Which is bigger .30-06 or .308?
- Thread starter gryphon
- Start date
How soon we forget.
See this thread: "Can we revisit the 308 vs. the 3-06 one more time? I swear it is a good question" for a good discussion of the differences.
To answer your first question, the .30-06 case is longer (63.35mm) vs. the .308 (51.18mm). Bullet diameter is identical.
-z
See this thread: "Can we revisit the 308 vs. the 3-06 one more time? I swear it is a good question" for a good discussion of the differences.
To answer your first question, the .30-06 case is longer (63.35mm) vs. the .308 (51.18mm). Bullet diameter is identical.
-z
Doc Hudson
New member
The .308 Winchester is nothing but a shortened version of the .30-'06 Springfield.
With bullet weights up to 165 grains, there is not much difference in the abilities of both cartridges. With bullets heavier than 165 gr. the greater powder capacity of the '06 cartridge gives it a distinct edge. In most loadings, the .30-'06 will produce velocities a couple of hundred feet per second faster that the same bullet weight in a .308.
The one advantage the .308 has over the .30-'06 is, in my opinion, the ability to use the compact short action. This allows a bit more compactness and handiness in rifles. Of course if you are a fan of long or magnum length actions, you might see the short action as a drawback.
With the use of a chamber insert, one can shoot .308 ammunition in an '06 rifle. Accuracy might suffer due to the additional free-bore effect, but you'd have to give it a try to discover what accuracy you can get. You CAN NOT fire .30-'06 ammo in a .308, the cartridges are too long to close the action.
As for whether the '06 is better than the .308, or the .308 is better than the '06 will never be settled. Each cartridge has it's staunch supporters and you will never sway them. I like both but I lean a little more toward the .308 because of the more compact actions available.
Doc Hudson
PS Talk about a volley of responses!!!! LMH
With bullet weights up to 165 grains, there is not much difference in the abilities of both cartridges. With bullets heavier than 165 gr. the greater powder capacity of the '06 cartridge gives it a distinct edge. In most loadings, the .30-'06 will produce velocities a couple of hundred feet per second faster that the same bullet weight in a .308.
The one advantage the .308 has over the .30-'06 is, in my opinion, the ability to use the compact short action. This allows a bit more compactness and handiness in rifles. Of course if you are a fan of long or magnum length actions, you might see the short action as a drawback.
With the use of a chamber insert, one can shoot .308 ammunition in an '06 rifle. Accuracy might suffer due to the additional free-bore effect, but you'd have to give it a try to discover what accuracy you can get. You CAN NOT fire .30-'06 ammo in a .308, the cartridges are too long to close the action.
As for whether the '06 is better than the .308, or the .308 is better than the '06 will never be settled. Each cartridge has it's staunch supporters and you will never sway them. I like both but I lean a little more toward the .308 because of the more compact actions available.
Doc Hudson
PS Talk about a volley of responses!!!! LMH