Hunting Rifle - .30-06 vs .308 WIN

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jrdipp

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I would like some advice in regards to which of the following would be a better hunting rifle in Alberta - the options are
- Thompson Center Venture .30-06
- Savage 10TR .308 WIN (20" barrel)

Typically hunting for deer - but want the option to go for larger game

Thanks
 
I'd probably pick the lighter of the two. Neither cartridge is different enough for the average individual to notice a difference in on game performance. Recoil is another matter but not beyond most folks abilities.
 
I have a Savage 10TR but in my opinion it is a bit big to lug around and hunt with in the bush. If you were just hunkered down in a blind and not moving I suppose it would be fine. Personally, I would go with the TC Venture in 30-06 as your Alberta hunting rig and not look back!
 
If you want to target shoot the 10Tr has a bull barrel and threaded barrel, a little on the heavy side but nothing that can't be handle with a monopod or a bipod. I'd go for 308 but I'd get a 300wm if I were you.
 
gunrunner8 said:
Is 280Rem better than 270Win?
How about performance difference between 222Rem and 223Rem?
Please give it a rest, how long can you beat the dead horse?
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280rem is better, due to bullet selection. 270Win is better due to widely available factory ammo. Both have their ups and downs.

As for how long can you beat a dead horse... until it smells so bad you aren't willing to get close enough to reach it with a stick...


Now, as for the OP, either caliber is plenty capable of cleanly taking all north american game other than bison and the big bears (grizz/polar). Pick which rifle you like more, considering factors such as weight, fit, and how the action cycles. Savages have a reputation for heavy bolt lift (I know mine certainly has it) but I can't comment on whether the 10TR suffers from this too or not...
 
Both are nice rifles.

Given your needs and a choice of those two, I would take the TC Venture.

308 and 30-06 are similar in power and ballistics. The big difference is length. The 308 is available in shorter actions. So the big advantage of comparing the two calibers is comparing long actions vs short actions and which fits you the best.
 
aapaullo said:
308 30 06 cost to much per round
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And you've got a cheaper alternative for a good deer and bigger rifle? lol

Walmart sells both for $25/box. If thats too much per round for a hunter, then how can you afford tags, licenses, gear, and gas to get to where you need to go? Lol
 
as stated, .308 is short action, which is an advantage to some....... .30-06 can take heavier bullets, which is an advantage to some...

Hard to go wrong either way, unless you buy a savage, in which case you already went wrong... :)
 
either caliber is plenty capable of cleanly taking all north american game other than bison and the big bears
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Do you hunt a lot of bison and big bears?

I'm sure some folks will be along to contradict this statement soon.
:popCorn:
 
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conor_90 said:
Do you hunt a lot of bison and big bears?

I'm sure some folks will be along to contradict this statement soon.
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I didn't say they wont do the job. The 308 is right on the border of legal or not for Bison in BC (it has *just* enough energy at 100yds if I'm not mistaken) and there aren't caliber restrictions on grizzly (other than it has to be a centerfire rifle), so legally speaking they are both totally acceptable.

That said, I know a guide who hunts bison, and doesn't like the 7mm rem mag for them let alone a 308. And if you want to go hunt grizzly with a 308, thats your prerogative, but I wont.
 
I know a guide who hunts bison too; what does that have to do with a 30-06 not being able to "cleanly take" a bison? You are gonna get different opinion from everyone, even guys who have never shot a deer.
 
Suther said:
...for Bison in BC (it has *just* enough energy at 100yds if I'm not mistaken) and there aren't caliber restrictions on grizzly (other than it has to be a centerfire rifle), so legally speaking they are both totally acceptable...
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From the BC hunting regulations, p.16 -

7. ammunition to hunt bison must be constructed with
a 175 grain or larger bullet, which retains 2,712 joules
(2,000 ft lbs) or more energy at 100 m.
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/outdoor-recreation/fishing-and-hunting/hunting/regulations/2016-2018/hunting-trapping-synopsis-2016-2018.pdf

Federal Premium 308 185gr ammo would do, for example. Retains 2449 ft lbs at 100 yards.
https://www.federalpremium.com/ammunition/rifle/caliber/308-win/gold-medal-berger/gm308bh185
 
Slamfire said:
From the BC hunting regulations, p.16 -

7. ammunition to hunt bison must be constructed with
a 175 grain or larger bullet, which retains 2,712 joules
(2,000 ft lbs) or more energy at 100 m.
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/outdoor-recreation/fishing-and-hunting/hunting/regulations/2016-2018/hunting-trapping-synopsis-2016-2018.pdf

Federal Premium 308 185gr ammo would do, for example. Retains 2449 ft lbs at 100 yards.
https://www.federalpremium.com/ammunition/rifle/caliber/308-win/gold-medal-berger/gm308bh185
Click to expand...

As I said, its just legal. A few notes to consider though, you've listed a target bullet not a hunting bullet, and chances are those velocities are from a 26" barrel (24 at the minimum) so they would be a bit lower in a 20" hunting rifle.
 
Guys...... I highly doubt OP is thinking bison or grizz here...... he stated he "wants to hunt deer with the option to go for larger game".....

I am sure that, if his hunting career progresses, to the point that he is booking bison and grizz hunts, he will be in a position to buy a bison / grizz rifle..... which would be among the least expensive things he has to buy for those trips...

It would be nice to see a thread, especially one this basic, not degenerate into grizz discussion.....
 
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