why .308 over .30-06 ???

[Klayton]

OK guys, I LOVE GUNS,. But am in NO WAY an expert. Rather the opposite, more of a dangerous amateur. But what I do know is basic physics. So that leads me to ask "HUH?"

Please allow me to explain. I see ALL the sites and references that state the .308 is superior to the .30-06 for sniper duty. But I do NOT understand why?

They use the EXACT same bullet, although .30-06 you can go heavier than the .308 (.308 tops out at 180gr, and the .30-06 adds two more weights above this: 200gr and 220gr-that I can find).

So, exact same bullet, so next we go to cartridge capacity. The 30-06 has 12gr more capacity for powder. So knowing all these facts, how is it possible that the .308 still outperforms the .30-06? Is it because of the extra kick, that people favor the .308 that the companies put more R&D into the .308 cartridge? Has anybody seriously R&D all the handloads possible?

If each gun has the exact same barrel specs (and quality of course).
Each has the same quality of bullet.
Each has the same guality of powder.
How can .308 be a obvious winner?

Because from where I am standing, I cannot understand why the .30-06 has all but been forgotten??? :confused:

My bolt action I went to a Federal .338 for the extra weight/impact of the larger bullet (and sacrificed overall range). But now I am wondering if I should get a .30-06 too???

[rice paddy daddy]

I'm not an expert either, but I think it has to do with the 308 round being a shorter overall package, rather than having anything to do with ballistics. The ballistics, as you point out, are almost identical. An improved powder was used to achieve these ballistics.

[buttebob]

I think it's a combintion of the 308 being a more recent military round and the fact that it's supposedly a more inherently accurate round. If I were looking to buy a 30 cal battle rifle today I would purchase a 308 becaause of ammo availability. And I would get a bolt action as well to use as a sniper rifle. Maybe a heavy barrel Remington Mod 700. But with 9 30-06's in the safes I don't see the need to change now.

[Patriot Prepper]

The military developed the NATO 7.62 x 52mm as a compact cartridge to use for machine guns and semi-autos. Winchester developed the .308 Win ahead of the military. The .308 is able to match the 30-06 by using modern propellants. (Keep in mind the 7.62 NATO and the .308 Win are almost identical but have slightly different pressures, and the military brass is thicker - both should work in most guns - see SAMMI specs.)

The ballistics are almost identical for cartridges in the 165 to 180 grain ranges. But the .308 has the advantage with semi-autos. If you have a .30-06 and its an accurate, quality gun. Don't jump into replacing it before you do research and evaluate the cost of doing so.

The .308 ,in my humble opinion, also has an slight advantage today because of the guns that are manufactured for it. Most of the high end tactical weapons seem to be chambered in .308 (7.62). It's become the standard in the tactical community. There could also be an advantage with ammo availability for the .308/7.62 caliber.

If you want more power go to the 300 Win Mag - that was the military's solution in the short term. But now they are favoring the .338 Lapua Magnum (and the .50 BMG) - the .338 LM also has similar ballistics with other .338 cartridges. If you want the best or latest tactical weapons choose the .308 Win and the .338 LM (and .50BMG).

KEEP ON PREPPING
Patriot Prepper

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I carry an 06. Why because I started with one and it kills everything I have pointed it at. It aint broken so I dont fix it cause a gunwriter said I wasnt cool anymore. Heck I never was anyway. Would I be undergunned with a 308, not in most cases. Bambi just aint that tough and zombies dont know the difference. Bears, specifically big ones however do.
One of the reasons I hear alot in discussions is the shorter bolt throw. Apparently the shorter bolt throw has saved hundreds of baby seals somewhere in an unamed war where soldiers were not properly trained and didnt know you had to pull the bolt all the way to the rear to eject a catridge and the enemies eyesight can see that extra 1/8 inch of movement at 300 meters and it is to be revered above all. I dunno.
Since alot of folks follow what the military has done and is doing it has a large following. Some of it is legit such as soldiers,cops or other professionals who are used to it so they continue to carry it and some is from the tactical gurus who know best having large scores on call of duty and other war video games. As we all know the 30-06 was a military cartridge but alas the followers are fading fast to be replaced with a new generation.
Some is because of the higher kick about 10psi. Which is hard on the little fellers who shoot twice a yr for bragging rights on their bone crushing, dinasour smashing, rapid firing level 1 bang sticks. Apparently we are not supposed to work out and be stronger or become tougher or more used to recoil we or train properly we are supposed to change the calibers and designs to fit weak individuals who are not capable of performing task. That has been the military trend for a long time. Just look at the PT testing and pictures of Soldiers and Law Enforcement.
Some of it is because as stated here by other the manufactures only make the latest and greatest in 308 some because of the shorter case which is easier in already developed designs and some because guys in gun clubs will spend tremendous and retarded amounts of money on new whizbangs.

