[kamonjj]

Ok, here my dilemma. I have decided on a Remington 700 but I can't decide on a .308 or 30-06. I have been a huge .308 fan for a long time but, after doing some reading I'm thinking that I may get a 30-06 instead. I want to get into hunting and not just punching holes in paper. I know the 308 is considered more accurate however, I doubt I'll be able to tell that much of a difference. I know the 30-06 can be loaded in heavier rounds which equates to more stopping power if I ever wanted it. Many say .308 is fine for stopping deer though. I highly doubt I'll be hunting anything bigger than that in my life.

I reload and I know the 30-06 can be tailored for more loads, and additionally you can get more uses out of each cartridge due to the lower pressure. However, the cost per round isn't a huge factor.

I know that 30-06 passes the "walmart test". What I mean by that is, if needed be, I can walk into walmart and buy it in a pinch and in multiple grains as well. They had zero .308 in either walmart by my house. Since I reload I bought I'll ever be in that position however, its a viable option.

Now, I'm having such a hard time deciding is because the .308 can be had in a larger variety of rifles (ie the sps tactical, and the VTR). A buddy of mine has a VTR and its so awesome, I love that rifle. I have been considering the sps tactical due to the its a shorter barrel and lighter weapon and considered one of the most accurate rifles in its class.

Today I was at the gun store just browsing (I'm buying soon after I decide). The guy at the gun counter was saying that 30-06 was starting to be phased out and the .308 was the new way to fly. I normally take what people at the store say with a grain of salt but he might be on to something. Especially if .308s are flying off the shelf, coming in a larger variety of rifles and 30-06s are becoming more limited. Which got me thinking that I don't want to pick up a rifle in a caliber that in a few years it will be tough to get ammo and such.

So what do you guys think?

 

[ratf51]

My only deer rifle is in .308. I like the round, and for what I hunt/anticipate hunting it will do all I need it to do. I highly recommend it. But... from the way you write it sounds like your gut reaction is to go with the 30-06. You will not go wrong there-- regardless of what the gun store guy said. I think the '06 has another 100 years in it. As for hunting, you will be happier with a rifle that is lighter rather than heavier.

 

[69HEMI-R/T]

I have also been a huge fan of the .308 in a rifle for a number of reasons, including the rifle is usually a short-action (definitely in a Remington) and plenty enough for all but the largest game you might encounter.

That said, there is 30.06 ammo on just about any store you might encounter that carries any type of hunting supplies and, if you do reload, it can be tailored to just about any situation or game.

I do own a few hunting rifles but, I do not own a 30.06! I have a very nice .308 Steyr rifle for hunting and if I need more, got a .338mag for that.

I would guess either one will make a fine hunting caliber and I just personally prefer the .308 .

 

[Three-Five-Seven]

Shorter rifles are better, all other things being equal.

Aftermarket support for the short actioned Remington 700 is much better than for the LA.

There is nothing a 30.06 can do that a .308 can't do as well, or usually better.

Many innovative propellants and projectiles are designed around the .308.

Contrary to your assertion, the 308 is more ubiquitous than the '06.

Some of the best scope mounts made are specific to the Rem 700 short action.

No contest IMHO.

If you consistently need bullets heavier than 190 grains, then you should be considering a larger bore caliber than the .30.

 

[Berto]

For game, the 06 is a better round, but as others have said, it mandates a longer action which translates to a slightly larger and heavier rifle.
For the specified use, the slight ballistic advantage and heavier bullet options won't mean much with deer sized game, so the .308 makes a little more sense.

 

[vafish]

I'm a fan of the .30-06, I have 3 of them and have owned 2 others in the past. I initially bought on because my dad, brother and most of the rest of the guys in deer camp had a .30-06. Something to be said for being able to borrow some ammo when opening morning you realize you left yours at home.

.30-06 will give you about 100 fps more velocity then a comparable weight .308 bullet. It also handles heavier bullets better. (but they really aren't needed for deer)

But realistically speaking there isn't a white tailed deer on the planet that could tell the difference between the .308 and .30-06.

The .308 will come in a shorter action which will be a little lighter and might be a little stiffer and more accurate.

You really can't go wrong with either one. I say pick the model rifle you want, that should make the caliber choice for you.

 

[redbaron007]

I'm a fan of the .30-06, I have 3 of them and have owned 2 others in the past. I initially bought on because my dad, brother and most of the rest of the guys in deer camp had a .30-06. Something to be said for being able to borrow some ammo when opening morning you realize you left yours at home.

.30-06 will give you about 100 fps more velocity then a comparable weight .308 bullet. It also handles heavier bullets better. (but they really aren't needed for deer)

But realistically speaking there isn't a white tailed deer on the planet that could tell the difference between the .308 and .30-06.

The .308 will come in a shorter action which will be a little lighter and might be a little stiffer and more accurate.

You really can't go wrong with either one. I say pick the model rifle you want, that should make the caliber choice for you.

+1000

For deer in North America, I choose the '06. Not that I'm against the .308, I prefer the '06.

It sounds to me it's not a matter of caliber, it's the rifle. I'd be looking for the rifle, not the caliber.

:wavey:

red

 

[Steel & Wood]

Remington 700?


