trying to buy a new or used but in good condition rifle either a 30-06 or .308 which model would be best?

Question

just trying to figuare out what would be best between the two and which models are the best compared to how much money I spend.

Answer 1

I own, hunt and reload for both 308 and 30-06 both are outstanding rounds and will take any large game in North America.

Now there is a slight difference between the two.

The 308 utilizing 165 grains and below, will out perform the 30-06.
But the 30-06 utilizing anything from 168 grains up and the 06 struts her stuff and blows the 308 in to second place where it remains when it comes to the heaver bullets.

For example

***Data from Speer Reloading Manual # 13***

308 utilizing a 150 grain projectile with a muzzle velocity 2919 FPS.
30-06 utilizing a 150 grain projectile with a muzzle velocity 2847 FPS, but that only 72 FPS down.

308 utilizing a 165 grain projectile with a muzzle velocity 2812 FPS.
30-06 utilizing a 165 grain projectile with a muzzle velocity 2803 FPS, but that only 9 FPS down.


308 utilizing a 168 grain projectile with a muzzle velocity 2751 FPS.
30-06 utilizing a 168 grain projectile with a muzzle velocity 2825 FPS, but that only 74 FPS faster.

308 utilizing a 180 grain projectile with a muzzle velocity 2613 FPS.
30-06 utilizing a 180 grain projectile with a muzzle velocity 2756 FPS, but that only 143 FPS faster.

If your planning to hunt Moose or bear I would say of the 2 you listed 30-06 would be best.
For antelope to elk either 308 or 30-06 will do well.

308 has less recoil then the 30-06, but other then that the 2 are taking turns on who is the best.

As to rifle I would say bolt action , Ruger, Thompson Center Icon, Remington, Savage and or Mossberg are all fine weapons.
Bolt action and single shot being the 2 most accurate action designs.
Where as the semi auto is the least accurate action design.

I my self use a Ruger M77 Mark II bolt action and the Thompson Center Encore.

Either caliber 308 or 30-06 matched with a good quality rifle will preform outstanding.


D58

Answer 2

My best friend and I have a constant .308 vs .30-06 argument going. I live in the Midwest and hunt whitetail deer. The woods around here are pretty thick so shots above 300 yards or so are out of the question. That being said, I pick the .308 all day long. The ballistics are very similar between the two and I prefer the feel of shooting the .308. It is a short action gun whereas the .30-06 is a long action. That translates into whether or not you want to beat the heck out of your shoulder or not. A .308 has a lot less recoil than the .30-06. I am 6'1" and weigh about 205. I can handle a .30-06 no problem but I just prefer short action guns. Buy the gun that fits what and where you want to hunt. If you hunt deer and predators, get a .243. If you hunt deer and elk get a .30-06. If you hunt just deer maybe a .308. There is no such thing as a "do-it-all" caliber. Oh, and if you buy a Savage Accu-trigger you'll never be sorry. I have been shooting my whole life and I have never seen a better gun with a better trigger out of the box. They are the best user level guns I have ever seen. Happy hunting!

Answer 3

Bound's hubby here:

If you are looking at a hunting rifle, either the .308 or the .30-06 would be a good choice. The .308 is a little slower (100 fps) than the .30-06 and has a more limited range of bullets available than the .30-06 (generally, nothing over 185 grains). Therefore, if you would choose the .308, I would not include caribou, moose, brown bear or grizzly or long shots at dhal sheep on your hunting agenda.

The .308 has a number of advantages:
1. ammunition may be more available and plentiful than .30-06
2. surplus ammo (for practice only) can be cheaper and more plentiful
3. the .308 uses a short action with a short bolt throw compared to the .30-06.

Personally, I would look down at neither of these calber choices. Personally, I would look at either a Remington 700 or a Winchester Model 70 when you are looking for your used rifle. If you should encounter an M1903 Springfield and have a competent gunsmith that you trust, you will have the start of a very good hunting rifle in .30-06. There are a number of imported rifles, such as the Mauser Mark X, that would make fine hunting rifles also.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Both are good cartridges, the 30-06 is a bit more versatile and a bit more powerful particularly with heavier bullets. The 308 will allow you to shoot surplus 7.62 NATO ammo (which is far cheaper and more available that 30-06 surplus) for practice. If your hunting is going to be in the lower 48 it really won't matter. You should base your decision on the characteristics and condition of the rifle (if used) if you had to choose between two rifles; one in 30-06 and the other in 308.

Answer 5

Good grief! There's diddly for difference between the two cartridges. If you're primarily going to use it for game larger than deer, or if you handload, the 30-06 has a miniscule edge. I own more Remington 700's than any other, but have no real loyalty. I find original Mauser safeties a little trouble to work quickly and prefer the two-position type on the Remington or CZ, or the swinging gate type, and I like my Ruger 77 and Winchester 70 rifles just fine, as well. It's completely a matter of personal taste.

Answer 6

The old '06 will generally outperform the .308 in most cases. The .308 is a bit kinder to shoot, recoil wise. The '06 is a longer round, so can be loaded to higher velocities. There are a lot of bullet weights to pick from, but the .308 is not far behind. You can not go wrong with either round, but I would tend to go with the .308. As far as scopes go, a good variable scope is the way to go. There are any number of really decent scopes in the 3 to 9 power range. I would recommend a Burris scope. Good luck

Answer 7

The 30-06 would be the best because .308 are notorious for jamming up and the 30-06 would be alot cheaper too.

Answer 8

I would definitely choose a 06 but that is just a personal preference. Always fire any second handed gun twenty or thirty rounds before purchasing it. and checkout the headspace. If you have no gauge buy shimstock and see how many layers the breech will close on.if more than three or four thousandth this firearm is in a dangerous condition.

Answer 9

they are both great calibers for deer, and larger, but not too large game. I wouldnt go out into Africa with either. If you want a good rifel, adn dont want to spend alot of money, look at the Mossberg 100 ATR. Its a cheap, reliable gun, and i have one in a 243 and have never had a problem with it. If you have a little more money, look at the Remington 700 line.

Answer 10

The calibers are ballistically similar suitable for any North American big game. Used, just get the rifle that suits you better. If you're buying new the '06 has the edge.

Best.

H