Someone talk me out of a 30-06

[Copidosoma]

OK bear with me,

I'm looking for a new rifle (new to me at least). I'm looking for the "one rifle to rule them all". I have a 12 ga currently and that's about it. Owned a .308 win for years and loved the cartridge. Got rid of the rifle as it was too heavy for what I was doing.

So, now I'm looking again and am at the classic ".308 again or just get a 30-06" stage.

The scenario:
Two rifles are identical except chambering. Same barrel length, overall weight, model, twist rate (1 in 10). Only difference is the cartridge (and action length of course).

The hunter (me) is 90% whitetail. Been seeing more black bear in my area so I will likely carry tags for them more often. Moose are just too much meat for me right now so not on the menu. No exotics like sheep, antelope etc.
I do handload and have dies etc for .308.

The cartridges:
I see two primary differences between .308 and 30-06. Case capacity and velocity. Velocity doesn't appear significant as it typically seems to be about 100fps. I suspect you can get more with handloading but how much?
Case capacity seems to be an issue for the heavier bullets. I certainly remember crunching compressed loads with the .308 on occasion. Now, I don't see a 200+ grain bullet as necessary for anything in Alberta/BC so I'm not sure that it is a major selling point to me. A 165 GMX in my .308 did some pretty impressive damage.
.308 has a reputation for higher "inherent" accuracy (precision) due to case design and this principle seems to be based on some truth given the number of stubby cases designed for precision shooting. I know I'm capable of consistent tight groups and dearly love shooting cloverleafs at 100yds. Realistically, I've never shot a deer past 100yds and probably wouldn't pull the trigger past 250. So ballistics at 1000yds is not an issue at all.

Nothing else is on the table right now. I know the .270 is a fantastic cartridge and is fully capable, same with 7mm-08 and about a dozen other rounds. I'm only focusing on .308 / 30-06 though.

So, here's the thing. I want to get a 30-06. I know I'd be completely satisfied with a .308 though.

Is there any really significant reason (given the above info) that I'd be missing out on anything by NOT getting a 30-06 and just going back to the .308?

I know that both will kill things and that whatever is standing in front of them won't be able to tell the difference in all likelihood. What is the deciding factor between the two? Is it really a precision vs heavy bullets thing or what?

Edit: I know this had been discussed sort of ad nauseum and yes, I've googled. I'm sort of just looking for people's justification for making a choice between the two.

[Salavee]

Why would anyone try and talk you out of a 30-06

[timsesink]

The only advantage in the 06 is heavier bullets as the OAL max is far longer, as you said both work well. If you know the 308 and have the gear I would stick with that.

Heavier bullets with new technologies are slowly going the way of the buffalo. As you said bullets like the GMX really have eliminated the need for slinging 200+ gr projectiles.

We all want something new when what we need is staring us right in the face. For your scenarios the 308 is perfect (unless you find a screaming deal on a 06).

[Kurt505]

With so many good cartridges out there, why would you even consider a 30-06 or 308?

[Salavee]

Originally Posted by Kurt505

With so many good cartridges out there, why would you even consider a 30-06 or 308?

Simply to own rifles chambered for two great cartridges that have spawned a multitude of great cartridges . I would get one before they both became obsolete.

[cowmanbob]

Why don't you buy which ever one turns your crank.

[Salavee]

Originally Posted by timsesink

The only advantage in the 06 is heavier bullets as the OAL max is far longer, as you said both work well. If you know the 308 and have the gear I would stick with that.

Heavier bullets with new technologies are slowly going the way of the buffalo. As you said bullets like the GMX really have eliminated the need for slinging 200+ gr projectiles.

We all want something new when what we need is staring us right in the face. For your scenarios the 308 is perfect (unless you find a screaming deal on a 06).

could be a subject for debate at another time , couldn't it ?

[CaberTosser]

I can’t talk a person out of a .30-06, doing so would be considered heresy.

[catnthehat]

Sure, buy a 6.5 Creedmoor - you’re welcome!
Cat

[6.5 shooter]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

Sure, buy a 6.5 Creedmoor - you’re welcome!
Cat

Beat me to it...

Seriously flip a coin...165gr bullets and up, the 30-06 has a bit of an edge but not much, 165 gr. bullets in the .308 don't eat up to much case capacity, anything heavier does.... personally buy a nice 6.5x55, classic been around longer then the 06 and is plenty for any and all North American game.

[Copidosoma]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

Sure, buy a 6.5 Creedmoor - you’re welcome!
Cat

Considered it. Love the ballistics.

Not in the running though. Because reasons.

[3blade]

Usually the question I ask is do you shoot or carry your rifle more? But that’s already answered- you sold the 308 because it’s too heavy...why would you want a ‘06??? Longer action, longer barrel, more recoil, more expense for new reloading stuff - sure doesn’t seem to line up with your goals. Since you’ve discovered mono metals you know they equal or better the heavy for cal lead bullets, at hunting ranges anyway.

Just get a lighter 308 and go hunting.

[obsessed1]

Here's my take.
30-06 great all rounder, does best with 24" or longer barrel. Higher recoil level. Round per round slightly more expensive. The 30-06 has no real world advantage over 308 as a game getter other than more factory loads available. ( but you handload so...)
308 great all rounder, does well with barrels from 16-24". Making it possibly shorter/ lighter. Less recoil. Less cost per round. Completely capable.

