.308 or 30-06 Mod. 7600?

[lgm270]

Have been admiring 18.5" Model 7600's .  Any recommendations as between getting a .308 Win  or 30-06? 
'

[dougk]

Ahh IMO it comes down to your preference.  Looking at the ballistics I dont think yoiu can go wrong with either.

I started along time ago with the 30-06 and because I have alot of ammo in 30-06 I pick the 30-06 over the .308. 

[Graybeard]

Do you prefer Ford or Chevy?

The argument for one over the other is really pretty much the same as the argument over .308 vs .30-06 vs .270 vs .280. They are are more or less peas in a pod with such minor real world differences that it all boils down to what appeals to you personally.

Slightly (very slightly) more ammo choices for the '06 but a better chance of finding cheaper surplus ammo to feed the .308 for cheap target shooting. Same bullets work in both so no difference there and the perhaps 100 fps difference is meaningless in the real world and more especially so in the 7600 which isn't generally chose as a long range hunting tool in the first place.

[Dave in WV]

There's no "short" action 7600's so there's no gain going with a .308 based cartridge. That said I have a 7600 7mm-08. The only new rifle option is 30-06. The .308 carbines are rare.

[lgm270]

Thanks for all the  responses.  I like the looks and handling qualities of the 18.5" 7600, but with the .308 ammo is more plentiful and cheap and it has less recoil than the 30-06.    This is intended as a "fun gun" rather than  serious hunter, for which I use bolt actions.    The 30-06, however, would handle heavier bullets better than the .308.  The 30-06 would have much more muzzle blast in a  short barrel.    Maybe I should get a 30-06 and shorten to 20".

So many choices. So little money. So few years left.

[Redtail1949]

not enough difference to make a hill of beans. personaly i like 30.06 and 165 to 168 grain bullets for deer and elk and the .308 is right there with it in those weights.

[BBF]

I'd go 308, I am not anywhere near my loading manuals but believe you have a more efficient powder choice for a 308 with a short barrel.

[dpastordan]

I once owned a 7400 Carbine in .30-06.  It was louder than my bolt but the kick was not bad (as it was an autoloader) and it shot well.  The key is really what you like.  If you don't reload, then the .30-06 might be an option.  Also, there are "light loads" on the market if recoil  is a problem.  Reloading, you probably will get more accuracy out of the .308 than the '06 (so I am told).  It really gets down to what you prefer.  If you are looking at a pure hunting situation...the critters don't know the difference when hit by either cartridge. 

[tigercat]

308 all the way i have both and i know ballistic wise not much diff but i shot alot of deer with both and i have alot more cofidence in the 308 it seems to hit them with alot more authority never tracked one with the 308 30-06 just don't seam to knock them right off thier feet the 308 always does i shoot 180 grain remington  corelokts in both