The '06 is a relatively moderately loaded cartridge with a SAAMI Max pressure of 50K CUP
The 308/7.62NATO operates at 52K CUP.
That narrows the performance gap quite a bit.
As for the '06 being the sniper round back in the day, that probably had more to do with available rifles and loadings, more than cartridge capabilities.
To say the 30'06 is so much more than the .308 is a misnomer extrodinaire.
There ain't but a hill of beans difference between the two. Not that any average hunter/shooter would ever be able to extract any difference, nor as any game animal would ever know the difference either.
As to a couple inches extra barrel length, you'll get maybe 50-75 fps more from either cartridge from 2" more pipe. And that there is a true pittance especially if you'll see a resultant drop in velocity of at least that much in a 30 degree celcius change in ambiant temperature anyways( even with supposed temp sensitive powders), and you'll probably see half that difference consumed in variations in velocity even in similar conditions.
But if it makes you feel better and subsequently sleep sounder at night.... Rock on!
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There are no absolutes
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