Get the one you want and go hunting.

[Andrzej]

I will support 30-06.
Have 3 of those. All shooting same load of IMR4350 under 150gr Barnes TTSX.
One load for all Deer, Elk , Moose, Bear.
My youngest son shot MD Doe at 428 meters with this load.
I've shot large Bull Moose DRT at 100 y or so.
Friend visiting from Poland shot his bull Elk with same rifle and cartridge.

One load for all and if you can find store selling only couple of rounds one will be 30-06.

Andrew

[fordtruckin]

I’m in a similar situation. I have a lot of .308 brass I’ve picked up from qualifications at work. I have more .308 ammo that we were told not to use but is perfectly fine 180gr federal blue box. I absolutely LOVE the 06 but with everything I have I’m leaning towards the 308 mainly from an economic standpoint. My suppressor will work on both rifles so that doesn’t affect my decision. I’ll orobably end up with a .308 as I have everything to reload except the bullets and dies which I can can borrow from my father in law. I say find a rifle you like that fits and is what you really want then see which caliber it comes in. If it’s both your screwed but if it’s only a short or long action it may help make your decision easier.

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by fordtruckin

I’m in a similar situation. I have a lot of .308 brass I’ve picked up from qualifications at work. I have more .308 ammo that we were told not to use but is perfectly fine 180gr federal blue box. I absolutely LOVE the 06 but with everything I have I’m leaning towards the 308 mainly from an economic standpoint. My suppressor will work on both rifles so that doesn’t affect my decision. I’ll orobably end up with a .308 as I have everything to reload except the bullets and dies which I can can borrow from my father in law. I say find a rifle you like that fits and is what you really want then see which caliber it comes in. If it’s both your screwed but if it’s only a short or long action it may help make your decision easier.

Wish we could screw on a can too....

[Nikanit]

I know an old fella that is thinkng hard on retiring from hunting, and he has a gorgeous TIKKA that he wants to sell

[saskbooknut]

I favour 30-06 - but in real terms there is no substantial difference with the right hunting bullet.
Focus on finding the rifle you want to carry for a lot of years, and then buy either chambering.
I think highly of .280 Remington too, but the 30-06 Ruger in my gun safe has killed more game.

[John9750]

If your reloading you will spend a bit more on powder for the 30-06. Both will serve you well. If your looking at a Tikka the actions are the same length only difference is the bolt stop.

[303carbine]

A very wise old dude once told me, "there's nothing wrong with the 06".
The short 20 inch barrel on my 308 shot 165 grain BTSP bullets at 2750 fps, I dropped a big Vancouver Island black bear at 200 yds with this load, it pancaked him on the spot.
As others have said, the 06 will push heavier bullets, 06 or 08 will be very effective for moose or elk.
Buy one because you want one...............

[SylverCANADA]

Just buy both 😀

[oldgutpile]

Both listed cartridges could be called "classics". I have owned and shot both, and yes, they both get the job done.
I feel the 30-06 has more versatility for shooting larger game as it handles heavier bullets more efficiently.
Don't just look at moose hunting as "meat", but as additional hunting opportunities throughout the year as well. Partner up with someone, or just put the word out, and you will have no problem getting someone to take some of the meat.
With the proper load, a 30-06 will efficiently handle any animal in North America.

[Pioneer2]

No

[AndrewM]

Both will kill up to 250 very effectively. If you aren't reloading find a good deal on either and don't look back.

[dogslayer403]

Id go 30-06 just because youve had a 308 already why not try something else other than that the main advantage would be shooting heavier bullets

[AndrewM]

Originally Posted by dogslayer403

Id go 30-06 just because youve had a 308 already why not try something else other than that the main advantage would be shooting heavier bullets

Don't lie. Most of us here would buy them both! haha

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by dogslayer403

Id go 30-06 just because youve had a 308 already why not try something else other than that the main advantage would be shooting heavier bullets

And then step it up to a 338-06.....just because.

[260 Rem]

First, a 10 twist is a lot faster than you need for any hunting bullet you are likely to use. There is some merit going with the slowest twist as it (theoretically) reduces torque roll which translates into better potential accuracy (consistency).
Among same weight rifles, 30-06 recoil is noticibly greater than the 308 ... and... lower recoil translates into better potential accuracy. (It is doubtful that the case length difference between the 06 and the 08 makes any difference related to accuracy).
Typically, the 06 likes a longer barrel (slower burning powder), so you may find a shorter barrelled 08 (marginally) easier to handle.
The 08 employs a short (vs 06 long) action which some find easier/faster to cycle.
Hope that helps with your choice...and remember, If you can't kill it with a 308, it doesn't need to get dead!

[score]

From how you described everything, and to own one all around rifle that's going to be used for whitetail deer hunting most of the time, I'd go with a light weight .308 with a 20" barrel.

[elkdump]

Originally Posted by AndrewM

Both will kill up to 250 very effectively. If you aren't reloading find a good deal on either and don't look back.

Clean kill Up to 250

Really yah think ??? Duh

I've killed many moose and elk out past 400 with '06 , bang flop !

Deer at that distance easy meat,,,

Yes the '06 and .308 do all the same things,

Still the 2 top selling calibers, lots of factory loadings, even in remote locations when unexpected there arises need for spontaneous ammo purchase