarchive.net/gun/rifle/30-06_vs_308.html

http://yarchive.net/gun/ammo/308_vs_30-06.html

http://snipercountry.com/Articles/AccuracyFacts.asp

To be honest though, I can't comment from personal experience.

[ocabj]

The thing is, the comparisons have mainly been judged from the transition from .30-06 to .308 by Service Rifle High Power shooters; specifically with the M1 Garand.

M1 Garands were converted to .308 and historically, .308 Garands have been seen shooting better scores than .30-06 Garands. Assuming shooters with equal skills over a long period of time, it would make sense that the cartridge shooters better. But is it the cartridge itself? Or a combination of the cartridge and the rifle? In this case, I would think it's a combination of the cartridge and the rifle.

I figure the semi-automatic gas system of the M1 Garand (which is the rifle that saw the transition from .30-06 to .308) lends itself to the 'more efficient' case of the .308.

But in a bolt gun, I don't see how a .308 will be more accurate than a .30-06 at equal distance and equal quality rifles.

[Budd]

But in a bolt gun, I don't see how a .308 will be more accurate than a .30-06 at equal distance and equal quality rifles.

Guess you didn't read the third article linked above. Has to do with contact area of the bullet when seated. Less is more efficient apparently.