new scope - which rifle to put it on?

[Stonewall308]

Hey guys. So I have set aside some money to buy a nice scope with the thought of doing some western hunts in the next few years.

I went to the range today to see what kind of groups I could get with my .3006. My best group was 1.3'' at 100 yd, average was about 1.65. I also have a .308 that gets sub-MOA consistently. Both rifles are Rem 700 (pre-2000 production).

For the .3006 I was shooting Federal Premium 175 gr, which gives me about 2730 fps and 2890 ft-lbs at the muzzle, compared to 2820 fps and 2650 ft-lbs for the .308 with 150 gr Federal power shok. At four hundred yards the .3006 is about 2078 fps / 1678 ft-lbs, whereas the 308 is 1770 fps and 1050 ft-lbs.

So basically my thinking is that if I am paying a pretty penny to hunt, I want to have the option to shoot out to 400 yds. I'm not saying that is my ideal shot, but I want to have the option. So the .3006 has about 37% more energy at 400 yards. That seems substantial. However, should I really feel comfortable taking a 400 yard shot if my groups at that range (extrapolating from MOA) would average about 6.6'' off a bench (which would mean worse while hunting)? I googled it and it says the kill zone on an elk is 16 to 18 inches, but as illogical as it may be I would still feel better about it knowing I am getting Sub-MOA.

I know that I will eventually have to shoot the rifle at 400 before taking a shot that far while hunting, however I am just trying to decide which rifle to put the scope on.

What do you think? Should I put the scope on the more accurate rifle with less power, or the more powerful rifle that is more accurate? Thanks!

 

[rclouse79]

I would go with the one that shoots the best.

 

[Flightmurse]

If you are wanting to shoot the ‘06 I would look at either different ammo or start reloading to see if you can squeeze some better groups out of the gun.

 

[rickjames80]

I agree with the above. The guns that group better are the ones I have more confidence in. Those are the ones I always pick to carry.

 

[N2TRKYS]

I’d find some 165 grain Partitions or Accubond ammo to try in your 30-06. Then reevaluate, cause I bet the accuracy tightens up.

 

[EastHumboldt]

Good on ya for realizing thats a biggish group on the bench and it will damn sure get bigger in the field. The above advice about trying different ammo is good advice. I’m a 30-06 fan myself. Whatever rifle you pick, take it out in the woods and see how you do with 200 and 300 yard shots off a stump or rock or using your pack for a rest before you even think about 400 yards. BTW I only hunt in the open mountainous west and my last four bucks were shot at ranges less than 150 yards. I’m very sneaky. I point this out to prove you don’t have to shoot 400 yards. In 25 years of hunting Ive never taken a shot that long.

 

[TheGDog]

May not be a good comparison since you're comparing those Power-shok's in the .308. Their BC isn't that great. Have you tried that .308 with like... a 168gr Barnes TTSX? I'm saying this because you mentioned how much more energy one had then the other at 400yds, and that's where things like Ballistic Coefficient and the heavier weight in grans would start to come into play, no? Low BC is gonna be scrubbing off speed at a faster rate. So in that instance sounds like more of a function of the chosen projectile/load.

 

[Kbhillhunter]

look for a 180gr class cartridge for your 308. With a premium bullet you can easily get to ~1500lbs at 400 yards. Federal Trophy bonded tip 180 expands out to 1600fps and at 400 yards should be cruising at 1960fps / 1536lbs

 

[hereinaz]

The energy difference means very little. Its bullet construction and placement.

Inside 400 yards the .308 will kill stuff just as dead as a 30-06. As long as the velocity is high enough, that's the trick.

 

[BRTreedogs]

But a 12" plate off ebay and go shoot in field positions.
See what rifle feels better to you in the field and what kind of hits you can make.

 

[Crghss]

Have you floated the barrel and bedded the action? If changing ammo doesn’t dial it in I’d try this next. Worked on my ‘83 Winchester 70. Got it way under MOA. Also added m.carbo spring to trigger. I’m an average shooter...

 

[EdP]

Most decent quality rifles today will give 3 shot MOA groups at 100 yds with good ammo, even better with tailored handloads. Work with the 06 and put the scope on it if you can get the accuracy you want. My vanguard 06 shoots good with 165s and better with 180s.