12-04-2011, 12:14 AM
Looks like most of the questions have been answered. The 30-06 can throw a heavier bullet faster than a .308, and can give a slightly longer range.
I started almost 50 years ago with a 30-06, have stuck with it and never considered a .308 class cartridge, so have no first hand experience. Most of what I have read give an accuracy edge to the .308 due to shorter powder column, and a shorter stiffer action. Now I really doubt that you would see any signifcant difference with either in a lightweight rife. My first, was a pre 64 Win mod 70, featherweight dad got me for a high school graduation present. learning to reloade and tuning it a bit would give me 0.5-0.75" groups, more than adequate for hunting and good enough for a lot of small varmits.
My advice is to the the gun you think you will like the best and go from there.
I started almost 50 years ago with a 30-06, have stuck with it and never considered a .308 class cartridge, so have no first hand experience. Most of what I have read give an accuracy edge to the .308 due to shorter powder column, and a shorter stiffer action. Now I really doubt that you would see any signifcant difference with either in a lightweight rife. My first, was a pre 64 Win mod 70, featherweight dad got me for a high school graduation present. learning to reloade and tuning it a bit would give me 0.5-0.75" groups, more than adequate for hunting and good enough for a lot of small varmits.
My advice is to the the gun you think you will like the best and go from there.