30-06 vs .308

DrDeath

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Dec 12, 2009
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The standard caliber or starting caliber for precsion rifles is .308. But does anyone like the 30-06 anymore? What can the 30-06 do that the 308 can't?
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DrDeath</div><div class="ubbcode-body">But then just go to a 300 win mag. More bullet selection ...no? </div></div>

NO...same bullet selection. Both are .30 cal rifles and both can, with the proper twist barrels and loads, shoot the same range of .30 cal pills.

The 300WM vs. .30-06 debate has been raging for a while. It all comes down to what you want/need to do with the rifle and what pills you want to push to get the job done that dictates which is the better selection. Personally, having shot the 300WM for over a decade now at ranges out to and beyond 1k, I prefer it to the .30-06, but you will find just as many folks who say that they prefer the opposite.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

30-06 allows you to stuff more powder into the case behind a heavier bullet. Sure, both cartridges can shoot any bullet weight given an adequate rate of twist. But the 30-06 allows more powder in the case before the long, heavy bullet begins to intrude into the powder column. Hence, usually better performance with the really heavy bullets.

A 30-06 with 1-10 twist, can safely shoot 200-210 grain bullets at higher velocity than a 308. Hence a little better performance. Realistically, if you are going for higher velocity with the 200-210 grain bullets, the posting recommending the 300 win mag is spot on. That is why I went with a 308, then jumped to the 300 win mag.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DrDeath</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone have a 30-06 rifle? Pics </div></div>

Yep just picked one up. It is my new hunting rig.

1903sporter.jpg
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

The 30-06 pretty much breaks the barrier between the 308 and 300 Win Mag. IMO, just go with the Win Mag if you want long range accuracy. It doesn't cost much more to shoot and the advantage of the WM vs. the 30-06 is similar to the 30-06 vs. the 308.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

I like the .30-06 although right now the only one I have is a Garand. I think Col. Cooper said, "If I can't do it with a .30-06, I probably shouldn't be doing it in the first place."
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DrDeath</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What can the 30-06 do that the 308 can't? </div></div>If you're on a budget it can be your one and only rifle.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DrDeath</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What can the 30-06 do that the 308 can't? </div></div>If you're on a budget it can be your one and only rifle. </div></div>

So ture so true.
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I like 30-06. Just my thoughts but I have to agree. It is a good option for the one and only.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DrDeath</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone have a 30-06 rifle? Pics </div></div>

A 30-06, pics?

Yep, Basic stock 700 action, BDL, in a McMillan with a Douglas sporter weight tube.

Death pictured via one 208 Amax.

On aside this rifle is currently in the process of getting a Krieger #8 Target tube twisted 1:9.5 and finished at 25" from the Badger lug.

Triple6 is doing that as well as truing the action and chambering it 30-06AI, and throated mag length into the lands for the 185 VLD.

HPIM2682.jpg


Should add that this is my 15 year old with his best buck to date, and his little .308......

So, one can only properly conclude from this that when it is 30-06 vs. 308, the 30-06 will kill the bigger deer.........<grin>

HPIM2875.jpg


 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

I've got both. A day at the range, I prefer the 308. My 30-06 is a dedicated hunting rig. Farthest I have taken it to is 200 yards but it is quite deadly at that range. I'm a little guy, so shooting a VERY light 06 all day at the range hurts. My 308 has some weight to it so I never notice the recoil with it.

Out of the 30-06 I shoot standard Cor Lokt 165gr bullets. By far the best deer hunting load I have found for the money.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DrDeath</div><div class="ubbcode-body">But then just go to a 300 win mag. More bullet selection ...no? </div></div>

NO...same bullet selection. Both are .30 cal rifles and both can, with the proper twist barrels and loads, shoot the same range of .30 cal pills.
</div></div>


I thought for sure that was a joke!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DrDeath</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone have a 30-06 rifle? Pics </div></div>

They look just like any other rifle, except the short actions. Except for the stamp in the barrel you couldn't tell the difference.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

The 308 pretty much matches the 30-06 out to 400 yards. That was the point of the cartridge during military development: match the 30-06 in combat situations with less weight and recoil. Beyond 400 yards, the 30-06 gets a steadily increasing advantage due to the larger powder capacity. If you look at past high-power competitions, the 308 dominated the 30-06 out to 600 yards, but the 30-06 has an undeniable advantage at 1K.

I think the real benefit of the 30-06 is realized if you plan to use heavier bullets: >180grains.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

The ole 06 has a long history used in both hunting and military. It wasn't replaced by the .308 for any mystical or phenominal characteristics. It was simply a matter of switching to a round offering similar ballistics, and less recoil. Todays powders, bullets, loading methods,and rifle quality has improved to where the 06 has another life to live. The 06 can do a lot more, and go further than before. Its a classic that can pretty much serve any purpose you wish.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

No question that 30-06 can do a lot, especially with today's powders and bullets.

