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308 vs 30-06 wats ure take on this?


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The .308 is actually just a shortened .30-06. In the 1950s when they were developing the 7.62 ( which is the .308) they took the .30-06 and shortened it by approx half an inch because with the more modern powders they didn't need so much space in the cartridge.
so now with our even more modern powders we have the added bonus of choice of bullets and the option to load the case with more choice of purpose powder,that kind of backfired on the .308 developers really!
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Not really backfired. The point of the 308 was 30-06 level (WWI/II level) ballistics in a smaller, more compact package (thus easier to carry more ammo). The original -06 was used with cordite I believe, which was rathe rinefficient. I think the first military loadings were around 2100-2200 fps with a 220 gr bullet. That is WAY more than you need for a battle situation, and certainly more than a standard ground soldier needed. There was more benefit in shortening the case, using a modern powder, and getting better or equivalent ballistics to the full blown case.

 

Today, we do have better powders that can really optimize both cartridges. And as sporting shooters, we're not limited by the weight of ammo we can carry. In real terms, the difference between the two is about 150-200 fps or so with normal barrel lengths. If you're shooting a short barrel (20" or less) I wouldn't get an -06 because there's no real benefit. If you're going 20" or longer, then the -06 makes sense. If you're going really long (24" plus) then definitely the -06 because you can go with a bit slower powders and still get a full burn.

 

Thanks

Rick

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