Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles 308 or 30-06

I can't brag about any long shots on elk with a .308. I don't recall any of my shots being over 200 yds. CP.

this is a head game for me, and i need to make it reality - i need to shoot more at 400 meters to 500 meters and have absolute confidence in whatever bullet is shooting good groups, from whatever rifle i have is putting them there... it just has to be a bone busting bullet, because i just know the only shot i will get is an odd angle one, at the limits of my ability with that rifle and scope.

Brad, you may have a point there...

DF

Either cartridge will do with stout 150 gr - TTSX, AccuBond, Partition; or step up to 165 gr class in TSX, Accubond, Partition or A-Frame. All will kill elk way out there if your abilities are up to the task. At 500 yards/meters you are certainly challenging your skills to a greater level with both cartridges, but that is remedied again by your skill and good rifle optics. Certainly a 7mm, .30 or .338 magnum can make it somewhat easier with 150 gr-160 gr; 165 gr-180 gr; and 210 gr-225 gr., again it's all about the operator and less about the materials and equipment. One can't ever discount the advantage of getting as close to the animal as possible before pulling the trigger, but apparently it is less in vogue these days.

For me its .308 because

1. I don't need to make real long shots with it.
2. I could get it in a short action custom compact Winchester 70 Rifle that doesn't weigh much.
3. Its cheap to reload for.
4. Its easy to reload for.
5. It kills just as well as most other 30 caliber cartridges at under 300 yards.
6. Did I say it was light and easy to carry?

If I was to buy a new to me short action rifle to replace my 10-twist 243, it'd be a lightweight 7-08, 6.5 Creed, or a 9-twist 243.
I guess I'd take a .308 also though. I've had a lightweight .308 before, and even with no recoil pad and 180's it doesn't hurt. But it'd be my fourth choice.
It'll be an opportunistic impulse buy regardless.

If I was to buy a long action rifle, it'd be a 30-06.
Because there's no better value on the used rifle market than a 30-06. And aside from a 30-30 or a 45-70, no other centerfire big game rifle cartridge represents American history better. Also, a 30-06 was my first centerfire rifle, so there's that sentimental value thing.
Since I don't hunt elk, or really have a need for the power of a 30-06, probably have to get some 168 TSX and try and get a trophy hog to justify it.
Always thought a wild boar made one of the coolest mounts.

X3

For me, the 308. Mostly because of the short action rifles it is available in-my favorite being the Kimber M84.

30-06 it can handle heavier bullets better

308 gets the call for me these days. I've had at least one 06' for the past 40 years but rarely used it as I preferred a 270win. A few years ago I got a 308. Gave my 270 to a grandson and now I use a 308 for whitetails, hogs, and an elk (in 2016). I did use the 06 for my elk this year but will probably use a 308 next year. Either cartridge works for me, but I'm liking the 308 for now.

.308 because I prefer short actions, .308s are very easy to get to shoot well, and for me, the 30-06 has noticeably more recoil without a noticeable increase in performance.

John

+1

+2........my feelings exactly.

This is close to my experience w/the 06 & 308 also.

I never shoot factory ammo -- esp for hunting.

Jerry

I could not get those velocities in a 308 either.

Jerry