I've been wanting one of these guns for a long time for hunting in the northeast.  The thing that I'm hung up on is the barrel length vs. the available calibers.  I would like 30-06 but it seems as though the 18.5" barrel is just too short for the cartridge - reducing performance and turning the rifle into a flame thrower.  The compromise is .308 which might do better in the shorter barrel.



I'm looking for first hand advice from people that own one in either caliber, or that own one in a different caliber that I should consider.  The rifle will be for deer and possibly black bear.



Thanks in advance for any input.

Bump

Mine is an older tang safety .308. It seems to work fine. I don't recall any undue blast.

Nice deer!  
 

308 Win can do everything the 30-06 can! It was designed to replace the 30-06 and for use in a 20" barrel.

What bullet weight would recommend or woods hunting?  In the -06 I would load 180s, RNSP mostly.
 

I like Hornady 150gr SP Interlock.  I can get under 1 MOA with handloads if I do my part, the flat base projectiles are more accurate, and the SP tip will reliably expand out to 800 yds.







 
 
 
 
 

150 or165 Barnes

165 accubond