Quoted: Quoted:
Technically, the .30-06 will get a slightly greater range and higher velocity, about 200 FPS extra - most factory rounds don't take advantage of the increased case capacity.
Most times the .308 is used due to shorter actions and SLIGHTLY lighter rifles, but the .30-06 can touch .300 WinMag territory when handloaded, and still equal or exceed the accuracy of most .308s.
Personally, I'm a fan of the .30-06. It just gives you greater flexiblity. And hell, if you ever want to rechamber yer -06 rifle, you already have it in a long action and can adapt it to almost any cartridge imaginable.
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Blackjack272 almost gave the answer, but missed a salient point.
The reason that the
factory .30-06 has
only a slightly greater range and higher velocity than .308, is that the factory must load .30-06 for any and all rifles that have been chambered for that round since the turn of the 20th century.
The cartridge companies can not
assume that all .30-06 rifles will have modern steels capable of higher pressures. On the .308 front, the later introduction of this round ensures that all rifles will have been made from high quality steels.
If then the .30-06 is loaded specifically for a modern firearm, capable of handling the greater pressures, it's performance exceeds the .308 by a greater margin.
Remember, the projectile is the same for both cartridges, meaning the BC of the bullet does not change. But what you CAN do now is push that projectile with a good BC significantly faster in the .30-06 that will be chamber in a
modern firearm manufactured withmodern steel making technology.* Margin of performance now goes to the venerable .30-06.
*Problem is, you will now be in a territory that is largely unpublished. Proceed with the greatest caution, and used every available cartridge analysis technique anong with a chronograph to ensure that your reloads stay withing exceptable pressure levels with your rifle.
If you do not understand the consequences of your reloading endevours, do not reload!