Thread: 308 vs 30/06

So I’m thinking of investing in a 30 calibre
I’m leaning towards a 308, but curious if a 30/06 would be any better.
It’s going to be a ‘second rifle’ well third actually.
Probably chop the barrel to 18” and run a suppressor
Your thoughts ?

308 with that barrel length . 22 jnches and linger 30/06 all day. Yes it hits harder. Very capable round and was the Long range king before all the magnums came in the scene.

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Originally Posted by Cartman

308 with that barrel length . 22 jnches and longer 30/06 all day. Yes it hits harder. Very capable round and was the Long range king before all the magnums came in the scene.

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Here's you answer right here, but if your going to shoot heavy for caliber bullets (180Gr and heaver) the 3006 will have a slight edge over the 308 even with a short barrel.

308 would be easier to find factory ammo, reloads would they be the same powder for both?

What are the other 2 rifles ?

Would help to understand what gaps you are trying to fill...

Originally Posted by ebf

What are the other 2 rifles ?

Would help to understand what gaps you are trying to fill...

223 and 243, with a 44/40 just to keep things interesting
To be fair, it’s probably more a want than a need, but hey I can find space in the gun safe

Originally Posted by Frogfeatures

223 and 243, with a 44/40 just to keep things interesting
To be fair, it’s probably more a want than a need, but hey I can find space in the gun safe

If you are reloading, I'd go 30-06

Would give you a nice heavy hitter, compared to the 243. Very versatile caliber that shoots a massive range of projectile weights comfortably.

I'd also leave the barrel long to gain maximum potential.

You've covered:

varmint - 223
general hunting - 243
bush basher : 44/40

so the one side you are missing is longer range hunting rifle with good knockdown power.

With normal barrel lengths and 150 grain bullets there is little difference between the two cartridges out to 350 metres, beyond that the .30/06 is a bit flatter, and can be handloaded to about 3000 fps with 150 grainers. If you are going with the short barrel then stick with the .308. The .30/06 is better with heavier bullets but they are really not needed in NZ unless you are looking at specialised long range work, in which case your shorter barrel would not produce the required velocities anyway. I use .30/06 150 grain factory loads for hunting, and for long range targets in my 26"custom LR rifle I run 168 grain boat-tail match handloads at 2950 fps.

People often overlook how well the longer tapered calibres like the 270,280, 7x 57 and 30-06 cycle through the action compared to stubbier ones.

Originally Posted by erniec

People often overlook how well the longer tapered calibres like the 270,280, 7x 57 and 30-06 cycle through the action compared to stubbier ones.

True but the 308 cycles well enough. The 308’s parent was designed for semi/full auto battlefield applications, reliable feeding was one of the prerequisites

375H&H is supposed to be the gold standard for ultra smooth cycling

let me just say right from the start having extra guns you want but dont need isnt a bad thing . . i could get rid of 2/3rds of my rifles and it would make very little to no difference to my shooting at all . . i just wouldnt enjoy it as much.
my advice . . buy something your going to enjoy over time . . and hopefully i wont see you trying to sell a short barrelled .30/06 in the near future.

good luck . . R

Greetings Frogfeatures,
Looking at the rifles that you already have I wonder if you have considered the intermediate calibres between the .243 and 30 cal. The 30 calibres are great (I have several) but to drive the high BC projectiles at decent velocity. This takes a shit load of powder and produces recoil in equal measure. I have a soft spot for the 6.5 calibre rifles although right at the moment getting projectiles is a major problem. At the end of the day it will be your rifle and your choice. There really no bad choices.
Regards Grandpamac.

When all is said and done...my choice between them would come down to which is the better deal on the day....Do you like the green one or the blue one? They are both very similar in performance so if you are looking at a 308 and a 30/06 which is in better condition , price value for money...? The animal wont know the difference between them. For the most part, to be brutal about it, the two of them are only slightly ahead of a 243... There is not much in NZ that 30cal can take that a 243 cannot....And the 6.5 cals (while a favourite of mine) are right in there too, I meant the 243 is really just a 6mm08 anyway...

perhaps looking to something slightly bigger again such as a 300winmag etc?.

Obviously you have a gap and a desire to fill it with something....I think the bigger decision will be less about calibre and more about the rifle details itself ....Find one you like and don't limit yourself to any particular calibre...and enjoy the shopping

Originally Posted by timattalon

When all is said and done...my choice between them would come down to which is the better deal on the day....Do you like the green one or the blue one? They are both very similar in performance so if you are looking at a 308 and a 30/06 which is in better condition , price value for money...? The animal wont know the difference between them. For the most part, to be brutal about it, the two of them are only slightly ahead of a 243...There is not much in NZ that 30cal can take that a 243 cannot....

perhaps looking to something slightly bigger again such as a 300winmag etc?.

Have a look at the energy numbers you will find there is a world of difference between a 243 and 30/06 . The 243 is a lot closer to the 223 in performance, yes still both capable rounds but shouldn't be compared to the ought six. I can tell you this from real world experience as well as knowing the numbers.

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Originally Posted by Cartman

Have a look at the energy numbers you will find there is a world of difference between a 243 and 30/06 . The 243 is a lot closer to the 223 in performance, yes still both capable rounds but shouldn't be compared to the ought six. I can tell you this from real world experience as well as knowing the numbers.

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@Cartman I agree there is a difference and reasonably significant. But the 243 is capable in most game situations that will arise in NZ. Will a 308 or 30/06 be better? Probably. But will they be a big enough improvement to warrant either? Maybe. The 243 is a good calibre and can do most of what the 30cals mentioned can. It is not until they all get out past 300m that the differences really favour the 30 cal options. And even then POI is pretty similar, but energy carried is better on the 30s...And if this was the reason that would cause him to consider getting a 30cal then the 300 win mag etc would be the next step up over the two mentioned. I was simply suggesting that perhaps if he wants to fill a "gap" then a larger cal again might be worth considering.



If is solely down to the option of 308 or 30/06 and if it was me I would be getting one. Not because I want to do more than I can with a 243, but because I want one full stop. Whether it would be a 308 or a 30/06 would come down to the best deal on the day as those two are close enough in most situations that it will not matter.

Put it another way- Say I have 4 kids (not necessarily mine...) that I have to take to sport once a week. I can get all 4 and their gear in my Nissan Micra that I already own and manage. Its tight and not the ideal solution but its what is at hand. DO I buy a larger car like a Maxima etc just for that task..probably not. But if I need or want a second car do I get a larger one that can do that if it also does what I want...Possibly, or do I go for an SUV (magnum comparison) that is bigger still and can do even more?