Hi Gang

Looking for the finer differences here. I've got a .308 and a bloke has offered to sway my Steyr CISM for a Weatherby MkV in 30-06.

I think that the .308 is a better cartridge and performs better, balistically. What do you lot think? Have you loaded your own to get performance that is better than a .308? What bullets are best?

Does anybody actually own a MK V? Rumour has it that it's superb but does anyone actually own one? If you do, what do you think?

Anwsers on the back of a 20 buck note to the usuall address please!

D

the 30 06 round in my opinion is the finest single round ever invented.

for me thats saaying alot because im a enfield freak.

I've shot a Weatherby Mark V owned by a friend and they are very well built. Accurate, good fit and finish. With good handloads and a rifle in good condition, I'd expect something like .75 MOA accuracy.

30.06 will get you about 150-200 fps more than your 308 depending on the weight of the bullet of course. A little flatter, a little harder hitting but not inherently more accurate. US military used the 308 as a sniper caliber for years. More recently they use 300 Winmag but some 308's are still in service.

30-06 is a more versitile round then the .308 in that it shoots every thing that the .308 shoots (just a little faster) and then goes up to 220 grain bullets. Does have more recoil then the .308, but not much. My .30-06 is a Browning A-Bolt.

The only advantage the 308 has is in the weight of the gun chambered for it, ballistically not much difference. The 30-06 is also a sniper round. When it comes to which to use at 600 meters, the 30-06 gets the nod.

If I could afford the Weatherby MKV, I'd have one. But, again if I had the money, I'd probably get the M1 Garand in 30-06. I have a feeling the future will debate the 308 vs 30-06 for years to come & I believe both will be around for many years to come along with other 30s. The 30 is an all-around cartridge face it.
Keep it coming...

Bushy said it best. The 30-06 is a more versatile round because it can shoot the heavier bullets. Otherwise, there is not a huge difference between the two. IMHO, there is no factual basis that the .308 is more accurate.

Essentially, the .308 was developed for the semi-auto rifle and probably shines best used in that type of action. It is used by the military simply because it is lighter than the 06 case for case.

I suggest your decision should concentrate on which rifle you like best, not the caliber.

Good point. Rifle first...

Anyway, looks like the CISM is going to a good home on Friday so I'll have a new rifle by the end of next week. Probably going to be a HOWA. the only thing that stops me from changing from .308 is that I've got the brass, the dies, the bullets...

Still. Got a 6.5 x 55 swede so I shall get something else. Maybe .308, I'll let you all know.

Keep well

David

Just a thought, if you didn't go for a .308 or a 30-06, would you consider a 270 WSM? Anybody got one?

Daveyboy

I think, because of present conditions of Winchester and the falling out of favor of the various short magnums, that I would stay away from the .270 WSM...Now the standard .270 is another story...

Assuming you are hunting deer size game, I would consider the 270 Win, 7mm Magnum or the 300 WinMag along with the 30.06. Flatter trajectories are good insurance on long shots and all of these calibers shoot flatter than the 30.06 while covering essentially the same weight range of bullet options.

I have a 270Win for deer and a 338 RUM for Elk. I also have several 30.06 in military rifles and an 8MM mauser that I sporterized a few years back. I've looked at the WSM's and the only one that I saw a good justification for was the 243WSM in an AR15. Putting something bigger than 223 in an AR15 is a unique feature of the 243WSM but every other WSM can be equalled or beaten by the standard sized predecessor.

I have both and prefer the good ol "06" for what ever comes up, I have a Winchester built M1 Garand, and an M1A super match rifle. They both shoot very very well, And are equal with the 150gr bullets with the 06 getting just alittle more velocity, but the deer cant tell the difference of 1 or 200 fps.

You know Daveyboy, I think you are ready for a custom rifle. Pick your favorite caliber and go for it. It'll be expensive, but, in the end you'll love it...accuracy beyond belief.
Keep it coming...