30-06 Vs. .308

[Rail Gun]

Why would anyone pick a .308 over a 30-06. They are the same except the 30-06 is more powerful and has better ballistics than .308. Is it just because people think of a 30-06 as old fashoned and a .308 is weaker and more cool. I just don't get it. Maybe manufacturers are hyping .308 so they can sell new rifles?

 

[Bob Locke]

Why .308

Shorter action. Less recoil. More accurate (slight but noticeable edge to .308). Very similar ballistics (slight but noticeable edge to .30-06). Military surplus ammo can be used in a .308 rifle.

 

[_YoYo_]

this has been argues many times.. there are many factors to consider when choosing the proper caliber for your specific need. There is no right or better caliber, and no one is crazy for choosing something if it works for them.

 

[ArmedPatriot]

Like _YoYo_ said, it all depends on what you want it for.

Personally, I'd lean toward .308 for most applications. There are a lot more semi-auto rifles available at reasonable prices in .308, as well as cheaper milsurp ammo. Being a NATO standard caliber, more ammo is available in more places. At the same time, it's an excellent caliber for long range work in a bolt-action rifle. I'm a big believer in sticking to as few different calibers as possible, so the .308 seems like a great "multi-role" solution.

However, as someone else mentioned, .30-06 has more punch against bigger or harder targets, if that's your deciding factor.

- Dave

 

[Fatcat]

This is one horse that just won't die...

I prefer the 30-06 over the .308, but it is completely personal preference. .308 seems to be more "cool" these days, though.

 

[Art Eatman]

1. Small primal scream.

2. Please do some Search on this before doing Deja Vu All Over Again. Pretty please?

, Art

 

[wildkard]

short action, cheap mil surp.
Accuracy - never tell the difference.

 

[sks]

You mean this argument wasn't settled when we finally settled the 9mm vs. .45 ACP debate and the Glock vs. Sig debate? And I thought it was over.

 

[Paul B.]

Just my .02. I doubt any animal will notice the difference between the .308 and 30-06 when hit in the right place at normal shooting ranges. I have chronographed factory ammo from both rounds, where some of the .308's were faster than the 30-06.
The average difference between the two is supposedly 100 FPS. Ostensibly, the 06 can handle heavier bullets. Not necessarily so. I have one .308 rifle that will shoot 220 gr. Sierras at 2350 FPS. My 30-06 with same barrel lenth (22in.) does 2410 FPS with Winchester's 220 gr. factory.
I'll trade the slight velocity advantage for the lighter weight of the shorter action, and thankfully so. As I get older, those hills seem to get steeper. The old legs just ain't what they used to be.
Paul B.

 

[ahenry]

I have had (and still have) the same question

Here is the discussion I raised on it. I still feel the same way I did before but it would seem that this is very much a matter of personal preference.

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=63887

 

[No4Mk1*]

The only significant difference is that 7.62x51mm is a common military round and military ball is around now and will be around if all the ammo stores close.

 

[Zorro]

So where are the heavy bullet .308 loads?

200 grains in a .308?

Sort of doesn't cut does it?

 

[Marko Kloos]

I've read a few threads on the ".308 vs .30-06" debate, and it seems to boil down to the following:

.308 actions are shorter and more rigid, and .308 has a slight accuracy advantage. Also, .308 surplus ammo is cheaper and more readliy available than .30-06.

.30-06 has the main advantage over .308 that it can throw a heavier bullet and has a little more flexibility as far as bullet weights go.