A good question is: for somebody who does <span style="text-decoration: underline">not</span> have an old 30-06 to "resurrect" - does it make sense to invest in a 30-06 setup, or 300WM is a better all-around way up from 308?

I personally find this very helpful:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snipedogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 30-06 pretty much breaks the barrier between the 308 and 300 Win Mag.

IMO, just go with the Win Mag if you want long range accuracy. It doesn't cost much more to shoot and the advantage of the WM vs. the 30-06 is similar to the 30-06 vs. the 308.</div></div>
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scooter-PIE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 308 pretty much matches the 30-06 out to 400 yards. </div></div>

Not really. The .30-06 sends bullets of any weight faster and will still have less drop and less wind deflection at close range.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mouse07410</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No question that 30-06 can do a lot, especially with today's powders and bullets.

A good question is: for somebody who does <span style="text-decoration: underline">not</span> have an old 30-06 to "resurrect" - does it make sense to invest in a 30-06 setup, or 300WM is a better all-around way up from 308?

I personally find this very helpful:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snipedogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 30-06 pretty much breaks the barrier between the 308 and 300 Win Mag.</div></div>

IMO, just go with the Win Mag if you want long range accuracy. It doesn't cost much more to shoot and the advantage of the WM vs. the 30-06 is similar to the 30-06 vs. the 308.</div></div> [/quote]

Concur. Also, I didn't notice anyone mentioning the value of sticking with current issue calibers. I had a 30-06 and sold it to buy a 308, and now I am going to keep the 308 and looking ahead to a 300wm. Never once have I doubted the value in what I did.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: carbinero</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Concur. Also, I didn't notice anyone mentioning the value of sticking with current issue calibers. I had a 30-06 and sold it to buy a 308, and now I am going to keep the 308 and looking ahead to a 300wm. Never once have I doubted the value in what I did.</div></div>

Keeping with the current issued calibers has its place. You can get up-to-date info on loads, and the popularity of current issue ammo makes for a lot of choices. To me there is no this vs. that. The .308 can do a lot, the 06 can do all the same, and offer the use of heavy bullets, less drop and deflection, and further range. The same applies to the 06 vs. 300wm. The 06 is caplable of precision at a distance and taking down anything with 4 legs in North America. We all have our own list of what is preferable in choosing a cartrige.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

In Europe 30.06 v. 308 is rather a generation debate. 30.06 is a caliber shot by our grandfathers and fathers.I met yesterday a guy shooting his new Sauer 202 in 30.06 and asked him who had advised him to choose this caliber, he told me it was his granpa and his colleagues from the hunting society. It's as easy as this.

Today there is little use of this extra velocity/energy of 30.06 for hunting purposes since you have a million of different elaboration for 308 that can take any European game, including elk (btw, in Sweden they still go elk hunting with 6.5x55). morevover, in most EU countries you have a statutory limit for long range hunting (approx. 300yds).
308 is also superior to 30.06 for long range shooting (recoil, external ballistics) up to 800m.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

It is interesting what people think is needed to do a job. I can remember a somewhat celebrated Col. opine it takes a long heavy tube and the word Magnum attached if you are going after game out past 200 yards.

My farthest whitetail was just under 500 yards, field dressed just over 160 lbs, and took just one 168gr 308 bullet to drop him in his tracks.

On paper the 30 ought beats the 308 so many ways one wonders why anyone the least bit knowledgable would own a 308.

Out in the field is another story to most of us.

I had a 30 ought for a few years, I loved my 7x57 along with a 6.5 swede. Not sexy nor is it a laser but these days only one set of dies gets a workout.

I really give my 308 a workout, target and game/varmint.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

I own no .308's. For me, the preferable short action chambering is .260 Rem, better (best?) efficiency from the .308 case capacity.

I own a Garand and a companion bolt rifle M70 light weight .30-'06. I am preliminary experimenting with the .280 Rem; and so far I am impressed with it vis-a-vis the .30-'06 in much the same manner as I prefer the .260 for the short action.

Greg
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DrDeath</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone have a 30-06 rifle? Pics </div></div>

There's a couple here
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DSC00023.jpg


This is my primary driver though
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Cheers,

Doc
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DrDeath</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone have a 30-06 rifle? Pics</div></div> pair of Carlos Hathcock pre 64 mod 70 targets ,06's
mod70001.jpg

The .308 vs 30-06 vs 300 win mag debate can go on forever. I shoot 3 308's. 4 06's,and 1 win mag. love em all each has a place and all are very accurate with pet loads. Whitetails cannot tell any difference as 99.9% time these guns produce DRT bang flop,let the air out,drop like a sack of cow feed,wilt in tracks kills,go get the truck dead!! Im hooked on 165,168 gr SMKk's,accubonds and VLD's for 08 and 06..... 180's and 185,190's in win mag. May shoot 08 a little better due to recoil at bench but never notice recoil at all when harvesting game.
BIL with nice freezer meat 2 yr old 225# bang flop 157 yd, 06 with cheap wally world rem 165 gr cor- loks that are sub moa in an old 70's weatherby that was my first non 30-30 centerfire. that gun has harvested 100+ prob 200+ GA AL whitetails. I loaned him gun 15 yrs ago and cannot get it back! lol
bill003.jpg

 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

the 30-06 has a greater powder capacity which allows for greater velocity and a better trajectory. but this also means a 30-06 will have more recoil than a .308. Ive been perfectly happy with my .308, i dont regret it one bit.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...just wanted to add that no matter what part of the world your life puts you in, you can always find 30-06 ammo...</div></div>
But isn't 308 ammo even easier to find nowadays?

