308 or 30-06
- Thread starter marlin60
- Start date
With lighter bullets, like 150's and less the 308 has the edge. 308 is a short action cartridge which may save a few ounces in rifle weight.
3006 probably a bit better (not much) if your primarily chasing the really big stuff. Then you can go up to 200gr. bullets.
3006 probably a bit better (not much) if your primarily chasing the really big stuff. Then you can go up to 200gr. bullets.
I'd be equally happy with either cartridge, but I have owned three 30-06s (currently have one) and have never owned a 308, although Ive borrowed and hunted with one years ago.
If you want to load 180 grain or heavier bullets, go with the 30-06. But a premium 165 grain out of the 308 doesnt give up much to the heavier bullets in the 30-06.
If you want to load 180 grain or heavier bullets, go with the 30-06. But a premium 165 grain out of the 308 doesnt give up much to the heavier bullets in the 30-06.
If you shoot factory ammo there is very little difference shooting bullets up to 165 grain. With 180 and heavier the 30-06 has an edge.
If you hand-load however there is no comparison and the 30-06 will beat the 308 with all bullets weights by a fair margin.
If you hand-load however there is no comparison and the 30-06 will beat the 308 with all bullets weights by a fair margin.
Northman999
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Yukon
Really, in the field these two cartridges are going to be indistinguishable. Buy whichever one you find in the rifle you like the best, and you're done. You can go on and on all day on comparing them, but in real life if the 308 can do it, so can the 30-06 and the reverse is also true. You do your job and your rifle will do it's job.
.308 hands down.
dinsdale
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Just outside the Ottawa City Limits!
I would agree.
Cheaper to reload and less recoil.
I wouldn't sell my 30-06 for a .308 though if I already had one.
target 30's
out to 200yds the two cartridges are indestinguisable i've shot clover leaf groups at from 50-200 yds off a bench with both from different makes of rifle. its only beyond 600yd that the '06 shows off, as it is capable of keeping the 190 grain bullet supersonic out there and further.
For these "short" distances its the finger on the trigger that determines overall acuracy, unless you get areally bum rifle.
tg
out to 200yds the two cartridges are indestinguisable i've shot clover leaf groups at from 50-200 yds off a bench with both from different makes of rifle. its only beyond 600yd that the '06 shows off, as it is capable of keeping the 190 grain bullet supersonic out there and further.
For these "short" distances its the finger on the trigger that determines overall acuracy, unless you get areally bum rifle.
tg
westcoaster
CGN Regular
- Location
- Central BC
Both are good cartridges it's just that the 308 is just smaller and weaker. 
I would pick the stronger of the two but if in doubt - get one of each!
I would pick the stronger of the two but if in doubt - get one of each!
