.308 or 30-06?
10-07-2004, 04:36 AM
#11
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: VA USA
Posts: 570
RE: .308 or 30-06?
Nomercy, I was talking pure or inherent accuracy. I could list a hundred things that could affect usuable accuracy. As far as recoil, some people may be super sensitive, but in a target weight rifle I find minimal difference in recoil between the two cartridges.
10-07-2004, 08:55 AM
#13
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 13,220
RE: .308 or 30-06?
Just about everyone here has raised all the points to consider between the two cartridges. Of course, I'm biased, and I stick by the .30-06. While the velocities aren't that much greater than the .308, I'd rather go higher than lower. In addition, the .30-06 can handle heavier bullets and even approach magnum performance with the right bullet/powder combination. That versatility is what I look for in a do-it-all rifle.
10-10-2004, 08:43 AM
#14
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Southern California
Posts: 323
RE: .308 or 30-06?
The .30-06 can drive a given bullet a bit faster and farther than a .308. The main reason the military adopted it was that the shorter length of the .308 is better suited to autoloading actions. The differences between the two cartridges in performance are more measurable than they are noticeable. Most of us would not notice a dime's worth of difference in practical usage.
If you like to plink and target shoot there's a lot more inexpensive surplus .308 ammo out there than there is .30-06 ammo.
For hunting, there is a huge range of factory loads for either that are readily available, and the biggest advantage you are likely to notice is that the .30-06 is better than the .308 with heavier bullets.
If you like to plink and target shoot there's a lot more inexpensive surplus .308 ammo out there than there is .30-06 ammo.
For hunting, there is a huge range of factory loads for either that are readily available, and the biggest advantage you are likely to notice is that the .30-06 is better than the .308 with heavier bullets.
10-10-2004, 10:45 PM
#15
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location:
Posts: 51
RE: .308 or 30-06?
This entry below is plagarized from SPEER's Reloading Manual #12:
Like many other successful sporting cartridges, the .308 Winchester began
as a military development. The Search for an effective and compact cartridge
for machine guns and semi-auto service rifles actually began shortly after World
War I and continued until the experimental T65 cartridge was adopted by the U.S.
as the 7.62 NATO service cartridge in 1954.
Winchester beat the military to the punch by introducing the T65 as the
.308 Winchester in 1952. The case was almost a half-inch shorter than the
30-06, but, with special ball powders developed for the T65, the .308 could
nearly match the ballistics of the older service cartridge. First offered in
the Winchester Model 70 bolt action and the Model 88 lever action, the .308 was
quickly picked up by other manufacturers. It was a natural for short-action
rifles and quickly established a reputation for accuracy.
Winchester barrels for the .308 were made with a 1-in-12 inch twist rate.
This limited the heaviest useful bullet weight to 200 grains instead of 220
grains, found in the 30-06. Other rifle makers have built .308 rifles using
1-in-10 inch twist barrels. There seems to be little practical difference
between the two twist rates with bullets lighter than 200 grains.
In the hunting field, ballistic differences between the .308 and the 30-06
are negligible. The choice between the two cartridges can often be made by the
type of action you prefer. A short bolt-action or a semi-auto, lever- or
slide-action favors the .308. In full-length action, the 30-06 gets the nod.
Both cartridges can be used on similar types of game. They are suitable for
anything in North America with the exception of the great bears. We prefer a
larger, heavier bullet on these.
In a target-grade rifle, the .308 can be used effectively on steel and
paper targets out to 1,000 yards. Normally bullets such as Speer's 168 and 190
grain match boat tail hollow point are used for competition. In most rifles,
the .308 is capable of top-notch accuracy.
Because the .308 Winchester is a military spn-off, surplus cases are
readily available. Military cases are often thicker than commercial ones, and
have less case capacity. Reduce charges developed in commercial cases at least
5% when loading military brass. Also, try to match headstamps for more uniform
results. The loads to not exceed the SAAMI maximum average pressure of 52,000
cup.
================================================== ==
Another tip from someone else I found that applies here:
When you are thinking about what will get the job done, remember the 3 biggest
factors affecting bullet lethality: (1) Shot Placement, (2) Shot Placement, and
(3) Shot Placement. Do this well, and it will cover up a myriad of other sins.
Pick a cartridge that's in the general ballpark of being appropriate for the
job, add marksmanship, and the rest will follow.
Like many other successful sporting cartridges, the .308 Winchester began
as a military development. The Search for an effective and compact cartridge
for machine guns and semi-auto service rifles actually began shortly after World
War I and continued until the experimental T65 cartridge was adopted by the U.S.
as the 7.62 NATO service cartridge in 1954.
Winchester beat the military to the punch by introducing the T65 as the
.308 Winchester in 1952. The case was almost a half-inch shorter than the
30-06, but, with special ball powders developed for the T65, the .308 could
nearly match the ballistics of the older service cartridge. First offered in
the Winchester Model 70 bolt action and the Model 88 lever action, the .308 was
quickly picked up by other manufacturers. It was a natural for short-action
rifles and quickly established a reputation for accuracy.
Winchester barrels for the .308 were made with a 1-in-12 inch twist rate.
This limited the heaviest useful bullet weight to 200 grains instead of 220
grains, found in the 30-06. Other rifle makers have built .308 rifles using
1-in-10 inch twist barrels. There seems to be little practical difference
between the two twist rates with bullets lighter than 200 grains.
In the hunting field, ballistic differences between the .308 and the 30-06
are negligible. The choice between the two cartridges can often be made by the
type of action you prefer. A short bolt-action or a semi-auto, lever- or
slide-action favors the .308. In full-length action, the 30-06 gets the nod.
Both cartridges can be used on similar types of game. They are suitable for
anything in North America with the exception of the great bears. We prefer a
larger, heavier bullet on these.
In a target-grade rifle, the .308 can be used effectively on steel and
paper targets out to 1,000 yards. Normally bullets such as Speer's 168 and 190
grain match boat tail hollow point are used for competition. In most rifles,
the .308 is capable of top-notch accuracy.
Because the .308 Winchester is a military spn-off, surplus cases are
readily available. Military cases are often thicker than commercial ones, and
have less case capacity. Reduce charges developed in commercial cases at least
5% when loading military brass. Also, try to match headstamps for more uniform
results. The loads to not exceed the SAAMI maximum average pressure of 52,000
cup.
================================================== ==
Another tip from someone else I found that applies here:
When you are thinking about what will get the job done, remember the 3 biggest
factors affecting bullet lethality: (1) Shot Placement, (2) Shot Placement, and
(3) Shot Placement. Do this well, and it will cover up a myriad of other sins.
Pick a cartridge that's in the general ballpark of being appropriate for the
job, add marksmanship, and the rest will follow.
10-12-2004, 10:32 PM
#16
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location:
Posts: 815
RE: .308 or 30-06?
Go with the 30-06. The 30-06 is more versatile in bullet weights. They both have tons of factory ammo the 308 has a few more that are cheaper, but they are military full metal jackets and are worthless except for plincking around. There is also alot to be gained from handloading the 06 and not as much w/ the 308. I think that the advantages that the 06 has are more practicle than those of the 308.
10-13-2004, 07:24 AM
#17
Typical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: SE Wisc
Posts: 677
RE: .308 or 30-06?
The way i look at it is this, if i were to buy one rifle it would be the 30.06. very versitile when it comes to ammo. I like the fact that i can shoot anything from 125gr up to 220. It's a rifle i wouldn't be afraid to hunt pretty much anything with. Not that there is anything wrong with a 308. I have shot both and recoil difference is really not there. They feel the same to me.
