308 vs 300 WM vs 30.06 Question

[jeguia]

I’m new to hunting not to shooting. I want to purchase a deer hunting rifle that represents the best chance for success from a caliber perspective.

Please let me know what caliber is the best (if that’s possible). I’m open to any and all feedback.

Thanks!

 

[300_whisper]

What distance? What type of hunting?

For deer it would be a wash for all three. They would all equally get the job done at distances up to 750 yards, dependent on shooter ability and rifle / optic capability. If youre shooting past 750 the .300 win mag outshines both the .308 and .30-06 in trajectory and energy. I guess the question should really be, what do you want?

 

[jeguia]

What distance? What type of hunting?

For deer it would be a wash for all three. They would all equally get the job done at distances up to 750 yards, dependent on shooter ability and rifle / optic capability. If youre shooting past 750 the .300 win mag outshines both the .308 and .30-06 in trajectory and energy. I guess the question should really be, what do you want?

I don’t anticipate taking any shot beyond 500 yards and at that distance the planets would have to align. I expect the vast majority of shots would be inside of 300 yards. I anticipate outfitting a high quality scope commensurate with that type of distance. I compete in F Class to 1000 yards so I have a good idea of what 500 looks like and the type of glass required.

 

[mmcu]

Given your parameters, the 30.06 would be tough to beat.

 

[jeguia]

Given your parameters, the 30.06 would be tough to beat.

Thanks for the info. It’s really helpful.

 

[300_whisper]

Well then you probably know more than me, honestly, about precision shooting. Since all three are .308 caliber, you have the same selection of quality hunting bullets. If you’re within 300-500 yards I would say stick with a .308 since it’s lighter recoiling, not finicky to shoot, fits in a short action so lighter more compact hunting rifles, and tons of readily available over the counter ammo.

It’s pretty tough to come up with quality reasons on why one is better than another since 2 have been taking deer in the US for the past 60 years. And the .30-06 for the past 100.

 

[Drop Port]

For inside 300 with the occasional shot beyond the 308 or 06. Pick the one you like more, I like the 308 but it's no better for the task, just my preference.

 

[Straightshooter1]

I love 30.06 for hunting, especially since it can nicely take down an angry bear.

 

[searcher]

30-06, 280 Remington, 25-06, various creedmore renditions, 300 WSM, 270 Winchester, .308 - there are so many great calibers that don't get into the bigger magnum rounds - for which you don't need. If it proves a bit light at 500 on big deer (like maybe a .243 or .243), you will wish you got a bigger cartridge. If you opt for the 7mm Rem mag, 300 Mag, or larger - you will not enjoy shooting as much due to recoil without a brake - and will get greatly reduced barrel life. Can't go wrong with a 30-06 as a good all around.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

The 308 does have the advantages of being a short action. You might be able to keep your head down better on the stock while cycling the bolt.

 

[Don_Parsons]

They are all great cartridges,,, you'll have to decide what works for you in the end...

I've had lots of different cartridges over the years,,, alot like many shooters on this forum,,, my favorites today and over the years have been standard cartridges,,, both the 30/06 and 308,,, not saying that the 25/06,,, 270,,, 280,,,and odd ball 6.5 A Square...

I'll burn the barrel up on my 6.5 then finish up the remaining years with a 308 or 30/06 my self...

Cheers from Don

 

[1CTShooter]

I settled on a Remington 600 .308 with open sights for the brush/swamp short range stuff we have close to home and a Savage 110 30-06 with 3-10 scope for open country.

 

[jeguia]

Outstanding advice from everyone. Thank you!

 

[rkittine]

Although I am still new to long range shooting, it seems that shorter, cases are the norm for loading full powder charges that burn more consistently. You see a lot of .308s shooting out to 1,000 yards. It would be my choice, though I do have a .30-06, but you can almost always hear the powder move around when you flip them upside down.

Bob

 

[Lonny in ID]

Since you're an experienced shooter already, I'd go with which of the 3 you want to work with for load development, and practice sessions.

If it were me, the 308 would get the nod for powder consumption, the short action, and easier on the shoulder. No deer is going to know the difference if shot with any of them. The 300 WM would be the last choice for a "deer rifle" due to recoil and thirsty for powder.

 

[XTR]

Given the choices for deer inside of 600 yds I’d go with the 308 for the short action

 

[BronzeArcher]

Over the life span of a rifle, it often sees duty in contexts other than the reason it was originally purchased and in the hands of shooters other than the original shooter. I recommend more folks see rifles as a 20-40 year investment and consider the likely usage and users over that span.

Most folks who ask caliber questions don't have the experience to know how recoil sensitive they are or how recoil sensitive others who may shoot the rifle are. Nor do they really know whether the average number of rounds shot each year are likely to be in the dozens or hundreds over the lifespan of the rifle. Nor do they really know how much they need to practice or how much practice is likely to be needed for the desired level of proficiency at the intended uses.

But as a shooting instructor, coach, and mentor, I have seen many new shooters go through these processes. Most are best served by the choice with the least expensive ammo available, especially if this choice is also the lightest recoiling for the simple fact that these features are most amenable to the most shooting practice. And it is the volume of shooting practice that separates rifle performance much more than the marginal differences between the calibers under consideration.

Short answer: .308.

 

[jeguia]

Over the life span of a rifle, it often sees duty in contexts other than the reason it was originally purchased and in the hands of shooters other than the original shooter. I recommend more folks see rifles as a 20-40 year investment and consider the likely usage and users over that span.

Most folks who ask caliber questions don't have the experience to know how recoil sensitive they are or how recoil sensitive others who may shoot the rifle are. Nor do they really know whether the average number of rounds shot each year are likely to be in the dozens or hundreds over the lifespan of the rifle. Nor do they really know how much they need to practice or how much practice is likely to be needed for the desired level of proficiency at the intended uses.

But as a shooting instructor, coach, and mentor, I have seen many new shooters go through these processes. Most are best served by the choice with the least expensive ammo available, especially if this choice is also the lightest recoiling for the simple fact that these features are most amenable to the most shooting practice. And it is the volume of shooting practice that separates rifle performance much more than the marginal differences between the calibers under consideration.

Short answer: .308.

Excellent perspective. Your experience serves you well. Thanks for taking the time to respond!

 

[Falfan2017]

30-06 is hard to beat. You can buy good hunting ammo anywhere in the country or if you handload you can get it to do anything you could want it to do.
one advantage over a 308 is if you ever wanted to hunt something bigger you could load up some heavies and run them faster than in a 308.

also maybe consider a 25-06. Like a lightning strike on deer and with less recoil than the 30s

 

[Bc'z]

30-06, it has more nuts than a 308 and almost as much as a 300WM, and you dont have to deal with the belted case.
You can load it up for the big game or down for smaller animals.
Personally I've never owned a 308 or a 300WM. Never seen the need given the versatility of the 06'.