Short answer: with the same bullet, the .30-06 is slightly faster and hits slightly harder: Hornady's 150 grain SST Superformance leaves a 24 inch barrel at 3,080 fps in .30-06 against 3,000 fps in .308, and carries 1,370 ft-lb against 1,287 at 500 yards, about 6% more. The .308 does nearly the same work from a case about half an inch shorter, which is why it fits short actions and semi-auto AR-10s; the .30-06 needs a long action. For an AR build, the .308 is the only choice of the two.
Side by side
| .308 Winchester | .30-06 Springfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Case length | 2.015 in | 2.494 in |
| Action | Short (fits AR-10s) | Long |
| SAAMI max pressure | 62,000 psi | 60,000 psi |
| 150 gr SST, muzzle (Hornady, 24 in) | 3,000 fps, 2,997 ft-lb | 3,080 fps, 3,159 ft-lb |
| 150 gr SST, 500 yd | 1,966 fps, 1,287 ft-lb | 2,028 fps, 1,370 ft-lb |
| Drop at 500 yd (200 yd zero) | -40.7 in | -38.3 in |
Figures are from Hornady's product pages (items 80933 and 81093), read 22 October 2026. Real velocity depends on your barrel length and the lot.
Is the .30-06 more powerful?
A little. With the same 150 grain bullet it runs about 80 fps faster at the muzzle and about 60 fps faster at 500 yards, and drops 2.4 inches less at 500. Its larger case holds more powder, which is where the extra speed comes from. For deer at normal hunting ranges, both are more than enough.
Why the .308 wins for AR builds
The AR-10 family is built around .308-length cartridges, so a semi-auto AR in this class will be a .308 (or a cartridge of the same length, such as 6.5 Creedmoor). There is no AR-10 in .30-06. See what is .308, the .308 ballistics chart and DPMS vs ArmaLite AR-10.
Which should you pick?
- .308 for an AR-10, a short-action bolt gun, or match shooting with a huge choice of loads.
- .30-06 for a long-action hunting rifle if you want the extra speed.
.308 and .30-06 ammo, with today's prices
Lowest price across the stores we track, per box:
Federal Fusion .308 150 gr, 20 rounds
Pros
- .308 hunting load, 150 grain
Cons
- .308 only
.308 hunting
Federal Fusion .30-06 150 gr, 20 rounds
Pros
- Same Fusion line in .30-06
Cons
- .30-06 only
.30-06 hunting
Federal Power-Shok .308 150 gr SP, 20 rounds
Pros
- Soft point hunting load
Cons
- .308 only
.308 value hunting
Federal Fusion .30-06 180 gr, 20 rounds
Pros
- Heavier 180 grain .30-06 load
Cons
- .30-06 only
.30-06 heavy
Hornady Superformance Match .308 168 gr ELD-M
Pros
- Match load, 168 grain ELD Match
Cons
- Match bullet, not for hunting
.308 match
Remington Core-Lokt .308 150 gr PSP
Pros
- Classic soft point hunting load
Cons
- .308 only
.308 hunting
Compare all ammo.
Frequently asked questions
Is .308 or .30-06 better?
The .30-06 is slightly more powerful with the same bullet; the .308 is shorter, fits AR-10s and short actions, and gives up little.
How much faster is .30-06 than .308?
With Hornady's 150 grain SST Superformance from a 24 inch barrel, 3,080 fps vs 3,000 fps at the muzzle.
Can an AR-10 shoot .30-06?
No. AR-10s are built for .308-length cartridges; the .30-06 is about half an inch longer.
Is .308 good for deer?
Yes. Hornady's 150 grain SST still carries 1,839 ft-lb at 300 yards from a 24 inch barrel. Check your state's hunting rules.
Can you shoot .308 in a .30-06?
No. Only fire the cartridge your rifle is chambered for.
