Browning BLR 308 or 30-06? big-game, close range...

M

mrefaat

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So I found the rifle of choice…. Could be a backup or primary. Will be good for deer in or heavy game <200y
It is a Browning BLR, very accurate lever action with iron sights, magazine clip, rotary bolt (similar to a bolt-action). Very solid design, everybody loves it.
I need advice regarding calibre. I am comparing the 30-06 and the 308
So far here are the pros and cons:

Rifle:
The 308 has a 20” barrel, the 30-06 comes in 22”, so the 308 is nicer to handle in the bush
Both have a magazine clip accepting 4 rounds

From a ballistic point of view, the 30-06 is more flat trajectory, more energy and velocity at same distance/ bullet/sighting distance, etc.
But the different is 74fps, 135 ft/lbs at 200y, and less than 1” delta in trajectory
So, the difference is not significant.

Recoil in the 308 is milder than the 30-06.

Both calibres come in a variety of ammo suitable for all game 150-180gr.

So, what do you think? I am leaning towards the 308 because of the barrel length. But the 30-06 has great reputation of being an all-game calibre.

I own a scoped bolt 300win mag, so this will be the heavy game long range rifle >200y
the BLR would be used for <200y, thick brush-type of hunting.

Do you think the 308 is capable of handling moose and bear at <200y? with proper bullet placement!
 
I personally feel the short action BLR is a smoother action than the long action. The 308 is more suited to you needs for "brush" hunting with the ability to take that occasional long shot.
 
mreffat,

Not only is the barrel shorter on the .308 model, but as mentioned above the action is too; making the .308 model far nicer handling - at least to me!

Jeff/1911.
 
you are right, I forgot about the short action factor.
OK, off we go, will pick it up tonight from LeBaron!
I guess I jut needed the encouragement!
 
As the vast majority of game is taken under 100 yds, the comparison is academic. The outcome with either is the same and the finer points of MV, MPBR, terminal ballistics make for clever conversation on an otherwise dull off-season bulletin board. Ho-hum... If you prefer the lighter handling of the 308, that would be a sound choice. If you think longer range hunting is in your future, such as in alpine terrain or big swamps for marsh mules, then perhaps the '06 is the better of the two. A pleasant dilemma, really.
 
Big Game.
<200yrds
Levergun.

Hmmm..... sounds like you need a Marlin in .444 or .45-70/.450

mrefaat said:
Very solid design, everybody loves it
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nope. personally they are the near the top of my list of "rifles you couldn't give me"
 
Amphibious said:
personally they are the near the top of my list of "rifles you couldn't give me"
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I'm just the opposite. I own 5 of them which are all short actions and while they may not win a benchrest match they are a great gun to carry for hunting!:cool:
 
the 308 will hit as hard at 200 as the 30-06 can at about 240 depending on the load - if this is your 'close in bush gun' i'd say go with the 308.

I've never really liked the 'feel' of the blr in long action anyway. The short action feels better to me.
 
Foxer said:
I've never really liked the 'feel' of the blr in long action anyway. The short action feels better to me.
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I agree with that.

I don't like the look of the long actions either and the magnims look awful. Out of proprtion.

I have seen some sources that say 308 is light for moose. For the record, they are crazy!!!

My son will be using a BLR in 308 for moose this year, and dammit he will be shooting one with it too. I have loaded 180 gr partitions for it. More than enough gun
 
The .308 is definitely enough gun for Moose, I've shot several and seen many others shot with it at varying distances - it works!

My favorite .308 Load so far uses a 165 grain Nosler Partition and Varget.

PS - I LOVE BLR's TOO - though I don't own one currently ;) I will eventually buy another one in either .308 or 7-08, if I can just stop buying every freakin' handgun that I see advertised for awhile! :redface:

Jeff/1911.
 
I have seen some sources that say 308 is light for moose. For the record, they are crazy!!!
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Well - they probably think it's not perfect for places where you might just get a 300 - 350 yard shot. (although it'd probably do ok there as well).

But in an environment where you're talking about 200 yard shots... no practical difference between a 308 and a 30-06.
 
I agree, the BLR in 308 is a great short to medium range deer/bear/moose gun. And like everyone says and already knows, the right bullet in the right place and your dragging meat out!

Good luck with your new rifle, let us know how you make out with it.
 
Jeff/1911 said:
The .308 is definitely enough gun for Moose, I've shot several and seen many others shot with it at varying distances - it works!

My favorite .308 Load so far uses a 165 grain Nosler Partition and Varget.

PS - I LOVE BLR's TOO - though I don't own one currently ;) I will eventually buy another one in either .308 or 7-08, if I can just stop buying every freakin' handgun that I see advertised for awhile! :redface:

Jeff/1911.
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Yeah, it makes me wonder when people buy 338's for moose. Like most people have said, moose wont know the difference unless you shoot them with a 308 first, then take your second shot with the 30-06:rolleyes:

For the record, my brother shot a moose last year with trhe 308 BLR and took a deer with it too. Both times he used a simple 150 grain bullet.

The same BLR has accounted for many bullwinkles taken by my father with 150's over the last 28 years.

I dont see why the 7mm08 wouldn't drop a moose either. There are some non-believers here ,but we'll just have to prove em wrong;)
 
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Ok, I bought the 308 blr, one nice looking gun. handling is orgasmic! as if I am driving a BMW!
I loaded some 180 partitions and tonight will do some 150 ballistic for deer. tomorrow I will go to the range to sight it in.
I am replacing the sights with fibre optic sights from Williams too (if I can remove the darn front sight)

Thanks everyone for your input.. CGNers never disapoint me!

Mo
 
Another factor with going with the .308 is the vast amount of cheap military ammo to practice with. Almost every major ammo manufacturer produces a military FMJ version and its all very good quality ammo. The ammo in many cases is less than 1/2 price of main line hunting ammo - a big plus especially if you don't hand load.
 
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