That little velocity increase could be .5 moa or more/less of wind deflection @ 1000. Depending on the shooter's ability to read the wind and notice change, that can be significant. In a game of inches, inches win.
.30-06 v .308 for LR
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That little velocity increase could be .5 moa or more/less of wind deflection @ 1000. Depending on the shooter's ability to read the wind and notice change, that can be significant. In a game of inches, inches win.
Stokesrjsr
Well-Known Member
A few years ago I wrote an article on this very subject. For that article I used a Blaser R8 with both standard profile and standard length 308 and 30-06 to compare the two calibers in as near an identical condition as possible. I used more than a dozen factory loads in each. The conclusion was that for all practical purposes they are the same, accuracy, velocity, and recoil.
I am a US distinguished rifleman and NRA and CMP competitor and have used both calibers in the NRA High Power across the course, mid range, and long range competitions. If limited in barrel length such as service rifle category the 30-06 has a slight advantage at 1000 yards. But if shooting a match rifle, Palma rifle or any rifle the .308 is king.
I've used the 30-06 more in hunting and the 308 more in competitions so that is how I see them fitting in.
palerider3
Well-Known Member
What kind of competition? There's a huge difference between shooting with your ranch buddies and PRS/NRL. If prs is your game then start by ruling out long action rounds and if you want to be competitive then it's either 175s out of a 308 for tactical class or build a 6mm.
Tex_Hunter
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Hmmm... these guys seem to disagree with you.
https://precisionrifleblog.com/2015/04/28/how-much-does-muzzle-velocity-matter/
Bang4theBuck
Well-Known Member
Most guys I know have a 308, and most use one for long range shooting. The 30-06 is popular and very capable, but you just don't see many of them on the long ranges. The recoil is just enough to make it tough to spot your own hits, and to stay consistent behind the gun. While many frown on things that are 'popular', when you look at what competitive shooters are using, it is usually one of the more 'efficient' cartridges (powder charge/velocity). My opinion is that the 308 strikes that balance very well, and the 30-06 lags behind from that perspective. Both are .308 caliber bullets, so you really can't say that the 'bullet selection' better or have better B.C.s the only advantage is the velocity, and the gains in velocity aren't worth the recoil penalty. Just my $.02.
30calyooper
Well-Known Member
Bingo on all counts!
If you like or need to shoot a180 or heavier, say you are looking at hunting bear and elk etc., then the '06 beats the 308, especially when you start stretching the range out. The old rule of thumb - 150 grain bullet or less, 308 wins unless you are dead set on max velocities and don't care about recoil. With the 165's it's usually neck and neck but you might have to face a bit more recoil, though from experience that comes down to your choice of rifle. 180's and above, 308 is plenty accurate but as the range stretches out '06 is a clear winner.
So...bigger critters, '06 makes sense. Deer and the like, 308 is plenty unless you are seriously looking at longer shots (in which case there are better choices than either of these!) Target work - out to 500, 308 is just fine but if 800-1000 is on the menu, I'd take the '06 all day long. Consider this...USMC upgraded sniper rifles from a 308 for a reason!
Ok, I'm good with that. They can disagree all they want. However if they (or you) think that guys don't look for any edge they can find, especially over their competition, then they (or you) are mistaken. That is why shooters are always pushing things and new equipment/bullets/powders/cartridges come about. If you don't think that .5-.75 moa better wind deflection gives you any edge, then there is nothing I can do for ya.
I've shot thousands upon thousands of .308 match ammo throughout my military Sniper career, most at mid (600) to long 1000 (+\-). I know what that cartridge is capable of doing, and not doing. One thing I always wished for (and don't know anyone in my career field who would disagree) was better ballistics, especially when my "competition" has the edge!
rustyshackleford
Well-Known Member
I bet a 30-06 with RL16 or H4350 and a Berger 200-215 would beat the brakes off a 308 unless the 308 is loaded way long on a long action. But if time is a constraint the added recoil may not be worth the advantage in terms of drop and drift
backyardsniper
Well-Known Member
I have a custom 30/06 target rifle that was cut with a reamer made from a dummy round loaded with a 208 AMAX at 3.5 pal which affords you a little extra case capacity and with reloader 22 or Norma MRP in the 60 -62gr range it is unbelievable. Launching the 215 bergers at about 2775fps. I run them through AICS 300 win mag magazines, you just have to adjust the feed lips a little. Don't be afraid to give the old 06 a try.
D
Deleted member 107796
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This thread has had some excellent info all the way around.
One thing I'd like to get more info about, is the physics difference between a short and stubby case vs long action and the way powder burns for each. Much like the way the radiused Weatherby shoulders can affect this physics. It will be interesting if something conclusive can come out of it.
One thing I'd like to get more info about, is the physics difference between a short and stubby case vs long action and the way powder burns for each. Much like the way the radiused Weatherby shoulders can affect this physics. It will be interesting if something conclusive can come out of it.
bigngreen
Well-Known Member
I run a long throated 308 with 215 Berger's at 2660fps on the hot side but small primer Lapua brass is gtg, shoot it out to a mile, has a rainbow trajector but has wind drift off moderately fast 6.5's.
It would be fun to optimize an 06 and do the same. A 200.20x bullet may be awesome in both!
It would be fun to optimize an 06 and do the same. A 200.20x bullet may be awesome in both!
Canhunter35
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I would worry more about what bullet or class of bullets you plan on shooting and required twist rate than particular cartridge choice, and as others have said, unless it's stipulated that you use either cartridge there's other options
