.308 Winchester ?
Folks, I need some help here.
I have always believed that the 30.06 was a great "do-all" cartridge. Not perfect by any means, but almost always up to the task if the shooter did their part.
I am suffering from the throws of indecision, because in trying to make an informed decision I have studied all my reloading manuals, online information, bullet manufacturers sites, etc... trying to decide between these two cartridges. I can only afford one new barrel at this time for my Encore. I am going to set it up with Warn/Maxima rings and base and a Leupold 3 x 9 x 50 scope. The main use for this rifle is Whitetails, but hogs may come into play as well. Shots could vary from less than 50yds to more than 250yds. Now, I don't know if I'll ever hunt Elk, but black bear could also be a possibility. Is there any task the .308 win can't do that the 30.06 can do better?
Please do not try to talk me into a .270, 7mm-08, .260, .280 or any of the other very capable cartridges. I am only interested in these two at the present time.
I know that the .308 is inherently more accurate due to things like the fatter case and the sharper shoulder angles, and surplus ammo is widely available for plinking.
But isn't the 30.06 just a better "all-around" cartridge than the .308win?
Other than a little speed and energy what am I giving up?
Can you folks help me?[]
Thanks,
Mark