longrifle1000

If you want the lever for fast follow up shots, I would suggest a Browning BAR in 30-06. It is semi-automatic and is a dream to shoot. My dad used to have one and it was very handy and accurate. Even with just iron sights on it, I could easily hit pop cans at 100 yards all day long. Amd when he put a scope on it, it only got better. Good luck

PA Bow/Flinter

Like everyone said they are basically the same. The '06 has the advantage of a little more velocity and a wider bullet selection. The .308 is shorter and in most cases more accurate (perferred military sniper round). So either one of those choices will be fine but if you are set on a lever action then I would have to go with the .308 because it is 12 mm shorter and when that big buck in running through the woods (possibily the only deer you will see on your hunt from what I have read) you are going to want the shortest reload time you can have. Thats why i would go with the .308, plus the fact that I have a .308 doesn't hurt either!!

Either way that deer won't know what hit it when the bullet finds it's mark behind the shoulder.

Virginia7

308 or 30-06? Do you want a short action rifle (308Win.), or a standard/long action (30-06) ?
There's really not much difference between the two when it comes to practical ballistics. The '06 has a slight advantage of about 150fps in velocity (+/-), and of course, this translates to a little more downrange energy at the target, and a little flatter trajectory.
In both cases (energy & trajectory) the advantage is VERY little.

Given the usual bullet weights used (150gr., 165gr., and 180gr.) either will perform about as well as the other for a wide variety of big game including deer, elk & moose. Advantage to the '06 if you need to use heavier bullets (200gr. and up).

Personally, I've always liked the shorter action in most bolt action rifles, and have picked the 308Win. For a lever action, barring selection of a used Savage 99, you're pretty much going to be stuck with the Browning BLR - a good rifle for sure, but not my pick. I'd look to a bolt action. Anycase, between these two cartridges, as popular as they both are, just pretty much pick the rifle you want as it will likely be available in either chambering.

Pittsburghunter

Ballisticly the .308 and 30-06 are equevelent up to 180g. After that the big case and slow burning powders give the 06 the nod for heavy projectiles. If I was going after grizz I would prefere the 06 but with deer I too have to chuck my hat in with the .308 crowd.

Rebel Hog

Ditto,Pitts.

James B

I took two Mule deer with the 30-06 last year and two with the 308. Could not tell much difference. The two with the 308 went down a bit quicker but thats because I shoot the 308 better. Either will do the job very well.

TerryM

I have owned both and taken game up to moose with both. There is absolutely NO DIFFERENCE in how they perform on game. Been there done that. As for rifle choice to get a BLR in 3006 turns a nice short handy lever action carbine into a long and heavy rifle. If you just sit in a box blind I guess it doesn't matter but if you hunt on your feet a BLR in .308 win is just about ideal and will handle bears and moose every bit as well as an 06 especially if you only shoot factory loads as 3006 loads are routinely underloaded compared to .308 loads.

NJ-Bowhunter

Thanks to all of you for you input-- I think that I'm going to go with the BLR in a .308with 180gr. I'll be doing a ton of walking in Maine and the weight of the .308 will be more conducive...especially since there is nominal performance difference.

TerryM

Excellent choice !

Sniper151

NJ, it depends on what bullet weight you are shooting. From 180 gr. down I would recommend the 308. If you are using grain weight above 180 gr., the 30:06 would be the better choice. My choice is the 308 Win for just about any hunting situation.