308 vs 30 06

phill21 · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 2:18 pm Post subject: 308 vs 30 06

I am looking at buying another rifle for target and hunting (more hunting than target).
I want to be able to shoot Buffalo, Camels, Sambar without being under gunned i know bullet placement and the right bullet have a big part to play but i will start with the rifle first and take it from there.

I have been looking at a Kimber Montana 8400 with a VX3 3.5 10x50 Leupold scope or the new Nosler M48 Sporter with same type of scope.

I know that they are not cheap but i have been saving my pennies for awhile and want something that will last a looooong time

Thoughts, Rebuffs, Ideas ???

cheers phil

Bushmaster · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 3:07 pm Post subject: Re: 308 vs 30 06

Phill's trying to start a calibre war.

I vote for .30-06. More bullet and powder combinations to play with and the bullets can be as heavy as 220 grains...Both .308 and .30-06 are about the same as far as accuracy is concerned depending who's shoulder they are mounted on... .30-06 probably has longer range then the .308. Depending on what your ranges will be, both would serve you well. Wait for Vince and Glendangan. They both are down there and I believe they both have one or both of these calibres...

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 3:12 pm Post subject: Re: 308 vs 30 06

I prefer the .308 Very Happy

but if your shooting the heavier bullets 180-200 grainers the 06 is probably the way to go.
Joe

Joe Boleo · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 4:15 pm Post subject: Re: 308 vs 30 06

Another vote for the .30-06 especially when using heavier grain bullets above 150 grains. Take care...
Joe

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

30-06 for bolt action guns for 110-220gr.

308 for semi-automatics at 150gr's.

Dimitri

twofifty · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 6:27 pm Post subject: Re: 308 vs 30 06

Why couldn't a 308 Win fire a 200 or 220 grain .308 bullet like the .30-06 can?

IIRC, in the 70s, 308Win was factory loaded in something heavier than 180gr.

phill21 · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 6:30 pm Post subject: Re: 308 vs 30 06

Unfortunatly we are not allowed semi auto's in Western Australia.
Western Australia has the toughest gun laws of all the States, very hard to get a firearm here and its only going to get harder

phil

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

twofifty,

150grs is for military semi-automatics designed for 7.62x51mm NATO Ball.

Dimitri

ElyBoy · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 7:19 pm Post subject: Re: 308 vs 30 06

Welcome to HuntingNut Phill.

Bushy said it all for me, however, a guy can't go wrong with either a .308 or 30-06.

For camels here in Minnesota, I prefer my .300WinMag though. wtf

Eric

twofifty · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 7:50 pm Post subject: Re: 308 vs 30 06

Dimitri wrote:

twofifty,
150grs is for military semi-automatics designed for 7.62x51mm NATO Ball.
Dimitri

Sure enough. I am personally familiar with the FN C1A1 rifle. So those Defence Arsenals FMJ rounds weighed 150gr then?

Just checked Lyman's 48th Ed. and they do list several loads for Sierra HPBT in 190gr and 200gr (for .308Win and .30-06); there is a listing for a 220gr Hornady RN, but only for .30-06.

You guys have any idea why that same Hornady 220gr RN would not fit a long-throated .308 Win chamber ? Maybe too long for most .308Win magazines?

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

Yes they were approx 145-150gr cant remember exactly right now but about there with very similar in ballistics to meet NATO spec's.

Dimitri

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 8:29 pm Post subject: Re: 308 vs 30 06

More case capacity in the .30-06 handles heavier bullets better than the .308. Gotta remember that the .30-06 (really the first version, the .30-03) was designed for a 220 grain bullet. The .308 was designed to duplicate the performance of the .30-06 using the 150 grain bullets.

For the heavier game you mentioned I'd go with a .30-06 and 180+ grain bullets.

Vince · Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 5:00 am Post subject: Re: 308 vs 30 06

Dimitri wrote:

Yes they were approx 145-150gr cant remember exactly right now but about there with very similar in ballistics to meet NATO spec's.

Dimitri

The 7.62mm NATO carries a 144 grain FMJ projectile. Odd weight, but that's what it is.

Bushiester of the Black Shoe Brigade wrote:

Wait for Vince and Glendangan. They both are down there and I believe they both have one or both of these calibres...

Unfortunately I have neither of these calibres, but I have fired many MANY thousands of rounds of both. I have always had a soft spot for the .308 Win, but I think that for the purpose you have in mind Phill, I personally would opt for the 30 ought 6. I believe it to be the more versatile calibre.

Even though the .308 is capable of handling the heavier bullets, I think you will find that the 30 ought 6 will do so a little easier and with less wear and tear on the rifle.

C'mon Gelan....your turn mate. While I think of it Phill....Gelan has a great, very quiet and humane load for the 300 Whisper...its guaranteed not to draw blood on your target critter...its also pretty cheap to run too...HUGE savings on powder and the bullet is probably re-useable...and a coupla weeks between shots.

Cheers, Vince

OntheLasGallinas · Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 5:56 am Post subject: Re: 308 vs 30 06

I'd go with the 30-06. You have a lot more options.

EB, as far as the Minnesota camels go, you should go with the heavy loads in a 50 caliber. I hear that they are really tough, cranky critters up there! We wouldn't want you to get stomped by a wounded camel. Razz

Cary

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

Vince wrote:

The 7.62mm NATO carries a 144 grain FMJ projectile. Odd weight, but that's what it is.

Yes Australian F4 Ball uses 144gr but the US uses 150.5gr for their M59 and 146gr for their M80 Ball. Portugal & Lithuania used 146 gr. South Africa, Britain and Germans used 147 gr. etc

I found a web page that claims 9.5 grams for the Canadian C21 Ball or 146.6 gr.

NATO sepc's were performance (Ballistics and pressure curves to cycle semi-automatics rifles and machine guns) based not all that specific on bullet weights and powder combination's etc.

Dimitri