308 or 30-06 long range?

Andy92

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looking for opinions on a new rifle build i was thinking 308 or 30-06 i have currently a 6.5 creedmoor and a .270 but just wanted a 30 caliber gun for availability for bullets And have a bit more knock down power when hunting elk and moose at further distances, i never shot a 308 but heard it dont have alot of kick which i like and would probably be more accurate with, just been researching the ft/lbs of energy of the 308 and seems a little weak out past 400/500 yards.
 
30-06 is the way to go, but unless you handload it's weak past 400yd too.

If you are buying factory ammo, 308 is loaded to higher pressure than 30-06, so performance is about the same.

If you can handload, 30-06 offers a distinct advantage in powder capacity. The heavier the bullet, the more performance can be leveraged by the ol' '06.

If shooting factory ammo, you might be best served by a 300wsm at 500yd.

Edited to add;
Since you already have a .270 Win, run the numbers on a 140gr Berger classic hunter 3050fps, you might be surprised!
 
I love the .308win but my last build was a 30-06 Ackley Improved. 9 twist barrel- I will be running 181gr Hammer Hunters.

I am not a good shooter but I've rung steel at 1k with a .308win and felt very proud to do it given my limited distance experience ...I wouldn't feel comfortable on game that far for either chambering but I'd have more confidence in the 06 as ranges get farther, if I had more confidence in my own abilities to take shots that far on game that is. Maybe some day!
 
Ye
30-06 is the way to go, but unless you handload it's weak past 400yd too.

If you are buying factory ammo, 308 is loaded to higher pressure than 30-06, so performance is about the same.

If you can handload, 30-06 offers a distinct advantage in powder capacity. The heavier the bullet, the more performance can be leveraged by the ol' '06.

If shooting factory ammo, you might be best served by a 300wsm at 500yd.

Edited to add;
Since you already have a .270 Win, run the numbers on a 140gr Berger classic hunter 3050fps, you might be surprised!
yes i do handload!
 
Hunting and target shooting requires different parameters and both the 308 and 30/06 have set many 1000 yard records, But for hunting the 30/06 has an edge over the 308 in energy at distance.

You can load the 30/06 down to 308 velocities but you cant load the 308 to 30/06 velocities without
exceeding SAMMI pressures. If recoil is an issue, you can install a muzzle brake and reduce recoil by more than 50%. If you don't want to hunt with a brake, Install a muzzle protector when hunting, and the brake for range use.

The 30/06 can push a 165 grain bullet @ 3000 ft/sec, The 30/06 AI mentioned can exceed 3100 ft/sec. Ether one can be reduced to much less than a normal 308.

Range limits would be limited by the energy and the shooter ability. 5 or 600 yards is a good distance for anyone to shoot an Elk. Trajectory and energy would still be very good at these distances.

J E CUSTOM
 
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Hunting and target shooting requires different parameters and both the 308 and 30/06 have set many 1000 yard records, But for hunting the 30/06 has an edge over the 308 in energy at distance.

You can load the 30/06 down ti 308 velocities but you cant load the 308 to 30/06 velocities without
exceeding SAMMI pressures. If recoil is an issue, you can install a muzzle brake and reduce recoil by more than 50%. If you don't want to hunt with a brake, Install a muzzle protector when hunting, and the brake for range use.

The 30/06 can push a 165 grain bullet @ 3000 ft/sec, The 30/06 AI mentioned can exceed 3100 ft/sec. Ether one can be reduced to much less than a normal 308.

Range limits would be limited by the energy and the shooter ability. 5 or 600 yards is a good distance for anyone to shoot an Elk. Trajectory and energy would still be very good at these distances.

J E CUSTOM
Yeah ive used muzzle breaks before but they are just so loud, i think i heard of guys putting a tube of mercury in the end of there stock before to reduce recoil? I could be wrong?
 
30-06, IMO if you will be shooting 150 gr to < 180 gr bullets. If you want to shoot 180 or heavier, I would recommend 300 WSM, Win Mag, or similar. Personally, I think the WSM exhibits less recoil. If you are recoil sensitive, every lb-ft matters.

My 06 is a doll with 150 gr bullets and a mean @$$ with 180 gr.

As in all things shooting, perfect practice can get you past recoil sensitivity if you dont have physical impairment that magnifies the kick.
 
I don't see a significant difference in long range performance capabilities between the 270 and 30-06. The 30-06 does have the advantage of offering heavier bullet options which would tilt the scale in it's favor when hunting moose. However, would be inclined to look at 338 caliber options with the 338-06 being high on that list.
 
Yeah ive used muzzle breaks before but they are just so loud, i think i heard of guys putting a tube of mercury in the end of there stock before to reduce recoil? I could be wrong?


The mercury devices are dampener's and do little for recoil. (They also add 1+pounds to the rifle).
They will reduce actual recoil around 2% depending on rifle weight. They do reduce recoil velocity (How fast the rifle impacts your shoulder) and your perceived recoil.

Here are test results of actual recoil devices and the efficiency % for each type.


Many people don't like brakes but they are a good way to prevent getting the crap kicked out of you. and with proper hearing protection (Recommended for ALL shooting) they enable you to shoot much larger cartridges than you would ever consider.

It was just a recommendation because you made mention of recoil sensitivity. :)

J E CUSTOM
 
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looking for opinions on a new rifle build i was thinking 308 or 30-06 i have currently a 6.5 creedmoor and a .270 but just wanted a 30 caliber gun for availability for bullets And have a bit more knock down power when hunting elk and moose at further distances, i never shot a 308 but heard it dont have alot of kick which i like and would probably be more accurate with, just been researching the ft/lbs of energy of the 308 and seems a little weak out past 400/500 yards.
3006 stay with that better with heavy bullets
 
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