.308 vs 30-06 in 150-168 grain bullets?

[CoStick]

Hi, getting ready to order my first “semi-custom “ rifle. Pretty much set on 150 / 168 ttsx bullets, is there much to be gained with the 30-06 if not using the 180 plus heavier bullets or is that the sweet spot efficiency wise for the .308? Thank you

 

[hunting1]

100-150 fps is all you will gain. Sure I know you can hot rod but I am taking average and accurate loads from my rifles. I am averaging 2825 in my 22" 308 with Varget and 168 NBT and was averaging 2940 with 4350 and 168 NBT. I like the short action and lighter weight. Both are good and I have not seen any in the field difference on game between the two.

 

[Newtosavage]

Ditto. 100 fps. is all you can expect to gain. Oh, and another 5 ft. lbs. of recoil and a longer, heavier action.

I've owned three '06's now and sold them all. All three were great shooters. But I just couldn't really justify the difference between them and a .308 for the ranges I hunt at. The .308 is as popular as it is for a reason.

 

[Laramie]

Ditto. 100 fps. is all you can expect to gain. Oh, and another 5 ft. lbs. of recoil and a longer, heavier action.

I've owned three '06's now and sold them all. All three were great shooters. But I just couldn't really justify the difference between them and a .308 for the ranges I hunt at. The .308 is as popular as it is for a reason.

Recoil isn't that big of a difference- 150 grain bullets in each is 1.8 ft lbs difference (17.6 & 15.8). In the 165 grain bullets it is exactly 2lbs difference (20.1 & 18.1). That is a difference but the difference in effective range is also not something to scoff at. Shooting TTSX bullets of equal weight, a hunter gains about 75-100 yards.

 

[Newtosavage]

Recoil isn't that big of a difference- 150 grain bullets in each is 1.8 ft lbs difference (17.6 & 15.8). In the 165 grain bullets it is exactly 2lbs difference (20.1 & 18.1). That is a difference but the difference in effective range is also not something to scoff at. Shooting TTSX bullets of equal weight, a hunter gains about 75-100 yards.

I guess that's really what it all comes down to. Is the juice worth the squeeze? For me, the answer was no.

I shucked the '06 for my elk gun and started building a .284 Win instead. It carries more downrange energy and speed than the '06, kicks less and weighs less because I can fit it in a Savage short action.

 

[Doc Holliday]

If you hunt game in grizzly territory (or aspire to in the future), its nice to be able to load a few rounds with 200gr Swift A-Frames or similar with the 30-06. I also prefer the balance of a 30-06 more than a 308....The 308s I have had felt a little whippy.

 

[Windigo]

If the 150-165gr bullets were traditional, I would (and currently do) use .308 Win and never look back. But you're talking monolithics, yes? IMO the 30-06 would probably handle monos of that weight better than the .308. I have a difficult time getting 165gr monos to match the speed of 165gr cup and core bullets safely. Longer bullet= less case capacity (unless your mag/lands allow you to seat it way out?).

 

[hunting1]

If you hunt game in grizzly territory (or aspire to in the future), its nice to be able to load a few rounds with 200gr Swift A-Frames or similar with the 30-06. I also prefer the balance of a 30-06 more than a 308....The 308s I have had felt a little whippy.

I hear this argument all the time but in reality how many will go grizzly hunting? I would want more than my 06 if doing so.

 

[CoStick]

If the 150-165gr bullets were traditional, I would (and currently do) use .308 Win and never look back. But you're talking monolithics, yes? IMO the 30-06 would probably handle monos of that weight better than the .308. I have a difficult time getting 165gr monos to match the speed of 165gr cup and core bullets safely. Longer bullet= less case capacity (unless your mag/lands allow you to seat it way out?).

If I do go .308 it would have a 3” magazine, so that might help.

 

[Newtosavage]

If I do go .308 it would have a 3” magazine, so that might help.

I really like the 3" mag length of my short action Savages. Handy for reloaders who might want 2.85-2.95" OAL's.

 

[Doc Holliday]

I hear this argument all the time but in reality how many will go grizzly hunting? I would want more than my 06 if doing so.

