Ruger American. 308 or 30-06?

K

kel

New member
I don't really have a need for a large caliber rifle but since I may want to hunt larger game are some point I thought I'd get one. My local dealer has the camo .308 or 30-06 for $299 and I have a 3x9x40 Redfield Revolution laying around to mount on it so I figured I'd have an economical setup.

I've looked at a lot of reviews but haven't settled on the caliber yet. I suppose my biggest desire is what/if any caliber of those two would provide the better accuracy with factory ammo?
 
Originally Posted By: kelI don't really have a need for a large caliber rifle but since I may want to hunt larger game are some point I thought I'd get one. My local dealer has the camo .308 or 30-06 for $299 and I have a 3x9x40 Redfield Revolution laying around to mount on it so I figured I'd have an economical setup.

I've looked at a lot of reviews but haven't settled on the caliber yet. I suppose my biggest desire is what/if any caliber of those two would provide the better accuracy with factory ammo?

They can both be made to be stupid accurate. But short fat cases are inherently MORE accurate than long skinny cases. Keep in mind that this is a rule of thumb and not to be confused with something written in stone, cuz it ain't. You also have to take into account that it is possible for a bone stock brand "X" in .30-06 to out perform a bone stock brand "X" in .308 of the same model.

The short answer is NEITHER. ....and BOTH. Atleast the way the question is posed anyway.


Chupa
 
Teach you about stocks? Buy low, sell high!!!!

I have neither the .308 or .30-06 but do have the 7mm-08 and I like it. Trigger is nice and light adding to the accuracy with Hornady Superformance factory ammo.

Get one.
 
I'd go with the 308. Not sure why I just would. Unless you can find one of those new 7.62 MegaKnockdown rifles
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Originally Posted By: 2muchgunKidding.

I'd find a 7mm08.....

I don't dislike this idea. They ain't no flies on a "Semmumoughteight".


Chupa
 
For me 30 06 for sure. Just as accurate as the 308 but capable of a bit more distance. Also you will always find 30 06 on your hunt when you run out of ammo.
 
308 with this rifle. I prefer a 30-06 to be a little heavier and push hard with 180gr+ bullets.
I have a 308 RAR and it shoots VERY well with 165 Speer Boat Tail.
 
If you reload, get the '06. Can be every bit as accurate as a 308.

If you buy factory ammo, get the 308. There is more Match ammo available for it.
 
Match ammo for a Ruger American? Why?

I'd decide just how big a critter you plan to hunt someday. A 308 will kill most with the right bullet and I prefer it to the 30-06 unless for some reason I would NEED a heavier bullet.

That said, I'd still get the 7-08 unless it was for use on a very large critter and you feel the need for the '06.........
 
For most people it comes down to long action vs short action. Most people can talk about the accuracy of 1 round to another, but most can't shoot well enough to actually tell the difference. But it makes them feel better going with x over y and doesn't hurt anyone. I shoot pretty well and do so with every caliber, so I'm one of the masses
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The 7mm tops out around elk, the 308 around moose and 06 about brown bear. But unless your guide knows you really well he's not going to be too happy taking you after browns with a 30-06.

All will kill higher on the food chain, it's just my rule of thumb for a little safety margin for error and ethics. I know people that hunt elk with a 25-06, which is nuts imo.

TBH, just to be safe, buy one of each
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.30-06 all the way. There is no downside.

Nothing beats the 06 in terms of versatility. There just aren't any downsides to the 06, it's the can't miss choice.

In an era of magnum this and magnum that, I think the killing power of the 06 is somewhat under-appreciated. Pick your favorite bullet weight and do your own research, but what surprises many is just how close in terms of velocity and foot pounds the century-old 06 really is compared to some "magnums" that many assume are much more powerful than they really are.

The 06 has tremendous killing power when teamed up with modern bullets. The reason everyone has one is because they work.

Grouse
 
Originally Posted By: kelI suppose my biggest desire is what/if any caliber of those two would provide the better accuracy with factory ammo?

That question can't be answered. Any 2 guns may or may not be good shooters ... no matter the caliber. I would think that your choice should be made based upon your designated needs. But FWIW, either one should be accurate enough to take game animals with factory ammunition. And since you aren't going to reload, that's about all you can ask for.
 
30-06 for the man with only one hunting rifle. There are many more load options for you with the 30-06 than just about any other round. Buy it and never look back! Good luck because you really can't go wrong with either cartridge.
 
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