.308 Winchester vs .30-06 Springfield: Which Hunting Caliber is Best for Canadian Game?

.308 Winchester vs .30-06 Springfield: Which Hunting Caliber is Best for Canadian Game?

Last Updated: January 7, 2026

Choosing between .308 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield is one of the most common dilemmas facing Canadian hunters. Both cartridges have legendary reputations, proven track records on North American game, and widespread availability across Canada. But which one is right for your hunting needs?

This comprehensive comparison covers ballistics, game suitability, ammunition availability in Canada, recoil characteristics, and practical considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Quick Answer: Which Should You Choose?

Choose .308 Winchester if:

Choose .30-06 Springfield if:

The Truth: For 90% of Canadian hunting situations, both cartridges are more than adequate. Your choice often comes down to personal preference, rifle availability, and specific hunting scenarios.

Understanding .308 Winchester and .30-06 Ballistics

.308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO)

History: Developed in 1952 as a military cartridge, adopted for civilian hunting in 1954. Based on the shortened .30-06 case.

Case Capacity: 56 grains H2O Standard Bullet Weights: 150gr, 165gr, 168gr, 178gr Typical Velocities:

Effective Range: 300-500 yards for hunting applications

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

.30-06 Springfield (7.62x63mm)

History: Adopted by US military in 1906 (hence “06”), dominated American hunting for a century.

Case Capacity: 68 grains H2O (17% more than .308) Standard Bullet Weights: 150gr, 165gr, 180gr, 200gr, 220gr Typical Velocities:

Effective Range: 400-600 yards for hunting applications

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Ballistic Performance Comparison

Head-to-Head: 165 Grain Loads

Metric .308 Win (165gr) .30-06 (165gr) Advantage
Muzzle Velocity 2,700 fps 2,800 fps .30-06 (+100 fps)
Muzzle Energy 2,670 ft-lbs 2,872 ft-lbs .30-06 (+202 ft-lbs)
100 Yard Energy 2,400 ft-lbs 2,590 ft-lbs .30-06 (+190 ft-lbs)
300 Yard Energy 1,780 ft-lbs 1,950 ft-lbs .30-06 (+170 ft-lbs)
300 Yard Drop (200yd zero) -9.5 inches -8.5 inches .30-06 (-1 inch)
Recoil Energy 17 ft-lbs 20 ft-lbs .308 (-3 ft-lbs)

Analysis: The .30-06 provides 7-10% more energy at all ranges, with marginally flatter trajectory. The .308 offers 15% less recoil.

Practical Differences

At Hunting Distances (50-300 yards):

At Extended Range (400-600 yards):

Reality Check: A well-placed .308 bullet at 200 yards is infinitely more effective than a poorly-placed .30-06 bullet at the same distance. Shot placement matters far more than small ballistic advantages.

Best Canadian Game for Each Caliber

White-Tailed Deer (Most Common Canadian Big Game)

Both calibers: Excellent

Minimum Energy Required: 1,000 ft-lbs Typical Shot Distance: 50-200 yards

.308 Winchester: Perfectly adequate

.30-06 Springfield: Also excellent but slightly overkill

Verdict: .308 Winchester gets the nod for deer due to lighter recoil, adequate power, and better ammunition economy. However, .30-06 is a legendary deer cartridge and works beautifully.

Moose (Iconic Canadian Big Game)

Both calibers: Suitable, .30-06 has edge

Minimum Energy Required: 2,000 ft-lbs Typical Shot Distance: 50-300 yards

.308 Winchester: Adequate with proper bullets

.30-06 Springfield: Ideal choice

Verdict: .30-06 Springfield is the better moose cartridge. The extra case capacity allows heavier bullets with better penetration for these massive animals.

Elk/Wapiti (Western Canada Hunting)

Both calibers: Suitable, .30-06 preferred

Minimum Energy Required: 1,500-2,000 ft-lbs Typical Shot Distance: 100-400 yards

.308 Winchester: Adequate at moderate ranges

.30-06 Springfield: Better all-around choice

Verdict: .30-06 Springfield is the preferred elk cartridge. The extra velocity and energy become important on these large, tough animals, especially at extended ranges.