.308 for sure!!!!!:wavey:

TGG

 

[Esox357]

If anything bigger than deer in future hunts I would say go 30.06. The 308 winchester is plenty of a round for deer, hogs, pronghorn, ect. It is best served with the 165, 168, and 150 weights. I like the short actions, but personally use the 30.06. You can't make a bad decision with either caliber. The 308 is more efficient and uses less componenets shooting the same bullet.

 

[byf43]

Coin toss!!!!!!

'06???

.308??????

If the Remington mdl 7 were in contention, I'd say .308 (never seen an '06 mdl 7. It ain't made!):supergrin:

Buy either.


M1 Garand - '06
Remington 700 BDL - '06

Springfield Armory M1A - 7.62x51mm
Remington 700 SPS ACC - SD - .308

I like BOTH calibers!!!

 

[jp3975]

From 11 to 15 I used an SKS in 7.62x39. I never once had a deer run more than 100 ft.

From 16 to 28 Ive used a .308 and have never had a deer run more than 100ft. 9x out of 10 they make no more than 10ft.

 

[kamonjj]

Shorter rifles are better, all other things being equal.

Aftermarket support for the short actioned Remington 700 is much better than for the LA.

There is nothing a 30.06 can do that a .308 can't do as well, or usually better.

Many innovative propellants and projectiles are designed around the .308.

Contrary to your assertion, the 308 is more ubiquitous than the '06.

Some of the best scope mounts made are specific to the Rem 700 short action.

No contest IMHO.

If you consistently need bullets heavier than 190 grains, then you should be considering a larger bore caliber than the .30.

What are some of the best scope mounts? I'm looking to do this right the first time, and want to buy quality parts from the get go. I'm only looking into quality optics. Probably leupold or nikon or burris.

 

[Upstate Glocker]

You are splitting hairs, ballistically speaking. And all the comments about .308 being all you need for deer and most other hunts in the lower 48 are true -- whatever you can get with a 30-06 you can also get with a .308, and whatever you can't get with a .308 you should be using a .338 or .300 win mag or other more powerful cartridge for anyhow, although frankly I've never had the need and can't think of too many instances where another 100 ft/lbs would make a big difference. Both .308 and .30-06 are widely available in gun stores around here, although regional differences may exist.

As for me, I prefer .308 because at my over 50 age I look for lightness on a long hike. Here in upstate ny we have the Adirondack mountains and you'll appreciate the lighter weight, which is why the 30-30 is actually the most popular deer rifle, the .308 is probably second and you will go a long time before seeing a .30-06. If you have younger/stronger arms and don't notice the additional pound or two and want the additional 100 ft/lbs, go for it.

 

[JackMac]

either round can be loaded to handle anything in North America, except for big zoo animals from Africa or Asia, and then maybe. makes me recall how some Montagnards used poison tipped arrows to shoot tigers and elephants and such in Vietnam. I asked one where you'd shoot the elephant and was told, in the ears, that is where the skin is thin and lots of blood vessels....elephants cool off by fanning their ears. Then I ask how long it took for the toxin to take effect...he said two or three days. I thought, at the time, wow, I sure hope you can out run it!

 

[G19freak]

Skip the 700 POS

.30-ought for the cartridge

 

[Zombie Steve]

There is nothing a 30.06 can do that a .308 can't do as well, or usually better.

Horsepucky.

I have both, like both, but the '06 will always have the edge with equal barrel lengths. Its larger case volume opens up powder and bullet options that won't work in a .308, and it shoots a broader range of bullet weights. The heavier you go, the larger the spread between the two cartridges. It's not a huge difference, but that statement couldn't be more wrong.

I like the short actions, but the .30-06 isn't dying off until we get the particle beam thing down pat.

And since the OP is a reloader, why does it matter what you can find at Wal Mart? :tongueout:

 

[paulbow]

It probably won't matter. Get the one that you can get the best deal on.

 

[Minnow]

Your main dilema seems to be ; do I want a R700 heavy barrel tactical/target rifle or a R700 sporter weight rifle? Well ask yourself if you would rather shoot 5 shot groups at the range, or 3 shot groups? Both barrel profiles can be a accurate, the sporter barrel of course heats up much faster, and those fourth and fifth shots will open up on the bench. Next ask yourself if you are willing to accept a rifle that is heavier than it needs to be for the task at hand (hunting). If you are and want the benefit of extended shooting sessions at the bench, get the short (20") bull barrel in the short action 308. If you want the weight savings and will accept more cooling off time at the range, then get the sporter rifle and caliber is up to you. As previously mentioned, the 30-06 shows it's benefit when you get into the heavier weight loads. Either caliber is up to the tasks. User preference.

 

[RWBlue]

I have both. I have reloaded both. I like both for different things.

308 if you want compatibility with semi-auto rifles.

30-06 if you want to hunt larger mammals (moose, buff, Griz). Then again, I have a 458wm I would use for moose, buff and griz.

BTW, the 30-06 is not going away. There are too many people who's father or father's father hunted with them.

 

[M1A Shooter]

i almost went with a 30-06 for its popularity and several family members have one as well. i ended up going with a .308 as ammo is more interchangable with the m14 system that i prefer.

i ended up with the remington AAC-SD because .308 can be loaded subsonic as well. i almost got a .300aac but figured a .308 has 3 times the range supersonic but can mimick the subsonics when pushing a 220gr bullet at 1050fps.

308 and 30-06 are basically very similar up to 180gr bullets. '06 pushes the 180s slightly faster but 190s-240s arent too usable in a .308 when compared to the '06.