I am looking into buying a new rifle. I got it down to these two because my dad shoots a 30-30 that uses the .308 bullet. Most of my time is spent at the target range, but I also want to be able to take this gun hunting when I get the chance. I've heard that the 30-06 is easier to reload, which is important because we reload all our ammo. Anyone have any opinions? Pros, cons? thanks in advance! -Greg

There really is no difference in reloading either cart. In fact, the .308 is a staple on most target ranges.Lots of good loads around & most .308s shoot well w/ very little tinkering. For informal target work & deer hunting, I don't see how you can go wrong w/ any of the current factory offerings in either.
Even though I don't own a hunting rifle in either caliber, if I were looking for a rig to hunt all kinds of game all over the world, you can't go wrong w/ the .30-06. It will handle heavier bullets a bit better than a .308 and ammo will always be available.

[ 01-13-2003, 07:10: Message edited by: fredj338 ]

The only difference is velocity & recoil.The 30/06 having the bigger gas tank, will shoot the same bullet faster but with a greater recoil.If you are recoil sensitive go with the 308.
There is not a difference in reloading difficulty.-Jeff

That your dad reloads a .30-30 should have little to do with your cartridge selection. The reason is that the velocities of the .308 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield are MUCH higher than those of the .30-30. Additionally, the .30-30 has to use flat nose, or at best, round nose bullets because 99.9% of the rifles so chambered use tubular magazines. Using a 170 grain, flat nose bullet on a .308 or .30-06 almost defeats their purpose. If you're dead set to get a .30 caliber, either one will do you fine, but do yourself a favor and reload spitzer bullets. Otherwise, you might as well use a .30-30 lever action.

I have a .30-06 and a .300 Winchester Magnum. My first rifle was the .30-06. If I could do it over again, I would have bought a .270 Winchester.

FWIW
I think the 308 would fit your needs a little better. There is no difference as far as reloading ease is concerned, they're both easy. Since you are planning to spend most of your time at the range the 308 is the better choice IMO. You can buy surplus ammo super cheap and match grade ammo is available over the counter.

70cudasrule,
First of all, pay no attention to the factory ballistic sheets. The .30-06 is not loaded to the same pressure levels as the .308W. When both are loaded to the same pressures, with a 150 grain Nosler Partition bullet, I get 3027 fps from my '06 and 2840 fps with my .308. The comment about bullet selection made by ksduckhunter is a very valid point and I think should be considered. If your going to hunt just deer with the rifle, flip a coin and see what comes up. Both cartridges will do the job for you. If there is a hope of some day going after elk, the '06 would be the way I'd suggest. I hope that this is of some help. Good luck.

I will take the 30-06 heavy bullets at more velocity and very popular

70cudasrule

If I was you I wouldn't limit myself to 30 caliber,alot would depend on where & what you want to hunt or what sort of shooting you do at the range(just for fun or competition).

I particularly like the 7mm caliber & am currently buying a 7mm-08 to Target shoot(competition) & to hunt medium size game.

You have a lot of good choices so check out what other people are using & ask a lot of questions & you may find another cartridge suits your needs better.

Most cartridges are easy to reload for but I'de take a close look at the following.

260rem,7mm-08rem & 308win,all based on the 308 case.

25-06,270win,280rem & 30-06,all based on the 30-06 case.

If I was doing a lot of target shooting i'de consider the longer 30-06 based cartridges to have too much recoil,especially if a lot of my shooting was done from a bench.

Hope i'be been of some help,good luck

Tumbo

I shoot a 30/06 so that is what I will suggest. It suits me fine, and is a fine killer.

My personal preference is the 308 Win. But you can't say anything about the 06 as it is a proven caliber also. I just like the 308 better.

In handloads, the .30-06 has more 'horsepower' with any bullet weight than the .308.

George

For Iowa deer I'd reccomend the 308... it's a milder recoiling round than the 06, generally delivers fantastic accuracy and is fun to shoot. As has been said, the 30-06 will handle heavier bullets better (speed). If you're planning on coming west to elk hunt that'd be a consideration, though I've elk hunted with a 308 and never felt undergunned!

BA

70 - I think everyone has given you the facts here. From your question, the key seems to be your comment that you will spend "MOST" of your time at the range.

How "most" are you talking? 52% of 95%? If you are talking 75% or more, I would get a .308 just to save myself the extra recoil.

In the field, the .308 will take care of you as well with proper bullets and shot placement. It's just that the /06 will do it better.

Both are excellent cartridges, VERY easy to get along with and reload. And both are usually VERY accurate. The real issue is recoil VS a bit more horsepower.

By the way, I have shot some flat nose 30/30 bullets from both /06 & .308. Granted they aren't the best bullet for long range shooting. But these bullets at NORMAL hunting distance of 200 yd or less and you have a wicked combination. At the increased velocities the /06 will give them the bullets are very explosive. I don't recommend them for game animals, but for varmits they are an evil combination. But best varmit bullet for both cartridges IMHO is 125 gr. spire point. Screaming velocities and a bomb when it hits. Have fun.

I guess now I'm leaning towards the 308. I would probably have to say that about 75% of my shooting is target shooting, mainly because its illegal to use a high power for deer in Iowa. I'm not even sure if you can use it for anything really... Its only when we go to my grandparents that it would be used for hunting.

The .308 bullet is kind of a consideration for me because we do use spire point on occasion. Generally we shoot the 30-30 either single shot or with only one or two shells in the tubular mag.

While I'm at it, does anyone have suggestions for a used rifle for under $300 used?

[ 01-14-2003, 07:47: Message edited by: 70cudasrule ]

Six of one, a half dozen of the other. really, there is no practical differance. Get the one you can get the best deal on and practice a lot. - Dan

On game, they're peas in a pod until you get to bullets over 180 grains, then the 06 has a slight edge. On the other hand, you can get surplus 308 ammo for the cost of reloaded ammo or a bit less. After testing Greek, British, Malay, German and Spanish surplus ammo, I got a 1,000-rd. case of Spanish 308 for anbout $200. I'm getting great results.

Hope this helps, Okie John.

I was in your predicament a few years ago. The facts are (they have probably been mentioned here already) that they are very similar, in ballistics (180 and under), and also very similar in brass quality and availability. A bolt action rifle will be 1/2" shorter in 308. The "advantage that the 30-06 has with its use of the 200 and 220 grain bullets could be a moot one. I shoot 180 grain partitions in my 30-06, I would shoot the same bullet at a moose with no reservations and 50 years ago, this would be considered a dynamite kodiak brown bear load (no kidding, the experts recomended 180 core locts!) There is no need for a 220 grain bullet unless you will be hunting the largest game and do not want to buy a larger caliber rifle. either will do a superb job, the 308 will use slightly less powder, the 30-06 will have slightly more velocity.
Ian

I find the shorter .308 case easier to handle when reloading. Shorter action is also nice.

But everyone's mileage varies

If you are looking for a used rifle, The 30-06 would prolly be easier to find. 30-06 and .270's are in great selection at most pawn shops. The local wal-mart has a brand new Savage or Remington 700 ADL in .270 or 30-06 for $303.00 can't beat that in my opinion, or find a good deal on a used 700 ADL one that was made before the late eighties, my older 700 ADL is way nicer than the new ones. if you go used bear in mind the prices stated above for new. Some people seem to be a bit proud of there guns and can ask for more than what the gun would cost new.

I have both and it doesn't make much difference. I have one 308 that will punish you when you shoot it, and my 30-06 Highwall is a pussycat. They load about the same as well. Find a gun that fits you and buy either.