Age Old Question

[kysingleshot]

Okay, so I've finally decided to get a Stevens 200 for an all around rifle.  I just can't decide to whether to go with the 30-06 or .308.  I don't really predict any hunts out West, although if that happens, I'm sure I'll buy a .300 Win Mag.  As far as I can tell so far, with the 30-06 or .308 its just 6 of 1, 1/2 dozen of the other.  Is there really any advantage of 1 over the other?  I plan on some deer hunting, maybe a little coyote shooting, no pelts for me.  Other than that, it'll be some range time, and any other stuff I can find to get into.

Thanks, Michael

[Tom W.]

The Chicken came first...err.... oh.

The 30-06 could be more versatile if you handload, but for all practical purposes, it would be whatever you are most comfortable with.. I have a single shot in both calibers, and use the .308 for long range target shooting, due to it's configuration.

[the jigger]

IMHO out to 300yds the difference is hard to measure. Buy the one your dealer has in stock. I have owned and shot several 30/06's over the years and found them to be more than satisfactory doing whatever. That said, the only 30cal. in my safe,currently, is a 308 Savage "Sierra".
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!

[FW Conch]

Ky, in 1963 my shooting mentor sold me on the 30-06 to the extent that I couldn't see why anyone would
ever need anything else. When  people would say to me "that 308 is a good round" I would agree but  add "yea, but the ballistics are still better on the 30-06".  I hunt whitetail deer & groundhogs & I finally
realized I am absorbing more recoil & burning more powder than I need to. A month ago, while on a working
vacation, I got some time to hunt, bought a Stevens 200 in 308, scoped it, had it shooting 1 1/4" groups
in 9 rounds, & had my deer on the 10th round down the bore ! They are great rifles & a great value! I'm
going to give you some advise based on MHO. 1- The 30/06 is a wonderful round but more than you need for the hunting you described. 2- The 308 is a better choice but still more than needed,JMHO. 3- with the
hunting you described , using the proper bullets, you can get buy with a 243 ! 4- Also the 7mm/08 is an
excellent choice in your hunting category! 5- Many long action types love the 25-06! The final choice is up
to you, but I' m going to have as many of them as I can afford to collect!   GOOD SHOOTING! Jim

[kysingleshot]

Thank for the replies, guys.  I have a hard time making up my mind, but since I live about 10 miles from the largest gun store in ky, I have a feeling this won't be my only one!  Right now waiting to hear on a deal on a used 200 in 30-06, so if that works out, I'd be a fool not to take that one.  Guess I'll need to pick up some overtime and just make it a collection.

Thanks again,
Michael

[FW Conch]

  There's your answer ky ! It's an OMEN ! No American could ever regret owning an '06! There"ll be plenty of time to "fill in the collection" ! 

[Tom W.]

FW Conch is right... The moon is full and the voices are calling you.... pay heed to the voices.....