I see this constantly.
It is one of those "Internet Truths" Erroneous information that gets repeated over and over so often that people take at face value as actual fact.
.308 and .30-06 are the same diameter/caliber. You can load the same projectile.
In layman's terms the 30-06 is simply longer.
The .308 is 2.015"
The 30-06 is 2. 494"
for a difference of .479"s
In that .479" you can add more powder, which translates into more velocity, but as many accomplished reloaders know, there is a point of diminishing returns with larger capacity cases.
People
assume and continually repeat on the internet that the .308 cannot shoot 200 or 220 grain projectiles. That is simply not even remotely true.
Here are a couple of groups using 220 grain Sierra Match Kings, loaded to feed through a magazine. They load, feed and shoot just fine, and due to the high ballistic coefficient of the projectile, they do great at extended ranges.
The 30-06 in factory offerings is rather anemic, as compared to what can be accomplished by handloading. The vast majority of younger handloaders have overlooked the 30-06 as an "outdated" cartridge, which is a shortcoming on their part. When combined with the newer higher BC VLD type projectiles and modern propellants, the 30-06 is actually a rather excellent long range cartridge that punches above its weight class.
Really a person cannot go wrong with either cartridge, but if you want to maximize the potential of the 30-06, you will need to handload.
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