Black Bear (Popular Across Canada)

Both calibers: Excellent

Minimum Energy Required: 1,000-1,500 ft-lbs Typical Shot Distance: 50-200 yards

.308 Winchester: Ideal choice

.30-06 Springfield: Also excellent

Verdict: Tie. Both are perfectly suited for black bear. Choose based on what you’re comfortable with or if you’re hunting other game on the same trip.

Caribou (Northern Canada)

Both calibers: Excellent

Minimum Energy Required: 1,200-1,500 ft-lbs Typical Shot Distance: 100-300 yards

.308 Winchester: Perfectly suited

.30-06 Springfield: Also excellent

Verdict: .308 Winchester gets slight nod. The lighter rifle weight is appreciated in the demanding terrain of caribou country, and power is more than adequate.

Grizzly/Brown Bear (Defensive/Hunting)

Both calibers: Minimum acceptable, .30-06 preferred

Minimum Energy Required: 2,500+ ft-lbs (for safety) Typical Shot Distance: 50-200 yards (often much closer)

.308 Winchester: Minimum for grizzly

.30-06 Springfield: Better choice

Verdict: .30-06 Springfield is the better grizzly cartridge. However, many would argue both are light for deliberate grizzly hunting or backcountry defense. Consider .338 Win Mag or larger for serious grizzly country.

Ammunition Availability and Pricing in Canada

.308 Winchester Availability

Availability: Excellent across Canada

Common Loads Available:

Premium Hunting Loads:

Military Surplus:

Average Cost: $1.50-2.00 per round (hunting ammunition)

.30-06 Springfield Availability

Availability: Excellent across Canada

Common Loads Available:

Premium Hunting Loads:

Heavy Bullet Options:

Average Cost: $1.60-2.20 per round (hunting ammunition)

Availability Comparison

Factor .308 Winchester .30-06 Springfield Winner
Retail Availability Excellent Excellent Tie
Online Selection Extensive Extensive Tie
Surplus Availability High (military) Low .308
Heavy Bullet Options Limited Excellent .30-06
Budget Options More choices Fewer choices .308
Premium Options Extensive Extensive Tie
Rural Store Stock Always Usually .308

Bottom Line: Both cartridges are universally available in Canada. .308 has slight edge in budget options and surplus availability.

Recoil Comparison and Practical Shooting

Recoil Energy and Feel

Average Recoil (from 8 lb rifle):

.308 Winchester:

.30-06 Springfield:

Difference: .30-06 produces 15-25% more recoil depending on load.

What This Means for Hunters

For Most Shooters:

For Recoil-Sensitive Shooters:

For Experienced Shooters:

Canadian Winter Hunting Consideration: Heavy winter clothing dampens recoil significantly. The difference between .308 and .30-06 becomes almost imperceptible when wearing a parka and layered clothing.

Rifle Selection and Barrel Length Considerations

Optimal Barrel Lengths

.308 Winchester:

Velocity Loss: Approximately 25-30 fps per inch

.30-06 Springfield:

Velocity Loss: Approximately 30-35 fps per inch

Practical Implications:

Popular Rifle Models in Canada

Available in Both Calibers:

Tikka T3x ($1,000-1,400 CAD)

Savage Axis ($400-600 CAD)

Ruger American ($550-750 CAD)

Browning X-Bolt ($1,200-1,800 CAD)

Winchester Model 70 ($1,100-1,600 CAD)

Verdict: Rifle selection should drive caliber choice as much as the reverse. If you find a rifle you love, either caliber will serve you well.

Ammunition Economy: Reloading Considerations

Factory Ammunition Costs

Per-Round Cost Comparison (hunting ammunition):

Annual Cost (sighting in + practice + hunting = 60 rounds):

Reality: Factory ammunition cost difference is negligible for hunters.

