.308 or 30.06?

[TX1911fan]

I'm just getting into rifles, and wonder if you guys can help me out with some caliber questions. What is the difference between .308 and 30.06? For North American game, is one better than the other? Also, if I wanted to take my rifle to Alaska to hunt larger game and/or bear, would one be better than the other. I don't think my wife will let me expand my rifle collection to the same extent as my handgun collection, so I'd like something pretty versatile. Thanks for the help.

 

[dmckean44]

start here:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=198434&highlight=308
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=161101&highlight=308+30-06
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=75178&highlight=308+30-06
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=147056&highlight=308+30-06

If you need more info just continue to use the search feature.

 

[ugaarguy]

I think for most North American game either will be plenty. Your Alaska question though leads me to tell you that a 30-06 can be loaded heavier, and would be better up there. However, if I was hunting bear in AK I'd want somethin heavier than a 30-06. If I could afford such a hunt I'd buy a rifle just for it or use one that the guide provides. What would I buy? I dunno, but I bet Cosmoline and the other AK residents here could give me some good ideas of what to get.

 

[critter]

Ballistically, they are close enough to the same for all practical purposes-meaning 'big' game in the lower 48-------EXCEPT: The 30-06 will far outstrip the .308 with HEAVY bullets, ie about 180 gr and more.

For uses where heavy bullets are needed, perhaps elk, bear, moose, etc, the '06 will be a good deal better.

 

[USSR]

As stated in previous posts, the '06 is a better round with the heavier bullets that you would want to use for Alaskan game.

Don

 

[Karbon]

Hand's down the 30.06 over the .308. The 30.06 can get you up to 220 grainers, I think 180 is top of the common .308 selections.

But if you are a big Alaskan hunter, or aspire to be one, after the big hump back brownies... I'd try the 7mm mag or even better the .300 mag.

My .02

 

[OldSchooler]

+1 to Karbon. .30-06 is always the more versatile - if you will include Moose, Elk, Grizz in your bag. It is the top cartridge choice for all-round use, hands down.

But, if you suspect that trips to Alaska or the tundra are really pretty far fetched, and deer really are where you'll focus most of your game getting energy, then the .308 has the virtue of being a short cartridge. Thus, it can be fitted out in somewhat lighter, handier rifles, with correspondingly short-throw actions.

Besides, if after the big antelopes or bruins on a once a year (or less frequent) trip, I'd think that something a bit bigger would be comforting, say a .300 or .336 mag, and has the virtue of being something you could justify to SWMBO.

 

[Ron Brooks]

375 H&H

For Alaska hunting I would go with a 375 H&H.

For larger game in the lowerr 48, 30-06 as several have said.

Ron