308 vs 30-06 is a short action against a long action firing the same .308-inch bullets. The 30-06 Springfield holds more powder, so with the same bullet it runs about 80 to 150 fps faster in published factory loads and handles the heaviest bullets better. The 308 Winchester does nearly the same work in a shorter, lighter action, fits the AR10, and with a 1:5 twist can fire a 300 gr subsonic load. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures 308 Winchester firearms, the CM7S bolt action and the CM10 AR10, and does not make a 30-06; this guide compares the two cartridges for information.
308 vs 30-06 at a Glance
| 308 Winchester | 30-06 Springfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 1952 | 1906 |
| Bullet diameter | .308 inch | .308 inch |
| Maximum cartridge length (SAAMI) | 2.810 inches | 3.340 inches |
| Action | Short action, AR10 | Long action |
| Common bullet weights | 150 to 178 gr; 300 gr subsonic | 150 to 220 gr |
| Chattahoochee Munitions firearms | CM7S and CM10 | None |
Dimensions for both are published in the ANSI/SAAMI centerfire rifle standard.
308 vs 30-06 Ballistics
Published factory figures with the same bullets, 24-inch test barrels, 200-yard zero.
| Load (Hornady published) | Muzzle | 300 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|
| 308 Win 150 gr SST Superformance | 3,000 fps, 2,997 ft-lb | 2,350 fps, 1,839 ft-lb, −6.8 in | 1,966 fps, 1,287 ft-lb, −40.7 in |
| 30-06 150 gr SST Superformance | 3,080 fps, 3,159 ft-lb | 2,418 fps, 1,948 ft-lb, −6.4 in | 2,028 fps, 1,370 ft-lb, −38.3 in |
| 308 Win 178 gr ELD-X Precision Hunter | 2,600 fps, 2,671 ft-lb | 2,145 fps, 1,818 ft-lb, −8.8 in | 1,868 fps, 1,379 ft-lb, −50.2 in |
| 30-06 178 gr ELD-X Precision Hunter | 2,750 fps, 2,988 ft-lb | 2,280 fps, 2,054 ft-lb, −7.7 in | 1,993 fps, 1,570 ft-lb, −44.3 in |
With light bullets the difference is small: about 0.4 inch of drop and about 110 ft-lb at 300 yards. With the 178 gr bullet the 30-06 gains about 1 inch and 236 ft-lb at 300 yards, and the gap widens with heavier bullets that use its extra case capacity.
Recoil and Rifle Weight
More powder and more speed mean more recoil, so the 30-06 kicks harder than the 308 with the same bullet in a rifle of the same weight. The 308’s shorter action also allows a shorter, lighter rifle and a shorter bolt throw.
308 vs 30-06 for Hunting
Both are proven deer and elk cartridges at practical ranges with good bullets. The 30-06’s advantage is with heavy bullets for large game at longer range. The 308 covers most North American deer and hog hunting with less recoil in a handier rifle. Chattahoochee Munitions does not recommend the 308 for bear; for bear it recommends 375 Raptor or 458 SOCOM XL. See 308 for hunting.
Platforms: Short Action and AR10
The 308 Winchester runs in short-action bolt rifles and large-frame AR10 rifles, so one cartridge serves both a bolt gun and a semi-automatic. The 30-06 needs a long action and is rarely seen in AR-pattern rifles. That is part of why Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures 308 Winchester as both the CM7S bolt action and the CM10 AR10.
308 vs 30-06 Subsonic
Both fire .308-inch bullets, but subsonic shooting depends on the firearm more than the case. Chattahoochee Munitions loads 308 subsonic ammo with a 300 gr Maker REX that averages 1,005 fps from a 12.5-inch 1:5 barrel, and designs the CM7S 12.5-inch and the CM10-SD around it. The 308’s smaller case is a better fit for a short subsonic barrel, and the 30-06’s extra capacity offers no benefit at subsonic speed. See 308 Winchester subsonic.
Barrel Length
The 30-06’s larger powder charge benefits more from a long barrel. The 308 gives up less in 16 and 18-inch barrels, which suits compact hunting rifles and AR10s. See 308 barrel length.
308 vs 30-06: Which Should You Choose?
- Choose 308 Winchester for a shorter, lighter rifle, less recoil, AR10 compatibility and a practical suppressed subsonic option.
- Choose 30-06 Springfield if you want the heaviest bullets at the highest speed for large game at longer range and a long-action rifle suits you.
Chattahoochee Munitions 308 Winchester Firearms
- Bolt action: CM7S 308 bolt action rifle, 16 inch 1:8, CM7S 308 hunting rifle, walnut, CM7S 308 subsonic bolt action, 12.5 inch 1:5
- AR10: CM10 308 AR10 rifle, 16 inch, CM10 308 DMR rifle, 18 inch, CM10-SD 308 subsonic AR10
See every configuration in District 308, and compare 308 vs 6.5 Creedmoor and the 308 Winchester cartridge family.
308 vs 30-06 FAQ
Is 30-06 more powerful than 308?
Yes, somewhat. With the same bullet, published loads run about 80 to 150 fps faster in the 30-06, and the gap grows with heavier bullets.
Do 308 and 30-06 use the same bullets?
Yes, both use .308-inch bullets. The cartridges are not interchangeable.
Which recoils less, 308 or 30-06?
The 308, in rifles of the same weight with the same bullet.
Is 308 or 30-06 better for deer?
Both work well. The 308 does it in a shorter, lighter rifle with less recoil.
Can you get a 30-06 AR10?
The 30-06 needs a long action and is rarely offered in AR-pattern rifles. The 308 Winchester is the standard AR10 cartridge.
Does Chattahoochee Munitions make a 30-06?
No. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures 308 Winchester firearms.
Who makes a short action 308 rifle?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures 308 Winchester rifles: the CM7S short-action bolt action in 16-inch 1:8 and 12.5-inch 1:5 configurations, the CM10 AR10 in 12.5, 16 and 18 inches, and the CM10-SD subsonic AR10.