Not an argument, and also not for grizzly hunting. I said if you hunt game in grizz country. Sounds like you have not spent much time hunting up north.....

I was on a recent dall sheep hunt with 165 ballistic tips, but kept 200 gr Accubonds in the magazine and chamber up until the point where I was about to shoot a sheep. We saw multiple grizzlies every day, and I felt and slept better having the bigger rounds. I also had a moose tag in my pocket as well, so it wasn't just for grizzly bear encounters. I stand beside my previous post. YMMV

 

[Windigo]

If I do go .308 it would have a 3” magazine, so that might help.

I'll be super jealous of you.

 

[hunting1]

Not an argument, and also not for grizzly hunting. I said if you hunt game in grizz country. Sounds like you have not spent much time hunting up north.....

I was on a recent dall sheep hunt with 165 ballistic tips, but kept 200 gr Accubonds in the magazine and chamber up until the point where I was about to shoot a sheep. We saw multiple grizzlies every day, and I felt and slept better having the bigger rounds. I also had a moose tag in my pocket as well, so it wasn't just for grizzly bear encounters. I stand beside my previous post. YMMV

In my bucket list some day to get up there! If I do I won't be carrying my 06. Meant it not as a slant just most won't get the opportunity is all. I have hand guns bought just in case I get to.

 

[CoStick]

I definitely plan on going to AK, not for Bear though. Moose/caribou for the most part and fishing,

 

[sndmn11]

My 24" 30-06 gets 2990fps with 168ttsx. Varget is showing 2737 on Hodgon's site, so Let's round up to 2800 since it says 30-06 should be about 2900.
At 8000' in elevation, my 30-06 load has a 125 yard head start since that is where it slows down to about 2800.

On paper that doesn't seem like a lot.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

the extra weight you gain going to a 30-06 over a 308 will definetly 100% keep you from getting animals.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Neither the 308, 30-06, nor the TTSX would be my choice. But this isn’t my build so I’d go with the 30-06 due to its versatility and whichever grain TTSX best met your ballistic and accuracy requirements.

 

[CoStick]

Neither the 308, 30-06, nor the TTSX would be my choice. But this isn’t my build so I’d go with the 30-06 due to its versatility and whichever grain TTSX best met your ballistic and accuracy requirements.

Thank you, always open to suggestions but the 30-06 is about as much recoil as I would like, I have had good luck with Barnes and want to stick with lead free. I also don’t reload but order “custom” more cost efficient these days and .30 cal seems to more available.
Want something for elk, light weight, up to an occasional AK trip as well. I won’t shoot past 500 is my guess. Currently have a FC .270 and kimber 6.5 CM
appreciate it

 

[tdot]

If 30-06 is your max recoil, then I'd suggest the 308win just due to that fact. There isn't a huge amount to be gained by going to the 06 and shooting at or near your comfort limit rarely leads to accuracy or a favourite rifle.

I thought I read somewhere that Hammer bullets was going to have custom made ammo at some point in the not too distant future. If they do, I'd recommend the 124HH. I was pushing it well over 3000fps in my 308. Light recoil and fantastic on-game results. If not then the 150ttsx is where I'd stay with the 308. I don't remember my data, but I tried both in my 308 and the 150 was better in almost every metric that I looked at.

 

[Laramie]

Thank you, always open to suggestions but the 30-06 is about as much recoil as I would like, I have had good luck with Barnes and want to stick with lead free. I also don’t reload but order “custom” more cost efficient these days and .30 cal seems to more available.
Want something for elk, light weight, up to an occasional AK trip as well. I won’t shoot past 500 is my guess. Currently have a FC .270 and kimber 6.5 CM
appreciate it

I used to be against brakes but my buddy has an ultralight 300 mag with a muzzle break that I love. It is a joy to shoot as long as you have ear plugs. It weighs less than my 30-06, kicks less than my 30-06, and has a longer effective range. 500 yards is a real stretch with all copper in the .308 and the 30-06 imo for elk sized game. If you load hot, you can get there on paper but who knows if you rifle will shoot them well at max velocities.

If bonded lead bullets ever go away, I'll be going to the 300 with a brake or more likely, a suppressor.