After spending an entire weekend at a gunclub, 18hrs, getting some certifications done I can say I heard all the above arguments on rifles and pistols and calibers and watched jam after jam after jam and stuff break and misses and guys who says things like I cant see your tiny holes in the targets, right after you whip them in competition and they try and convince themselve bigger will make it better even if you do miss and cant shoot fast and carry an antiquated designed gun. I have an 5.56 and I have an 06, bth are designed to do what they do. Both run very well. Both are not mythical in their abilities and have flaws.

If you hit the target with either caliber and feel ok with the kill power stay with what you have. I agree with you but how many are just shooting paper and how many really need that extra ommpf and then see which one spends more and gets more press and thats your answer.

[Klayton]

Thanks all for your replies. :)

[Bearman202]

I've got both too, and I plan on using the .06 for hunting and the .308 for other purposes. The .06 is a bolt gun, holds four rounds, and is crazy accurate. The .308 is magazine fed with 20 rd mags, and goes bang when I pull the trigger. I'm not overly impressed by the accuracy, but then again, that's not why I bought it. Also, the .06 surplus was $120 for 190 rds, and the .308 surplus was $500 for 1000 rds. I just saw and ad for 7.62x.39 for $199 for 1250 rounds. Sigh. Oh well....

[Patriot Prepper]

Just a point of reminder for preppers:

If you a part of a group, it is important to keep in mind the need to utilize the same calibers. If everyone in the group is shooting 30-06 you do not want to be using 308 and vice versa.

Also note that the .308 can be shared by both bolt guns and semi-autos. The semi-auto .308 rifles are becoming amazingly accurate and can easily rival many factory bolt action guns. Planning your defense strategy around a commonly shared caliber used by your group that can be fired in both bolt and semi-auto is a great advantage. This is not a point of contention, just a simple fact to keep in mind when choosing a caliber and planning defense.

[Patriot Prepper]

Just a point of reminder for preppers:

If you a part of a group, it is important to keep in mind the need to utilize the same calibers. If everyone in the group is shooting 30-06 you do not want to be using 308 and vice versa.

Also note that the .308 can be shared by both bolt guns and semi-autos. The semi-auto .308 rifles are becoming amazingly accurate and can easily rival many factory bolt action guns. Planning your defense strategy around a commonly shared caliber used by your group that can be fired in both bolt and semi-auto is a great advantage. This is not a point of contention, just a simple fact to keep in mind when choosing a caliber and planning defense.

[1Admin]

I prefer it cause it seems to be more common caliber to me. Also, IIRC .30-06 isn't used in the military anymore. Worse case scenario you could shoot MG .308 in a bolt gun if you needed to.

Honestly know nothing about the differences in ballistics. Learned the "come ups" for .308 SBHP years ago, windage adjustments, etc. Hate to have to try to remember a second one.

Also like PP pointed out- .308 is a more common cal for semi auto's also- M1A, FN, HK91, etc.

[Mikeg175]

I have 2 .308 weapons , one is accurate to about 500 yrds , my other one is accurate to about 1000 , not sure about any further . One is semi-auto 500 yrds , the other is bolt and will hit a plate at 1k yrds . I don't expect to use either for any ranges more then about 400 yrds but it is nice knowing if needed I can . I have 2 Ar's that can hit accurately to about 300-350 , not sure about the knockdown at that range , so would be grabbing my Lr.308 for most applications . I have 2 other .308's Im looking at either a LWRC Repr or a MK14 , I haven't decided yet , probably leaning towards the Repr , I like the left handed blot action , wont be as accurate the Mk , but probably a little more fun :P . I like the .308 because I buy 85$ battle packs from Cheaper then Dirt that have 200 rounds in a sealed plastic ( heavy ) pack and it does pack a punch .