A question about hunting rifles?

A 30-06 would never be called a waste of money, even when you own a 308. The short throw bolt action of the 308 will seem tidy compared to the 30-06. You'll really notice the difference when you first shoot a few round and cycle the bolt. Sub-caliber rounds using the parent case of the 308 (243, 260, 7mm-08) can be faster and flatter than the 308 but not necessarily more accurate. (The current rage in accuracy bullets lies in the 6.5 caliber.) The 308 is also sized up in the 338 and 358. Here's where the lack of powder room shows up and keeps these thumpers way below their magnum companions (in range, flatness, "power" and kick). The 30-06 has also spawned a slew of children based on its case, the 270 best known among them.

In the end, what do you want to do and what would you like from your rifle? My SOCOM 308 M1A has a very dissimilar character from my Kimber LPT bolt 308--even though they shoot the same round. Neither of these feel like my AR-10. I enjoy these for different reasons and take them along with different purposes in mind. I like the low cost of bulk 308 and the quality of match bullets. I would use my 308s for anything north of varmints to deer and small black bear. My 30-06 in a BAR has virtually no recoil but doesn't remind me at all of my older Savage bolt action that lets me know in a rather unkind manner that it choked out a 180 grain projectile. Neither 30-06 feels like a Garand in the same caliber not like my 308s.

If you currently have a Remington 700 in 308, don't get the same rifle in 30-06. Look for a bolt action with different stock geometry, a semi-auto classic like the Garand, a modern semi-auto like the BAR Safari, or a sporter. The differences in character will add to the difference in calibers to give you distinct experiences when you're shooting.

Finally, think about a caliber so different that it would have a completely different use and experience than either the 308 or the 30-06. If you can hunt predators or varmints, think about the 20-somethings like the 22-250, 25-06 or 223. (Whether bolt, semi-, or AR, the 223 is versatile and a varmint buster.) Or look at calibers that would take elk and dangerous game. Starting around the 35 Whelen and moving to the popular 300 Win. Mag. and higher, there are many interesting choices. Ever shot a 45-70 lever action (or 450)? You might really enjoy a powerful brush gun. But no gun purchase that's well considered need be a waste. Each can be as distinctive as your friends, liked for different reasons. You never know what new rifle may expand your expectations and widen your experiences!

If you already have a .308 and are trying to increase your collection to help cover the spectrum of sizes, I would go for the .243. There is so little difference in the .308 and the 30-06, I wouldn' t do it at this point. The 30-06 is a great round, arguably one of the most versatile made, but so is the .308. If you're just getting started with your collection, that .308 will be just fine, go to an area that you don't have covered already. Years down the road when you've got the others covered, there's nothing wrong with getting the 30-06 then cause you can never have too many guns!

Tough question! If you were to ask which one should I buy, the answer would be easy: Buy the 30-06. Even if you reload there's no real advantage. I have no personal knowledge; but many shooters have told me that the 308 and the 30-06 are evenly matched at distance; and the 308 seems to shoot a little flatter.

I don't know? The ballistic coefficients are the same. Nobody has ever, not even once, outshot me with a 308. (Unless the shooter was using a 15# target rifle and 20X + scope!) Ammunition availability isn't a factor, either. Especially when you stop to think that 308 and 7.62 NATO are NOT completely interchangeable.

If it were me I'd, probably, sell the 308. Buy the 30-06 and, definitely, pick up: (1) a 5.56x45mm/223 Remington caliber rifle, as well as (2) a 243 Winchester caliber, and/or (3) a 22-250 Remington caliber long arm.

This way you would be covered over a wide range of centerfire rifle calibers that are ideal for use in many different hunting and shooting situations. (You should always be able to find ammunition for, at least, one of them - Right!)

I do both as well, but prefer bow hunting. In the state where I do most of my deer hunting (ND) you get a longer season for archery. I will admit I am usually more successful while rifle hunting. The last time I was home for the rifle season I shot 4 deer vs usually only 1 or 2 deer a season with my bow. That isn't due to missing or anything just the fact that you have a lot more range with a rifle. That and I pass on a lot of deer with my bow, but with rifle we normally shoot any deer that meats the requirements. I still prefer archery hunting. If you plan on hunting this season you should get started soon. If you choose archery then you need to practice a lot and your running out of time before the season starts.

I have always been a fan of the .30-06. Last fall I purchased a Rem 700 in .308 for my son. He took two deer with it, one at 290 yds and the other at 300 yds. Both were one shot kills. If you get up into the moose/grizzly bear category, a .30-06 might have some advantage. Other wise, the .308 appears to be quite sufficient power wise and accuracy wise. The .308 takes a little less powder when you reload it, so it is more economical. With the shorter action, a .308 will weigh .25 to .5 lbs less than a .30-06.

If you have a .308 there is no reason to get a 30-06, unless you want to shoot very heavy bullets. (220 grain.) The 30-06 is only slightly flatter shooting than .308, not enough to make a big difference.

I prefer 30-06, I can interchange ammo with my favorite military surplus rifles. But .308 is available at -much- cheaper prices than 30-06 in this day and age. (If you buy surplus 7.62x51 NATO or steel cased .308.) Yes, you can shoot 7.62x51 out of a .308. (Not the other way around!)

I'd go buy that .243. If you buy the 30-06, you'll just get a duplicate of the .308.

the 06 was supreme and I had one. when the 308 came out I was looking for a new rifle.The similar slightly less 308 with it's shorter bolt throw,was my choice and never regretted. I matched it with a 243 and reload both.So your thoughts are what i did and have. I intended to get a 338 to complete the set,never did. A 300 H&H completes my set.

You can never go wrong with a 30-06

It's just my opinion but you should have just bought the '06 in the first place... it'll do anything the .308 will do except work in a short action. Seems to me the extra length of the bolt stroke and the few ounces the longer action adds to the weight of the action aren't enough of a drawback to matter all that much.

there's not much difference.The performance between the two is small.The 06 shows a flatter trajectory at greater distances.Unless your not competing stick with your 30 and save money for the .243