The 06 most all rounded for use! That sweet .338 will leave you with a shoulder of jello after a bit of shooting.
What I've always tried to consider is the question "If I only had one to choose from which one would be the most versatile?" The 30-06 or .308 quickly jump to the front of my list. IMO, I believe the USA and USMC switching to the .308 had more to do with it being a round used by many NATO troops and the '.06 was not. I could be wrong and I'm sure I will be promptly corrected is I am. I love the .308 & '06 equally, but I don't have a .308 at this time and I find this totally unacceptable!
the 30-06 and 308 would be my first 2 choices for versatility, in that order. both shoot identical caliber bullets, but the 308 being a short action length cartridge and holding less powder and having less recoil is IMO better suited for a shorter barreled light weight carbine style rifle, where with the 06 I would opt for a longer bbl heavier type gun to optimize velocity and be steadier to hold for longer shots.with handloading in equal bbl length rifles, and bullet wts you can just about duplicate the velocity of an 06 with the 308. whoever designed those 2 cartridges struck gold because whether you neck them up to larger bore calibers or neck down to smaller caliber, they all shoot fantastic. ex: from the 30-06 brass you get the 25-06,270,280,35 wheelen, I'm sure I'm leaving some out but you get the idea.
JBUG is exactly right on the money in his post about the 308 and .06. nacho's last post is right on the money also.
I'm a .308 and 7mm-08 (necked down .308) type guy, have got three of them, but also enjoy my .25-06 and .243.... Don't forget old the old trusty .30-30, got two of them also...
Nacho said it earlier, in his post about versatility: " versatility" imo would have to go to the 06 hands down for availability of different loads, both storebought and handloads and the different tyes of weapons it is made in.over the years I have come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as one gun does all. thats how you end up with 20 + rifles for deer hunting and still NEED more LOL. fisherman don't have 1 rod and reel and golfers don't have 1 club, so why should hunters. the 35 I would put right next to the 30-30 which wasn't on the list either, all have a following. 308's and 7mm08's I prefer in a short bbl bolt carbine light wt with a low power variable scope and are good 0-2-300yds.
Good discussion gents!!!!
what about the 7mm-08 nice cal.