Reloading Economics

Component Costs (per round):

.308 Winchester:

.30-06 Springfield:

Savings vs Factory: 40-60% for both calibers

Reloading Advantages:

When Reloading Makes Sense:

Equipment Investment: $300-1,500 for complete setup

Provincial Hunting Regulations and Caliber Requirements

Minimum Caliber Requirements by Province

Ontario:

Quebec:

Alberta:

British Columbia:

Saskatchewan:

Manitoba:

Atlantic Provinces:

Northern Territories:

Verdict: Neither caliber faces restrictions anywhere in Canada. Both exceed all provincial minimum requirements.

Practical Hunting Scenarios

Scenario 1: White-Tailed Deer in Southern Ontario Bush

Conditions: Dense hardwood forest, shots typically 50-150 yards

Best Choice: .308 Winchester

Reasoning:

Scenario 2: Moose in Northern Quebec

Conditions: Open bog and sparse forest, shots 100-300 yards

Best Choice: .30-06 Springfield

Reasoning:

Scenario 3: Elk in Alberta Foothills

Conditions: Mountain hunting, shots 150-400 yards, steep terrain

Best Choice: .30-06 Springfield

Reasoning:

Scenario 4: Caribou in Yukon Territory

Conditions: Tundra hunting, long carries, shots 100-350 yards

Best Choice: .308 Winchester

Reasoning:

Scenario 5: Multi-Species Hunt (Deer, Black Bear, Moose)

Conditions: Week-long hunt in central Canada, variable ranges

Best Choice: .30-06 Springfield

Reasoning:

Expert Recommendations from Canadian Guides

Northern Ontario Hunting Guide (25 years experience):

“I’ve guided hundreds of moose hunts. Both calibers work, but I prefer clients use .30-06 with 180gr bullets. The extra penetration matters on big bulls, especially quartering shots. That said, I’ve seen more moose recovered with .308 and good shot placement than .30-06 and poor shooting.”

Alberta Elk Outfitter (15 years experience):

“For elk, I recommend .30-06 or larger. The .308 works if you keep shots inside 250 yards and use premium 165-178gr bullets, but why limit yourself? The .30-06 gives you more options and confidence on that once-in-a-lifetime bull.”

BC Coastal Black Bear Guide (20 years experience):

“For coastal black bear hunting, .308 is my go-to. Lighter rifles are easier in the thick rainforest terrain. Bears aren’t hard to kill with proper shot placement. I’ve taken dozens with .308 and never needed a follow-up shot.”

Saskatchewan Whitetail Outfitter (30 years experience):

“Ninety-five percent of my rifle clients use .308 or .30-06. I honestly can’t tell the difference in field performance. Dead deer are dead whether shot with one or the other. Buy the rifle you shoot best, not what someone tells you is better.”

The Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

Choose .308 Winchester If:

✓ You’re primarily hunting deer and black bear ✓ You want a lighter, more portable rifle ✓ You’re recoil-sensitive or new to hunting ✓ You prefer shorter barrels (18-20 inches) ✓ You want more economical ammunition ✓ You plan to reload (less powder cost) ✓ You appreciate modern cartridge efficiency ✓ You hunt thick bush where range is limited

Choose .30-06 Springfield If:

✓ You’re hunting larger game (moose, elk) ✓ You want maximum versatility ✓ You prefer traditional American hunting heritage ✓ You need heavy bullet options (180-220gr) ✓ You hunt open country with longer shots ✓ Recoil doesn’t bother you ✓ You want one rifle for all North American game ✓ You value the extra energy margin

The Honest Truth:

Both cartridges have killed more North American big game than any others. The difference between them in practical hunting situations is minimal. Here’s what really matters:

Most Important Factors:

  1. Shot placement – Worth more than any ballistic advantage
  2. Rifle fit and comfort – Affects your shooting ability
  3. Practice and familiarity – Confidence matters
  4. Bullet selection – Right bullet for the game
  5. Shooting skill – Trumps caliber every time

Least Important Factors:

  1. Ballistic charts
  2. Energy calculations beyond adequate levels
  3. Velocity differences under 200 fps
  4. What your buddy shoots
  5. Internet forum arguments

Ammunition Recommendations for Each Caliber

.308 Winchester – Best Hunting Loads

For White-Tailed Deer:

For Moose/Elk:

For Black Bear:

Best All-Around Load: Federal Premium Vital-Shok 165gr Nosler Partition

.30-06 Springfield – Best Hunting Loads

For White-Tailed Deer:

For Moose:

For Elk:

For Large/Dangerous Game:

Best All-Around Load: Federal Premium Vital-Shok 180gr Nosler Partition

Frequently Asked Questions

Is .308 or .30-06 better for Canadian hunting?

