I would mainly hunt white tail, but would have access to elk and possibly moose.

I see that a lot of police snipers use the .308. Why don't they use 30-06?

If any one can explain the differences, I would very much appreciate it.

These two cartridges are so close that I would suggest going with whichever you found the best deal on.

The .308 will typically give you about 6% less energy than a comparable 30-06 cartridge but will also have apx 20% less recoil. The reason the police tend to use this cartridge is the need for a very accurate cartridge and the .308 has won more long distance shooting matches than any other .30 cal bullet on the market.

Depending on the bullet you choose to compare you will notice the .308 will have apx a (1 to 1.5 inch) greater bullet drop than a similar 30-06 at 300yrds with both bullets sighted for a 200yrd zero.

In reference to the .308 and large game I would have no problem taking it hunting with confidence in it's abilities. If you should buy into the belief that deer sized game should be hit with at least 1000ft/lbs at impact and Elk sized game 1500ft/lbs you could easily use this cartridge out past 400yrds . There are several cartridges on the market for the .308 which will exceed 1500ft/lbs at 400yrds should you wish to hunt such game.

It is important to remember that 90% of the Deer taken each year are at distances under 150yrds and most Elk under 300yrds. There are far more long distance rifles in the woods each year than they are long distance shooters. When you start attempting to shoot for accuracy at distances past 300yrds you will realize the need to practice such a shot and most hunters rely on the claims of there rifles potential far greater than there own shooting skills.

I have chronographed several different factory loads in the .308 and 30-06 and have often found the difference to be 100fps or slightly greater . Please dont get me wrong a advantage is still a advantage but I would'nt start to claim it making one cartridge so much greater than another .

Most people will tell a difference in the perceived recoil of these two cartridges and tend to shoot the .308 slightly more accurately. If you are not afraid of the recoil you will keep yourself from developing the flinches. In the end shot placement will determine how effectively the game will be taken and not whatever benefits you might see in the ballistic tables.

If you wish to plink and practice you can still find surplus .308 ammo for as cheap as $5.00 a box of 20 and this can make for a fun afternoon without breaking the bank.

The .308 is a fine cartridge and one of my favorites but is in no way better than a 30-06.

There are benefits which it has such as a low recoil, mild muzzle blast and it works well in a short handy barrel. I found that as my years continue to pass by me that these features far exceed the minor difference found in the ballistics of these two cartridges.

The reason police snipers use the 308 is because the military established it as their sniper round years ago. However, I know for a fact that the Marines use the 50 BMG for picking off people at over 1,000 yards now. There's a guy in my office that had first hand experience with this.

Fact is both cartridges are excellent for the game you are describing if "you" do your part. It is correct in stating that the 308 does have less recoil than the 30-06. However, if you plan on being a one gun hunter, the 30-06 is hard to beat. You can get factory loaded ammunition from 125gr to 220gr. If you plan on hunting deer and ocassionally an elk or moose the 308 will do just fine. Most people cannot shoot over 200-300 yards accurately in field conditions. Either way, it's your call. If you can, find someone that has both calibers and shoot them. See what you think and prefer to shoot. It's your gun!