quote:

Originally posted by pre6470:
I am going to get a Rem 7600 in the near future for a still-hunt rifle. I want a carbine-length for close quarters. From the factory, the only carbine offering is 30-06 in a 18.5" barrel. I really want a 308. However, to get it I would need to buy the standard 22" rifle and have it cut. Here's my question: With the 308 Win being a slightly more efficient round than the 30-06, would I get more velocity with a 308 win or 30-06 in a 18.5" barrel? (Let's assume I am using Remington factory loadings of 150 grain Core-Lokt PSPCL in each cartridge.) Obviously the 30-06 will beat the 308 in longer barrel lengths, but will the muzzle velocity of the 30-06 in this short barrel be reduced sufficiently to render it nearly equal to that of the 308 anyway? My hunch is that the two cartridges will produce nearly the same velocity or they'll be close enough that the difference will be negligible. If that's the case, I'm going to get a standard 22" 308 and then have the barrel cut. That way I'll burn less powder, have less powder ejecta and recoil, plus have less muzzle blast and noise; all of which allow a faster follow-up if needed. Please weigh in.