.308 or 30-06

NJ-Bowhunter · 07-06-2005, 09:51 AM

Argh! I'm heading up to Maine for deer in November, and looking to buy my first rifle. I think I've narrowed it down to either a .308 or 30-06 (personal preference is lever action)....now I'm looking for input from the pros - you guys. What are your thoughts?

biscuit jake · 07-06-2005, 09:58 AM

Ballistically they are pretty close. Doubt that the critter would know the difference with few exceptions. It could be hard finding a lever action 30 06. I think the 308 is inherently more accurate, but that is not to put down the 06. Both were used as sniper rifles. The 30 06 can load up a bit heavier bullet. Ammo for both is very easy to find.

mn16point · 07-06-2005, 10:01 AM

You cant go wrong with a 30-06, it is everything a .308 is and more. This a good question but with a 30-06, you can get a much wider range of bullets, and is probably more accurate in most situations. Plus you can probably get a better deal on a 30-06 than a .308. Just my opinion.

NRA

Scott Gags · 07-06-2005, 10:11 AM

In a lever action I would go with the 308. It is a shorter cartridge and will probably cycle better, in addition lever guns are not known for their accuracyand the 308 has more than enough power out past 300 yards for deer. This is probably as far you will be accurately able to shoot a lever action anyway given the size of a deers vitals. Also many lever action guns have shorter barrels which are better with the 308 due to its smaller case capacity. It is kind of expensive but take a look at the browning lever it uses a rotating bolt to seat the cartridge similar to a bolt action.

BareBack Jack · 07-06-2005, 10:12 AM

Browning BLR 30-06,much more than a 308.Top it off with a 1.5-5 scope and hunt away.
BBJ

statjunk · 07-06-2005, 10:43 AM

I would vote for the .308. Cheaper ammo and plenty powerful for most game including elk. I don't know if I would go with a lever though in either of those calibers. It is strictly a matter of preferance and assumed performance.

Tom

spuddog · 07-06-2005, 11:26 AM

NJ - I've been having the same dilema, but I'm still waiting on the cash flow to buy my rifle. For a lever, unless you go used, your only option is a Browning BLR. To echo what others have said, I don't think you can go wrong either way. My understanding of the difference is that with the -06 you can go a little futher with a little heavier bullet. The .308 BLR is limited to 180 grn (based on barrel twist), but you get slightly less recoil and weight, a shorter barreland a shorter action. I've handled both and the difference isn't staggering.

You can look at it two ways - 1. If they're that close you might as well go with the most versatility and get the -06. 2. If they're that closeyou might as well get the lighter weight and shorter lever through.

Either one is the right answer depending on your preference. Personally I tend to lean toward #2 because I won't shoot that long of a distance and I'm OK with 180 grn limit.

UncleNorby · 07-06-2005, 11:37 AM

30/06 - Win. 1895, pretty nice but real pricey, and BLRs.I don't know of any others.

308 - Savage 99's and BLRs.

I think you can find used 99s, but they can cost a bit. Some of the lesser quality ones may be cheaper, and they all seem to shoot well.

If you like levers, you should also think about Marlins and Winchesters in various other calibers. I'd buy the first goodMarlin I found in something bigger than 30/30. 35 Rem., 356 Win., 444 Marlin, 375 Win. are all good as far as I need to shoot.

Da Big Guy · 07-06-2005, 05:44 PM

30-06 or .308 are in my opinion the same. 7.62 NATO or 7.62x63mm, you be the judge.
I prefer the 06 but thats just my preference.

As far as a lever action goes that is another can of worms. You might consider a bolt action or maybe a pump gun.

Gundigest · 07-06-2005, 07:57 PM

Both are very good calibers, however anything the 308 will do the 06 will do better. The only real advantage to the .308 is the short action. The 06 will shoot the medium weight bullets very well and will do a much better job on the heavy bullets. The 06 has the largest bullet weight range on the market and can be found in every little gun shop in the country. If I could only have one rifle it would be a 30-06, only in a Ruger 77 Mk II. As far as the lever action rifle goes, I don't know a whole lot about them, I like bolts and the #1.