.308 win. or 30-06 Long Range
#1

I am thinking aboutbuilding a custom long range rifle and am debating between these two calibers. I am looking a punching paper at 600 yards or so mainly but would like the option of hunting deer as well if I ever get good enough.
I realize that the militay uses the 308 a lot and its one of the most popular for extended range, but why do they use it over the 30-06? What would make it a better long range contender?
I realize that the militay uses the 308 a lot and its one of the most popular for extended range, but why do they use it over the 30-06? What would make it a better long range contender?
#2

Well I think the .308 is more accurate....has been used with some success in 1000yd competitions......
but now which has more energy at 600yds?
Also if you're considering building a long range rifle, I'm not sure either of those 2 calibers would be my first choice.....
may consider a 6.5-284.......but if you long range/accuracy/commercially available for hunting is your goal.....how about a .270? very accurate, flat shooting, plenty of power at 600yds. Or how about a .270WSM....that should be very accurate, beltless, shorter stack....in a quality setup I'm sure it would be.
Or a .300 WSM with 150gr.....though the .270 with 130 or 150 I'd probably take for what you're saying.
But of the 2 you listed, if punching paper is #1, the .308 should be more accurate, but with hunting in mind I'd look at the tables to compare energies, I'm not sure how they compare at 600yds, if the .308 has 500lbs, and the '06 has 1200, I'd be more comfy with the '06 on a deer at 600yds, but of course you have to hit it.....first, so, take that as you will.
Also consider a 7mm-08?
but now which has more energy at 600yds?
Also if you're considering building a long range rifle, I'm not sure either of those 2 calibers would be my first choice.....
may consider a 6.5-284.......but if you long range/accuracy/commercially available for hunting is your goal.....how about a .270? very accurate, flat shooting, plenty of power at 600yds. Or how about a .270WSM....that should be very accurate, beltless, shorter stack....in a quality setup I'm sure it would be.
Or a .300 WSM with 150gr.....though the .270 with 130 or 150 I'd probably take for what you're saying.
But of the 2 you listed, if punching paper is #1, the .308 should be more accurate, but with hunting in mind I'd look at the tables to compare energies, I'm not sure how they compare at 600yds, if the .308 has 500lbs, and the '06 has 1200, I'd be more comfy with the '06 on a deer at 600yds, but of course you have to hit it.....first, so, take that as you will.
Also consider a 7mm-08?
#3

For punching paper I'd choose the 308 over the '06 anyday. Lots better selection of "match grade" ammo readily available, if you don't handload, and noticabley less recoil.
#4

Out of the 2, I'd take the 30-06 if you handload, .308 if you don't.
There isn't any difference in accuracy if both are loaded to their potential, the 30-06 would have an edge at longer distances because you could use heavier bullets.
If you are having something custom built, the 6.5x284 is better than either of them.
There isn't any difference in accuracy if both are loaded to their potential, the 30-06 would have an edge at longer distances because you could use heavier bullets.
If you are having something custom built, the 6.5x284 is better than either of them.
#5

I was looking at the 308 & 30-06 because I don't handload yet. I plan on starting in the future but don't know when, so I was looking for something standard rather then wildcat or $60 a box for ammo.
The rifle will be custom most likely from a remington action. It isn't coming anytime soon. I will begin collecting the parts after I finish building my wife her new house. So right now I am trying to get the design in my head so I can keep a look out for good deals and oppertunities.
I was looking at the 308 because its so popular but the 30-06 is what am leaning toward.
The rifle will be custom most likely from a remington action. It isn't coming anytime soon. I will begin collecting the parts after I finish building my wife her new house. So right now I am trying to get the design in my head so I can keep a look out for good deals and oppertunities.
I was looking at the 308 because its so popular but the 30-06 is what am leaning toward.
#6
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 246

The 308 has the accuracy edge. If you're just punching paper as you say, get the 308. It has better accuracy potential no matter if your talking handloads or factory loads. Just look at the long range match results and you'll see the 308 has pushed the 30-06 pretty much into retirement as far as a match round.
#7

308...
Compare the 180 G BTSP for both... At 500 Yards the 308 is at 1815 FPS and 1316 FPe.. And the 30-06 is at 1879 FPSand 1411 FBE.. In fact at 400 yards there is a difference of 108 FPE and at 500 only 95. So the 308 is closing the gap.. The 2 rounds arevery comparable.. You'll get better accuarcy and have better availabilith of ammo in the 308
#8
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Blissfield MI USA
Posts: 5,293

I honestly believe getting a custom rifle to shoot factory ammo might be a bit of a waste of money. In order to really the see the potential of a rifle of that quality your probably going to have to hand load to tailor a load to it. You might spend a bunch of money on a custom gun just to find out it doesn't shoot any better than a stock savage when using factory ammo.
My opinion anyway.
Paul
My opinion anyway.
Paul
#9
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Taking the high ground.....
Posts: 277

7mm balistics are simply better andshould factorinto the "I need a LR Rifle" equation....
Out of those two choices of 30's tho', and the NEED for a 30...I'd have no use for the .308, and don't....and have good useof the '06, and do.
The '06/168 TSX combolaunched fromthe rightplatformis a wicked bastid........
Out of those two choices of 30's tho', and the NEED for a 30...I'd have no use for the .308, and don't....and have good useof the '06, and do.
The '06/168 TSX combolaunched fromthe rightplatformis a wicked bastid........
#10
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: DFW
Posts: 1,195

ORIGINAL: Paul L Mohr
I honestly believe getting a custom rifle to shoot factory ammo might be a bit of a waste of money. In order to really the see the potential of a rifle of that quality your probably going to have to hand load to tailor a load to it. You might spend a bunch of money on a custom gun just to find out it doesn't shoot any better than a stock savage when using factory ammo.
My opinion anyway.
Paul
I honestly believe getting a custom rifle to shoot factory ammo might be a bit of a waste of money. In order to really the see the potential of a rifle of that quality your probably going to have to hand load to tailor a load to it. You might spend a bunch of money on a custom gun just to find out it doesn't shoot any better than a stock savage when using factory ammo.
My opinion anyway.
Paul