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Paul B. · August 23, 2018, 06:09 PM

"Not only more velocity and greater energy 'oomph' (fps/fpe), but the '06 in hunting trim can push the heavier (200gn, 220gn) bullets faster. Try finding factory .308 hunting ammo loaded with 220 RN/SPs @ 2400+fps."

I have a better question. Where can you even find a box of 220 gr. factory ammo. I've been looking for just one for years to finish out a test I sarted several years back.

First, I'm somewhat doubtful a factory 220 gr. 06 load will do 2400 FPS. Bear with me. I was playing with a wild (?) idea and decided to see just what a .308 Win. could do shooting 220 gr. bullets. I used Winchester brass and WLR primers, W760 for the powder and carefully worked up the load in a Winchester M70 Youth Ranger I won in a raffle and restocked so it would fit me. Data was from one of those one book/on caliber books.

W760:
Start: 42.0 gr./2177FPS/42,000 C.U.P.
Maximum: 44.0 gr./2295 FPS/46,900 C.U.P.

I reached the posted maximum with no trouble and velocity was 2310 FPS. I also ran the load through a Ruger M77 RSI with 18.5" barrel and velocity was 2250 FPS.

I need a box of the 220 gr. 30-06 loads to chronograph to see if they actually do 2400 FPS or actually less.

My reasoning stems from a velocity check of 180 gr. .308 vs 180 gr. 30-06. The .308 averaged 2615 FPS and the 06 2630 FPS.

This kind of looks to me that at least in factory ammo using 180 gr. bullets the .308 and 30-06 are equal at least in my rifles.

FWIW, I also ran the 30-06 load through rifles with 24" and 26" barrels and the only time they came close to advertised speed was from the 26" barreled Ruger #1 at 2690 FPS. All speeds were five shot averages.
Paul B.

August 23, 2018, 06:09 PM	#22
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,802	"Not only more velocity and greater energy 'oomph' (fps/fpe), but the '06 in hunting trim can push the heavier (200gn, 220gn) bullets faster. Try finding factory .308 hunting ammo loaded with 220 RN/SPs @ 2400+fps." I have a better question. Where can you even find a box of 220 gr. factory ammo. I've been looking for just one for years to finish out a test I sarted several years back. First, I'm somewhat doubtful a factory 220 gr. 06 load will do 2400 FPS. Bear with me. I was playing with a wild (?) idea and decided to see just what a .308 Win. could do shooting 220 gr. bullets. I used Winchester brass and WLR primers, W760 for the powder and carefully worked up the load in a Winchester M70 Youth Ranger I won in a raffle and restocked so it would fit me. Data was from one of those one book/on caliber books. W760: Start: 42.0 gr./2177FPS/42,000 C.U.P. Maximum: 44.0 gr./2295 FPS/46,900 C.U.P. I reached the posted maximum with no trouble and velocity was 2310 FPS. I also ran the load through a Ruger M77 RSI with 18.5" barrel and velocity was 2250 FPS. I need a box of the 220 gr. 30-06 loads to chronograph to see if they actually do 2400 FPS or actually less. My reasoning stems from a velocity check of 180 gr. .308 vs 180 gr. 30-06. The .308 averaged 2615 FPS and the 06 2630 FPS. This kind of looks to me that at least in factory ammo using 180 gr. bullets the .308 and 30-06 are equal at least in my rifles. FWIW, I also ran the 30-06 load through rifles with 24" and 26" barrels and the only time they came close to advertised speed was from the 26" barreled Ruger #1 at 2690 FPS. All speeds were five shot averages. Paul B. __________________ COMPROMISE IS NOT AN OPTION!