Recoil Question: 308 vs 30-06

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J-Rod83

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Hi Guys,

I've been looking for a particular rifle that is difficult to find. I want to buy it in 308 and have not been able to find it. I may have recently found one in 30-06 though. So here's my question for you.

The 308 weights 6 pounds 8 ounces and the 30-06 weighs 7 pounds 4 ounces. On a similar weight bullet would there be much of a recoil difference? I'm looking for minimal recoil, but if there isn't a noticeable difference I may be ok with the 30-06.

Thank you!
 
There's not enough difference to worry about, recoil has as much to do with stock design than weight.
My wife hunts with a 308 and shoots my 30-06 and 300 WSM with no issues.
It's all mind over matter when it comes to recoil, it doesn't hurt, it just pushes your shoulder a bit.
Pull the rifle into your shoulder firmly, you won't have an issue.
308 is a great cartridge but 30-06 is more versatile.
 
Any internet picture of the rifle you're looking for ? You never know someone might send you a PM with one for sale
 
kobs said:
Any internet picture of the rifle you're looking for ? You never know someone might send you a PM with one for sale
Click to expand...

I have a WTB add in the equipment exchange for one but here's a link to browning's site. It's been discontinued.

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail-historic.asp?fid=003B&cid=034&tid=010

I was originally looking at 308 because I already have a 300 win mag in a bolt. I wanted a lever gun with less recoil for something different. If the 30-06 is more similar to a 308 in recoil then the 300 win mag I might be interested. But if the 30-06 is more similar to a 300 win mag I'm not that interested.
 
I have a 5.5lb Rem 700 in .308 and I nearly got scope eyed last night. It kicks like a mule. I find recoil to be a little bit more in a .30-06 than a .308, but if the gun weighs a bit more, it will be totally negated. The .30-06 is more versatile, and shoots the bigger .30 cal bullets better than the .308, such as 180 and 200 grainers. BUT, if you have a .300wm, then get
a .30-30 win or .300 savage if you want a nice , easy shooting , lever gun that is considered a "mild" 30 cal. The 300 savage is a great round.
 
Depending on load, a "normal" 30-06 has a hair more powder than a 308, so in the same rifle it would kick a hair more.

However, with the weights you are stating, the 30-06 would theoretically kick much less because it weighs 15% more than the 308 variant.
 
Petamocto said:
Depending on load, a "normal" 30-06 has a hair more powder than a 308, so in the same rifle it would kick a hair more.

However, with the weights you are stating, the 30-06 would theoretically kick much less because it weighs 15% more than the 308 variant.
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Yeah that's kind of what I was wondering. I know a 30-06 would have slightly more recoil, but in a rifle 3/4 of a pound heavier would it be noticeable. You figure the difference would be negligible?
 
You can't defy physics. In my experience a light rifle will yield more felt recoil and is more noticeable as you go up in bullets weight.

FYI, here is a comparison of recoil with different bullet weights between the two calibers. Unfortunately the rifle weights are not the same.

Cartridge (Wb@MV) Rifle Recoil Recoil
Weight Energy Velocity
.308 Win. (150 at 2800) 7.5 15.8 11.7
.308 Win. (165 at 2700) 7.5 18.1 12.5
.308 Win. (180 at 2610) 8.0 17.5 11.9
.30-06 Spfd. (150 at 2910) 8.0 17.6 11.9
.30-06 Spfd. (165 at 2900) 8.0 20.1 12.7
.30-06 Spfd. (180 at 2700) 8.0 20.3 12.8

This is an excerpt from this table http://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm
 
J-Rod83 said:
Hi Guys,

I've been looking for a particular rifle that is difficult to find. I want to buy it in 308 and have not been able to find it. I may have recently found one in 30-06 though. So here's my question for you.

The 308 weights 6 pounds 8 ounces and the 30-06 weighs 7 pounds 4 ounces. On a similar weight bullet would there be much of a recoil difference? I'm looking for minimal recoil, but if there isn't a noticeable difference I may be ok with the 30-06.

Thank you!
Click to expand...

I used to be sold on big ultra mag calibers.
Now I prefer the the lightest recoil round that gets the job done.
If you're concerned with recoil, and It sounds like you are, hold out for a .308. If you go with 30.06, get the lowest grain round to help reduce recoil.
 
The .308 and 30-06 Browning lever action rifles are quite different in handling and feel, not just weight. The long action BLR's are not nearly as nice handling as the shorter ones IMHO. Try for yourself before you buy.
 
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