Both the .30-06 and .308 have military (or at least, military adjacent) origins, with the Springfield being a bit older, and both are extremely popular with sportsmen and women around the country.
They’re also both in the .30 caliber class, yet both offer unique performance with respect to stopping power, long-range capabilities, and of course, cost. If you’re looking at the prospect of a new rifle, and are tossed up between these two, let this be your primer.
Bullet Weight
The .30-06 Springfield fires a heavier, albeit not necessarily much larger, bullet. Typical bullet weights are between 110 and 210 grains, with most falling between 150 and 180.
As for .308 ammo, it is usually loaded with a bullet that’s lighter, generally between 110 and 185 grains, with most falling between 150 and 170 grains.
Muzzle Velocity and Energy
The .30-06, with its larger case capacity, has more room for a hotter propellant charge. Consequently, it shoots faster and flatter than .308.
Depending on bullet weight and load data, the ‘.06 usually produces anywhere from 2750 to 3000 FPS and about 3000 to 3300 ft-lbs of muzzle energy.
As for the .308, it usually generates around 2600 to 2900 FPS and 2600 and 2800 ft-lbs of energy – again, dependent on bullet weight and other load data.
Downrange Performance
Ultimately, the .308 is not quite as powerful as the .30-06, which shoots faster and flatter. They can both be serviceable long-range cartridges as long as you account for drop and drift. In terms of long-range target shooting, other lighter cartridges, like .223 are better, but if it becomes a matter of dispatching game, both of these .30 caliber cartridges produce similar performance.
At the end of the day, .30-06 produces more stopping power downrange, but both can be used to take effectively any game in North America with proper shot placement. Bullet drop for both cartridges is also very, very similar, with the .308 dropping a little faster than its larger cousin.
Cost
Both .30-06 and .308 ammo are fairly available and affordable, as cartridges go, but the .30-06 is going to set you back more, so if the price of ammo is a big factor here, get a rifle chambered in .308.
Other Notes
Other things to consider are the fact that:
- .30-06 can handle larger, 200 grain bullets for pursuing larger, heavier game.
- .30-06 rifles tend to be heavier; the ammo is heavier too.
- There is a great used market for .30-06 rifles.
- There is a larger sporting rifle market for the .308 chambering.
- Tons of different .308 ammo is available.
- .308 produces less recoil and has a shorter action throw.
- .308 tends to produce slightly better accuracy.
Where to Get .30-06 and .308 Ammo Online
Regardless of the chambering of your next rifle, you can get both .30-06 and .308 ammo online at Able Ammo so you never need to worry about local gun shop shortages and stockouts. Visit their website and bookmark their page so you know where to stock the ammo cans when you need to buy.
