Soilarch

What I mean to ask is this: Of course a -06 can be loaded down to 308 pressures and velocities. I've heard that the 30-06 really shines compared to the 308 when you go beyond 180gr bullets(not just velocities but accuracy as well), does it go the other way around with light bullets? What's the usual weight savings in bolt guns between long and short actions? I've long held that unless a 30-06 is marginal it was always better to go with the 308 because it was a short action that could be handloaded to match the L.A. 30-06.

Another question: would "about" the same amount of a given powder give the same velocity out of the two cartridges?

Duckbutter48

The 06 also does windows but I dont think the 308 will.

Unless you have a long barrel on an 06 (24+) so it has time to burn the extra powder its not that much different in velocity. You could match the factory loads of an 06 with handloads in a 308 pretty easy but if you handload both then the extra case capacity would pay off.


I dont think we can assume a heavier bullet is more accurate in the 06 or vice versa. A 180 grain bullet going a couple hundred feet slower doesnt make it less accurate.

I think Id just get the 300 WSM and have best of both.

Soilarch

Do most companies put the same twists on the barrels? This is the only way I could imagine the 30-06 *really* handling heavier bullets better. Like I said earlier, I'm well aware that 308s can be pushed up to the 30-06...but can 30-05 be pulled down to the "light" 308 levels without erattic (sp?) pressures?

killer243

unless you want a shorter bolt throw i could stick with the -06. i don't think their is anything a 308 can do that a -06 couldn't

rjhans53

hmmm why did they make the 10 x smaller after the indroduction of the 308 onto the competition sceen. Yep I'm a fan of the 308 but I have and will use a 06 again, for my shooting needs they are equally effective in my hands as is true with most people.

Gundigest

I have an 06 and a 300 WSM both will shoot .6" groups at 100 yards with 165gr and 180gr hot handloads. The WSM really surprised me though, I loaded up some 150gr Remingtons at 3300fps and shot a 1/2" at 100 yards. More unbelievable still is that I loaded up some 110gr SP at 3600fps and shot a 1/2" at 100 yards. I was expecting a 3-4" group not a 1/2" group. The 30-06 is a custom Mauser 98 and the WSM is a Stainless Ruger M77 Mk II. Every gun shoots differently If you are happy with 308 velocities get a 308, if you want 06 velocities get an 06. If you want a fast short action caliber get a 300 WSM. They are all very good and accurate calibers.

A good trigger and scope have a lot more to do with good accuracy than one would think.

DM

When it comes to hunting velocities, "If" you load the 30-06 to the "same pressures" of a 308 Win., it will be pushing the same weight bullet faster than a 308 Win..

Drilling Man

Roskoe

True . . . factory 30-06 ammo is loaded to about 10% less pressure than .308 factory ammo; and with factory loads they are about the same velocities with bullet weights of 165 grains or less. Starting with 180 grain bullets, though, the extra case capacity and overall length of the 30-06 starts to overshadow the .308 Winchester - probably because you have to seat the bullets so deeply in the .308 to make the maximum overall length of 2.800. I built a .308 tactical rifle a couple years ago on a long action, and the shooter was able to get right at 2800 fps out of 180 gr. bullets when seating them out past the normal overall length. Bottom line is that they are really close, despite the obvious difference is case size.

ejpaul1

Roskoe is completly right, there is little difference between the two and you couldnt go wrong either way. I quit splitting hairs with rifle calibre chioce. I have a 243 and a 30-06 and there aint nuthin I cant drop!

Ought Six

Sorry, I would have to see the .308 that can push a 180 grain bullet at 2800 fps. Even with excessive freebore, I would still have to see it to believe it. A long action make no difference in maximun overall length for a cartridge. The supposed advantage a short action has is the fact that it is stiffer. As most handloaders are aware, SAAMI overall length is not necessarly the right overall length for an individual rifle. Any .308 cartridge loaded to SAAMI overall length will fit is an .308 rifle, this is the intent of establishing a standard overall length. While seating the 308s bullet out will increase case capacity, I seriously doubt the 308 can push a 180 grain pill 100 fps faster than listed speeds a 30-06 can deliver. I am betting Roskoe mistyped his post.

The real reason a 30-06 will shoot a bullet faster than a .308 is the same reason a 300 WM will shoot a bullet faster than a 30-06....case capacity. Granted, powders have evolved. However, powders have evolved for all calibers, not just the .308.

The advantage of the .308 is not small. It is an extremely accurate cartridge design, more accurate that the 30-06 as a general rule. Also, the .308 has substantially less recoil than the 30-06. This makes the .308 easier to shoot well.