.308 vs .30-06

[rdsii64]

When debating the use of the .30-06 vs the .308 the '06 really earns its keep when you start using 200 and 210 grain bullets. With that being said, When using lighter 175 grain bullets how much more lethal reach does an '06 have?

 

[Michael Eichele]

When debating the use of the .30-06 vs the .308 the '06 really earns its keep when you start using 200 and 210 grain bullets. With that being said, When using lighter 175 grain bullets how much more lethal reach does an '06 have?

Accuracy potential and other factors being equal and only taking into account the velocity differences. About 50 yards. This is based on minimum velocity expansion requirements.

Others may disagree, my opinion is about 50 yards.

 

[pretex]

norma's reloading manual says for 308


150 gr bullet max load is 2850 ftp

165 gr bullet max load is 2710 ftp

180 gr bullet max load is 2625 ftp

For a 30-06

150 gr bullet max load is 3120 ftp

165 gr bullet max load is 2930 ftp

180 gr bullet max load is 2812 ftp


I would say there is a differnce.

but for lethal reach with those numbers 100 - 150 yds more Is my guess.

 

[Michael Eichele]

Those are very conservative numbers in the norma manual for the 308. The nosler and other manuals list the 150's in a 308 at 2950-3000 FPS.

As a general rule of thumb, the real world differences between the 308 and 3006 up to 180's is about 100 FPS.

The link below has data more in tune with the 2.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

 

[Jinx-)]

Let me look at my manual … here we go the 150 grain Barnes XLC BT loaded with 48 grains of AA 2520 will have 3106 fps muzzle, the 165 grain XLC 2956 fps and 180 grain 2786 fps

That's all folks

 

[ejones338]

Those are very conservative numbers in the norma manual for the 308. The nosler and other manuals list the 150's in a 308 at 2950-3000 FPS.

As a general rule of thumb, the real world differences between the 308 and 3006 up to 180's is about 100 FPS.

The link below has data more in tune with the 2.

Cartridge Loads - Hodgdon Reloading Data Center - data.hodgdon.com

Noslers fifth shows about 100 fps as well. It has been awhile, but I use to own two .308 rifles, and my "old school uncle" would argue the superiority of the 30-06 until I plopped down a pile of data between the two, you can't argue with the black and white data.

 

[ejones338]

To the other half of the original post however, yes the 30-06 does pull at the 200-210 grain mark, but it doesn't pull off that weight very well. No better than my .338 fed., and I consider it a 400 yard rifle. And the .338 fed. is based off of the .308 case.

My guess is that if you were to collect data from the guys that load alot for the .308, for distance, the data would be even closer to the 30-06.

 

[Jinx-)]

Looks like Barnes stop making it, but they list 250 grain Original loaded in .308 with 38 grain of RL 15, which will be propelled out of the barrel with 2140 fps and if you use H380 then 2205 fps, then 30-06 will do same bullet at 2237 fps as you can see not much of the difference. Then with 250 grain bullet I see an argument can .308 be successfully used in brown bear territory… I guess you can but .338 can do it better. Just remember to shoot heavy bullets out of .308 or 30-06 fast rate of twist is required to stabilize such bullet. So my white tail riffle in .308 with 1:12 twist will not be a wise choice for heavy bullets. When it comes to 338 then 338-06 will perform better then .338 fed

 

[pretex]

so you guys are saying, if you got a 308 there no point in getting a 30-06 because their performance almost the same?

Thats like saying if you got a 30-06 theres no point getting a 300 wm?

laying down for the slaughtering

 

[justgoto]

so you guys are saying, if you got a 308 there no point in getting a 30-06 because their performance almost the same?

Thats like saying if you got a 30-06 theres no point getting a 300 wm?

laying down for the slaughtering

That is why I am staying with my 30-30!

 

[Jinx-)]

No all I'm saying if you got 300WM you'll be better of with 300 RUM or 300 Wetherby Mag, but 30-378 Wetherby Mag is better choice but I'll stick with my .308

 

[silvertip-co]

I use old 220 gr Silvertips in our 30-06's, mainly not for reach but because they flatten anything. Most here dont know that 220 gr roundnose bullets are the most accurate made due to their length( but your not gonna shoot elk at 980 yrds with them I guess). I gave up on the 308 long ago to go to the 30-06 and heavy bullets.

 

[Gimpy]

Either is awesome.. in a sound rifle both are offered in lapua brass.. basically evens the playing field.. however both have poor results downrange with the highest BC(heavier bullets) offings in .308.

 

[Michael Eichele]

so you guys are saying, if you got a 308 there no point in getting a 30-06 because their performance almost the same?

Thats like saying if you got a 30-06 theres no point getting a 300 wm?

laying down for the slaughtering

My intent isnt to slaughter you! Just offering my .02

The above quote isnt quite fair. You see to gain that average of 100 FPS by switching from the 308 to 3006 you have to jump up to a long action which is heavier, less ridged and makes an overall longer rifle. The gain doesnt justify the sacrifices. If however you want to make the sacrifices and jump to a long action then at least get some bang for your buck and do it right. This is where you would want to step it up to the 300 win mag or at least a 7mm Rem mag. To me, these calibers are worth the sacrifices of a long action.

For the record, one of my loads is a 200 SGK at 2500 FPS. This load offers over 1000 pounds of energy and adequete remaining velocity to reliably open at 750 yards in standard air density. IMHO, this is a very muscular 308 load.