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Bit of a story but I received a gun though inheritance along with a bunch of ammo (different types). I finally got a few minutes to look through what I have.

The gun is single shot bolt style (turn up, pull back). Stamped 308W on the side, assuming that's a 308 Winchester. Ammo includes 308 but, having become aware recently that a 357 can fire 38 special, I found myself wondering if any of the other ammo could be fired in my 308. After lots of googling, I see a lot of people arguing about 308 and 30.06 ammo and how they're similar and different. Of interest is that the cartridges are the same diameter but different lengths.

The question then is: Can the 308 Winchester fire the 30.06 ammo (because I have both)?

I've found nothing on this. Can anyone help me out?

Bit of a story but I received a gun though inheritance along with a bunch of ammo (different types). I finally got a few minutes to look through what I have. The gun is single shot bolt style (turn up, pull back). Stamped 308W on the side, assuming that's a 308 Winchester. Ammo includes 308 but, having become aware recently that a 357 can fire 38 special, I found myself wondering if any of the other ammo could be fired in my 308. After lots of googling, I see a lot of people arguing about 308 and 30.06 ammo and how they're similar and different. Of interest is that the cartridges are the same diameter but different lengths. The question then is: Can the 308 Winchester fire the 30.06 ammo (because I have both)? I've found nothing on this. Can anyone help me out?

10 comments

[–] ScorpioGlitch [OP] 0 points (+0|-0) Edited

Thanks for all that.

I allow and encourage myself to be completely paranoid when dealing with and handling guns. I assume that it can and will fire until it's taken apart to the point that it is mechanically impossible to fire. I don't care if I'm looking right at it and can plainly see that there is no round in it. As far as I'm concerned, there is. So when it comes to what a gun can do, I research like crazy and take my time.

For example, I have my conceal carry permit and am taking my sweet time about which gun I want to carry. I have a 25 auto but it's tiny and I'm too concerned about missing and hitting someone else so I won't conceal carry it. I have 2 357 magnums but those are a bit large and they have no safety mechanisms so I won't conceal carry those either.

[–] Owlchemy 0 points (+0|-0)

I've been doing guns and shooting since before I was a teen. The most important thing to learn is safety first.

Good luck on finding a good carry pistol. I carry a .380 ACP Ruger LCP. But since you're concern is a safety, that wouldn't work for you, they don't have one. IMHO, and that of many, it's an unnecessary luxury. You always consider any firearm loaded and you never place your finger near the trigger until you've decide to fire. But I can understand why you may want one. In your search, bear this in mind, many modern handguns no longer have safeties. And many do ... it's a personal preference kinda thing.