Both are excellent for Canadian hunting. .308 is ideal for deer and black bear with less recoil and lighter rifles. .30-06 offers more versatility for larger game like moose and elk with heavier bullet options. For most Canadian hunters, either caliber will handle 95% of hunting situations.

Which has more recoil?

.30-06 produces 15-25% more recoil than .308, depending on bullet weight. In practical terms, .308 generates 15-18 ft-lbs while .30-06 generates 18-25 ft-lbs from similar-weight rifles. Both are manageable for most shooters, but recoil-sensitive hunters may prefer .308.

Can .308 kill a moose?

Yes, absolutely. .308 with 165-178gr premium bullets is adequate for moose at typical hunting ranges (50-300 yards). Many thousands of moose have been cleanly harvested with .308. However, .30-06 with 180gr bullets offers an extra margin of safety for very large bulls or non-ideal shot angles.

Which is cheaper to shoot?

.308 is marginally cheaper. Factory hunting ammunition typically costs $0.10-0.20 less per round. For reloaders, .308 uses 10-15% less powder per load. However, the cost difference is minimal for hunters shooting 40-60 rounds per year ($5-15 annually).

Which is more accurate?

Both cartridges are capable of excellent accuracy. .308 has a slight reputation advantage, partly due to its use in competitive shooting and as a military sniper cartridge. However, in hunting rifles, the difference is negligible. Rifle quality, scope, and shooter skill matter far more than caliber.

Is .30-06 overkill for deer?

No. While .30-06 provides more power than necessary for deer, it’s not overkill. Using appropriate bullets (150-165gr) prevents excessive meat damage. Millions of deer are taken annually with .30-06 with excellent results. The extra power doesn’t hurt, and the versatility for larger game is valuable.

Can I use military surplus 7.62 NATO for hunting?

Technically yes, but not recommended. Surplus 7.62 NATO (equivalent to .308) uses FMJ bullets that don’t expand properly for hunting. They’re illegal for hunting in most provinces due to inadequate terminal performance. Use hunting-specific ammunition with soft point or hollow point bullets.

Which has better barrel life?

.308 typically has longer barrel life due to less powder and pressure. However, hunting rifles rarely shoot enough rounds to wear out barrels. Both calibers will last 5,000-8,000+ rounds, which represents decades of hunting for most shooters.

What’s the effective range for each?

For hunting purposes:

However, most Canadian hunters shouldn’t shoot beyond 300 yards due to ethical and practical considerations.

Which is better for a beginner hunter?

.308 is slightly better for beginners due to:

However, .30-06 is also perfectly suitable for beginners who aren’t recoil-sensitive.

Real-World Success Stories from Canadian Hunters

.308 Winchester Success

Saskatchewan Whitetail (2023) “Took my largest buck ever at 175 yards with .308 and Federal Fusion 150gr. One shot, complete pass-through. The lighter recoil let me watch the hit through my scope. Deer ran 40 yards and dropped. Perfect performance.” – James M., Regina, SK

Northern Ontario Moose (2024) “Everyone said I needed .30-06 or bigger for moose. Shot a nice bull at 230 yards with .308 and Barnes 168gr TTSX. Bullet performed perfectly, bull went 15 yards. Shot placement matters more than anything else.” – Sarah K., Thunder Bay, ON

BC Black Bear (2023) “Hunting the coastal rainforest, my 20″ .308 was perfect. Lightweight, maneuverable in thick brush. Took a large boar at 80 yards with Hornady 150gr. Bear dropped instantly. Glad I didn’t carry a heavier rifle.” – Mike R., Prince Rupert, BC

.30-06 Springfield Success

Alberta Elk (2024)