308 or 30/06?

[edmondshunter]

just checked a book I have and the 30-06 has way better #'s at just about all ranges w/180gr bullets.  The .308 has a max velo. range of 165 yrds @ 2000/1599 for elk, the 30-06 has the same #'s at 365 yrds. 

[Tony 270WSM]

I'd say the above numbers are a bit skewed. They both have their good and bad loads and with a good load the 308 has power for elk well beyond 165 yards. Irrelevant anyway.

Bottom line, whatever difference there is, it won't matter at 50-100 yards. I'd take the one you are most comfortable with.

[Head-shot]

Bottom line, whatever difference there is, it won't matter at 50-100 yards. I'd take the one you are most comfortable with.

Well said

[bobcat]

just checked a book I have and the 30-06 has way better #'s at just about all ranges w/180gr bullets.  The .308 has a max velo. range of 165 yrds @ 2000/1599 for elk, the 30-06 has the same #'s at 365 yrds. 

Umm...yeah, sorry but that's total B.S.  I don't care what the numbers say, with the right bullet a 308 is good to at least 300 yards for elk. The maximum range is more dependent on the shooter anyway, not the cartridge itself.  I do know one thing-an elk will not be able to tell the difference between an '06 and a 308 at 300 yards, or actually at any reasonable range. With either one he will be down and out if the shooter puts the bullet in the right spot.

[MountainWalk]

i would much prefer to hunt with an 06. i dont think you could really go wrong with any bullet weight really, with few exceptions. but i do really like 220 grainers. they drive like frieght trains through shoulders and such. may be in some cases, easier to find quality ammo for than the 308. both are excellent.

[jackelope]

we used to use 220 grain 06's back east brush hunting for whitetails....they hit like sledge hammers.

[MountainWalk]

and you better believe that they lay the smack down on elk.

[sisu]

The 06 has been used on more game than any other round in modern history from what I'd been told.

[MIKEXRAY]

Sounds like you made your decision but this is the exact scenario that the 308 was designed for. It is simply a shorter round that works well in a lever action. Give you much faster follow up shots. The hunting you described screams the 308. The 308 is not the caliber the 30-06 is and wasn't intended to compete with it ever, just to fill its own niche. Go with the heavier bullet, round nose for good expansion at short range.

[ebusa]

30.06  DOMINATES!

[cascademountainhunter]

id use 30-06 but either one will work good.

[Curly]

I can't believe that so many people suggest the 30-06 rifle.  He has an 06 in bolt action and the .308 is a lever action.  For me, I'd much prefer the lever action for the type of cover he is talking about........brushy w/ shots from 50 - 100 yards.  The Savage would be much lighter and easier to get on target for a quick shot.

[MichaelJ]

I shot a full sized cow elk in 2005 at 549 yards with a 180 grain trophy bonded bear claw with my 30-06...  Entered right behind the shoulder, broke a rip on entry, went directly through the heart and then broke the offside shoulder and completely passed through....  She went down like a ton of bricks.

Here's a question, why is the 308 the classic sniper round over the 30-06 in Military and Law Enforcement?

Michael

[MountainWalk]

b/c its a nato round, or thats the best i could tell.. i believe the 308 came around b/c they wanted 06 power in a smaller case, less brass, less money.

[MichaelJ]

But the 30-06 is a better cartridge as far as ballistics are concerned right???  I'm just asking cause my dad has this idea in his head that the 308 is superior because it's the standard sniper/long distance round.... lol

Michael