308 or 30/06?

[deerslyr]

I have a savage model 99 in 308 and a springfield 30/06 but im not sure which one would be better for bears. I can shoot both of these rifles very well and will be hunting in thick timber where shots range from 50 to 100 yards. Which rifle would you think is best suitable?

[Gutpile]

Take your pick. They're pretty equal balistically. At 50-100 yards there will be no difference. Actually there would be no appreciable differance out to 300.

[Bscman]

.308 sounds good to me. They'd be equally effective at the given distances.

.308 happens to be one of my fav's. 

[bucklucky]

Id go with the 308 at close range, shorter cycle on the bolt beings its a short action. Never know when that extra half second might save your ars on a follow up shot

[deerslyr]

Thanks, the 308's stock is trimmed down so its quite a bit shorter and probably easier to whip up in heavier cover.
What type and grain bullet would you guys recomend?

[bucklucky]

Brush , close range, 180gr.

[jackelope]

shorter cycle on the bolt beings its a short action

savage 99's a lever gun.

i'm a 30.06 guy....

180 grain 30.06 would get the job done nicely, but i don't think you'd go wrong either way.

[bucklucky]

OOPS, My bad Jack. Not up on the savages.

[Intruder]

Pick the one you shoot the best.  They shoot the same bullet.... in a 150-180 grn they'll perform the same in the ranges you're talking about.  Based on the style of hunting you described the short lever gun may be an advantage.  Neither cartridge is going to offer you any advantage over the other at close range though. 

[deerslyr]

Thanks guys, it looks like I will probably go with the 308.
Its quite abit lighter too so that should be an advantage 

[wastickslinger]

I love the model 99's. What series is it? We have quite a few. I killed my first deer with a Model 99 .243E. Dad has always used his model 99 .308 for deer hunting. Never used any other gun. I like the models with the gold trigger and bullet counter on the side right above the trigger.

I'd say the .308. Sunds like you already made up your mind.

[Curly]

Thanks guys, it looks like I will probably go with the 308.  Its quite abit lighter too so that should be an advantage 

Good thinking.  The M99 will be your best bet for that type of cover (timber and brush w/ close shots).

As far as bullet selection..........just about any 180 gr bullet will do the trick but I prefer well constructed bullets.  I'd put Nosler Partition, Swift A-Frame, and Speer Grand Slam on the short list.  You'd probably be fine using Winchester Power Point bullets or Remington Core-lokt too, but for only about $10 or so more for a box, you could get ammo with a little better construted bullet like the first three I mentioned.  Anyway, that is my   ......other opinions will vary.

[edmondshunter]

Id go 30-06 with a 220gr soft round point.  That will take down an ox at less than a 100 yrd.  Let alone a bear.

I am partial to a lever-action, going Iron Sights would top it off

[Red Dawg]

flip a coin. Although I would go with the 06 if it was my choice. They both have killed many different species of game.

[Ray]

I would always pick the .30-06 over a .308 due to the ability to hold more powder and bullet. I think the larger case is an advantage. For 100 yard shots it's no matter on the choice though.

Visual


Left .308
Right .30-06
Center .300 RSAUM