(Unless you mean countries like India where 308 is one of the Proscribed Bores - but I'm not sure 30-06 is permitted there either.)
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

Have mostly deer hunted with .06, and a small amount with .243 and 30-30, .06 has done me well as far as deer go...have killed several. Just recently bought my first .308, Remmy 5R, will probably stick with it for awhile unless it doesn't work out for me.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gregch44</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For a non reloader, aren't there much more choices in match quality ammo available for the .308?</div></div>
1++ here in SW GA I can pick up Rem, Fed and Hornady .308 match but have to order .30-06 . several years ago I put a stash of fed 06 175 gr SMK in,finally shot it up and cannot find it anywhere, its not listed on federals website anymore. anyone with a line on it?
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">308 is also superior to 30.06 for long range shooting (recoil, <span style="font-weight: bold">external ballistics</span>) up to 800m.</div></div>

How is this possibly true if the same bullet is used and the -06 runs it significantly faster across the board?

To make an interesting comparison, here's what a 208 Amax running from a 308 (2575fps from my dad's rifle) vs. a 30-06 (2850fps from my rifle).

Both rifles are built on the same action, same stock, same barrel lot/maker, same gunsmith, same shooter (me), and running the same bullet. It's not difficult to see that the extra 275fps that the 30-06 pushes has a huge benefit at distance, especially 800m.

Taking something more popular in bullet weight, we've shot them back to back again with 155 Scenars and 175 SMK's.

308:
155 = 2925fps
175 = 2755fps

30-06:
155 = 3165fps
175 = 3025fps

The comparison is two different playing fields, it's very similar to comparing the normalized ballistic sheets of a 260 or 6.5 Swede against the 308.

This is not to say that a 308 isn't a very good caliber and have some very good merits, but on a strict performance basis the 30-06 outclasses it hands down.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

I have a 30-06 that started out as a left handed bolt action Remington 700 BDL Sporter but about 15 years ago or so I wanted a tactical rifle. The only thing original off that rifle now is the reciever, bolt and the trigger. Now it has a Douglas barrel, HS Precision Varmiter Stock, Heavy Lug, free floated and glass bedded, parker finish. Was shooting 165 gr SMKs for a few years then started Shooting 190 gr SMKs and 57 grains Reloader 19. Well that started making the rifle recoil harder into my shoulder and not fun to shoot. So installed a JP muzzle brake on it and that fixed the hard recoiling. I can't remember what my load is running off top my head with the 190 gr SMKs but it was running 200 FPS faster than my brothers .308 shooting 190 gr SMKs. My 30-06 also was shooting a little flatter than his .308 out to 700 yards at the time too. But I don't own anything heavier caliber than my 30-06 but I think I could reallistically make a shots out to 1000 yards if I had a range that long but I don't think I could personally stretch it at any further than that. Maybe more money for better glass and some more gunsmith work and load tweaking...May be cheaper to buy a bigger caliber rifle like a .338 LM if I was going to shoot out past a 1000 yards. Still wouldn't trade off my tactical 30-06 because it was the first one a good friend and gunsmith had ever built for me. He has since died a few years back. Too bad too, still had more gun build projects for him.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

TAC06, if you're interested in some more range and easier hits (kinda cheating almost) then shoot me a PM for some load data/advice on the 210gr class bullets from a 30-06.

I've driven mine to 1500 on numerous occasions and it has realized a few hits at a mile the 1 time that I've tried.

I plan to get it onto Tom Sarver's place this spring and try my hands at an actual known 1740 instead of a leap-frog LRF measurement to 1700.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Falar</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nightwatch</div><div class="ubbcode-body">www.snipercountry.com/articles/accuracyfacts.asp I personally like the 308. it can be a personal choice too though. </div></div>

Is this a joke or are you actually citing that as if it meant something?</div></div>

What about it its a good article.
 
Re: 30-06 vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nightwatch</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Falar</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nightwatch</div><div class="ubbcode-body">www.snipercountry.com/articles/accuracyfacts.asp I personally like the 308. it can be a personal choice too though. </div></div>

Is this a joke or are you actually citing that as if it meant something?</div></div>

What about it its a good article. </div></div>

With no facts, just reposted heresay. That site is a joke anyway. Test them side by side for yourself and you will see that there is no difference.