.30-06 vs .308: Which Hunting Cartridge?
.30-06 Springfield is the classic long-action American hunting cartridge. .308 Winchester is its shorter commercial cousin, designed to deliver similar performance in a short action with less case capacity. For most deer and similar game, either works; .308 fits lighter short-action rifles, while .30-06 still offers a slight edge in some heavy-bullet factory loads.
At a Glance
| .30-06 Springfield | .308 Winchester | |
|---|---|---|
| Other names | 30-06 Gov't | 7.62x51 commercial cousin |
| Common bullet weights (our listings) | 150, 165, 180 gr | 150, 165, 168, 175, 180 gr |
| Action length | Long action | Short action |
| Typical use | Hunting, classic bolt guns | Hunting, match, modern rifles |
| Recoil | Usually a bit more | Usually a bit less |
| Shop | .30-06 ammo | .308 ammo |
.30-06 vs .308 Ballistics
Factory figures for common hunting and practice loads in each caliber.
Load key: FMJ = full metal jacket; SP = soft point; BTHP = boat-tail hollow point.
| Load (Federal data) | Velocity (fps) muzzle / @100 / @300 yd |
Energy (ft-lb) |
|---|---|---|
| Federal American Eagle (AE3006N) 30-06 Springfield 150 gr FMJ Boat-Tail |
2910 / 2683 / 2260 | 2820 / 2397 / 1701 |
| Federal Power-Shok (3006B) 30-06 Springfield 180 gr Jacketed Soft Point |
2700 / 2470 / 2045 | 2913 / 2439 / 1671 |
| Federal American Eagle (AE308D) 308 Win 150 gr FMJ Boat-Tail |
2820 / 2597 / 2183 | 2648 / 2246 / 1586 |
| Federal Gold Medal Match (GM308M) 308 Win 168 gr Sierra Matchking BTHP |
2650 / 2460 / 2103 | 2619 / 2257 / 1650 |
Figures are as published by Federal Premium on each product page (checked November 5, 2026). Rifle velocity is typically from a 24-inch test barrel unless the product page says otherwise. Velocity from your own barrel will differ.
Case and Action Length
.30-06 is longer and needs a long action. .308 was designed so short-action rifles could approach .30-06 performance with less bolt travel and often a lighter rifle.
Recoil and Shootability
.308 is usually milder with similar bullet weights, which helps new hunters and anyone who practices a lot.
Hunting Use
Both are proven on deer and similar game. Pick a soft point or bonded bullet meant for the animal, and practice with the same rifle you will hunt with.
Ammo Selection
Both have huge factory selections. .308 often has more match and modern semi-auto-friendly loads; .30-06 still dominates many classic hunting rifles.
Shop Both
.30-06 ammo | .308 ammo | bolt-action rifles. Compare current cost per round in our Ammo Price Index, see every cartridge in our ammo caliber chart. Related: .308 vs 7.62x51 and 6.5 Creedmoor vs .308.
Orders of $500 or more ship free; ammunition orders under $500 ship for $15.99. Ammunition is not returnable. Some states and cities restrict ammo purchases or shipments, so read our ammo and magazine laws by state before ordering. Tactical Surplus USA has been selling firearms, ammunition and gear since 2022.
FAQ
Is .30-06 more powerful than .308?
In Federal's figures on this page, the 150 gr .30-06 FMJ lists 2,910 fps and 2,820 ft-lb at the muzzle versus 2,820 fps and 2,648 ft-lb for the 150 gr .308 FMJ. Real-world results depend on barrel length and load.
Can I shoot .308 in a .30-06?
No. The cases are different lengths. Only fire the cartridge marked on your barrel.
Which has less recoil?
.308 usually recoils less than similar-weight .30-06 loads in rifles of the same weight, which is one reason many shooters prefer it.
Is .308 replacing .30-06?
.308 is more common in short-action and modern semi-auto rifles. .30-06 remains popular in classic hunting rifles and still has a huge ammo selection.
Which is better for elk?
Both work with appropriate heavy soft-point or bonded bullets. Bullet construction and shot placement matter more than the case.
Do I need a long action for .30-06?
Yes. .30-06 is a long-action cartridge; .308 is short-action. That affects rifle length, weight and cycling.