ropadop

I have both. I prefer the 30-06. It is more versatile for an all around hunting rifle cartridge with a bigger bullet selection. It is definitely better with heavier bullets. Recoil is modest with 150g bullets. For deer size game with 150-165g bullets, the 06 will give you about an extra 100 to 200 fps. The accuracy advantage of the 308 is modest in comparably loaded cartridges and would be advantageous in a high power match, but not in the field.

Colorado Luckydog

Easy! 30.06! It will shoot better than most of us can. The ammo is cheaper, more abundant, and much, much bigger selection. Not to mention the dough you will save on ammo.

ipscshooter

I'd vote for the .30-06 as well, as it's more capable with the heavier bullets that one would use for certain Alaskan game.

Cost savings wouldn't be a reason though. I've never been to a store where 06's were cheaper than .308's. They're always exactly the same price around here.

BigTiny

Or local wallyworld sells 06 blue-box Federals in 150 and 180 for $12.97 a box. The same box in .308 is $20. I buy 2 boxes every time I go. I haven't found anyone else selling it that cheap, and I might as well get it while it's still legal.

Teach Deer

The .308 Winchester and the .30-06 are so similar that either will serve you well (did you say "coastal brown bears?") My advice would be to go with the .30-06 because of bullet weight.

The .308 and -06 perform nearly equally from 125 grains - 180 grains (the bullets are the same after all). At 180 grains and up though, the bullets must get longer and to be positioned for correct overall length must be set back further into the case mouth...not a problem with the -06...room to spare...a big problem with the .308 no room to spare (you must reduce the load or go with a more compact powder without effecting pressure). This is where the -06 is better.

If you are serious about including the big browns and even grizzlies, consider something larger(I personnally prefer an Abrams main battle tank)...except for the availability of ammo (and the $$$) the .300 Remington Ultra Mag with power level ammo (III = -06, II = Win Mag, I = Ultra Mag for the big nasties) is very versatile.

blasted_saber

As a Canadian, im surprised to here your ammunition prices. Here, 308 and 3006 prices are virtually identical for deer ammunition ($15-20), with 3006 premium bullets usually being a bit more expensive.

nksmfamjp

Given the choice, for a do it all lower 48, I would choose 308. Including AK, I think I would go to the 30-06. For longer range lower 48, 300 WSM.

Another good choice would be 338 federal. I think the only thing it leaves wanting is a long Elk or Antelope shot. Other than that, pretty much ideal, IMO.

Bigger bullets always beat more velocity for killing, IME. Wanna shoot my 375 JDJ pistol?[:-]

younggun308

The reason for the high prices is that there's a rumor going around that the Feds are going to ban .308 ammo, because it's a military round, that's their only idea, not taking into account the fact the a 7mm Rem Mag will do more damage, as well as a host of other cartridges. In any case, we shall have to wait and see, but if they do ban .308 ammo, I might have to sell my rifle to one you Canucks and get myself a 7mm-08 or a .270.

blasted_saber

if your government confiscates all 308 ammo, it'll affect me too. Pretty well all our ammo comes from you guys.

nosualc

Banning .308 because it's a military round?

Would they not also have to ban .223 and 9mm, .30-06, .45 acp, .45-70, .45 colt, etc.?

These are some of the most popular cartridges in the US.

Color me dubious.

-nosualc