I have to wonder something: what about the original 30.06 M1 are folks trying to get away from, by rebuilding as .308?
- Recoil in 30.06 is not bad at all (compared to an 03A3 that is)
- Surplus 30.06 seems more plentiful
- Accuracy (IMHO) would be a wash with iron sights
- Tanker? Buy a carbine.
I think I can provide some answers to your question as I have had standard Garands and Tanker Garands in both 30/06, and 308.
The main reason to get a 308 Garand is if many of your other
rifles are 308's. I learned to shoot High Power in a DCM class with a DCM Garand.
But when I bought my first Garand it was a 308, because my hunting rifle, my work rifles and my Sillhoute rifle were all 308's...
Then like ALL Americans should, I got my DCM Garand [now the CMP], in 30/06.
When the first assault weapons ban went into effect, I ordered a Tanker Garand in 308 from Roland Beaver [all Match Mods, with a Scout Scope, it is an excellent rifle]. I thought someday, a Garand may be the only[rugged] semiauto rifle a citizen can have.
While waiting for delivery I saw a fella at a Gun Show selling a Beaver Tanker in 30/06, so I bought it.
In shooting all of them side by side, I see no advantage of a 308 over the 30/06, except that the 30/06 Garand should not be shot with current factory hunting ammo, as it is loaded with a powder too slow for the Garand system.
So, just buy a bunch of the CMP ammo or the Federal or Hornady ammo designed for the 30/06 and load you own hunting ammo with powders from IMR 3031, to 4895, or no slower than 4064.
Most Garand experts say 4895 is the best.
I use IMR 3031 just because I have a bunch of it on hand.
I use proven Match loads just substuting a hunting bullet, starting low and working up, but my loads are not max, just good loads with long brass life and easy on the gun...
EVERYBODY should have a Garand. The CMP is a very good place to get one.
The Roland Beaver Garands I have shot have been excellent.
Just get a bunch of the 8 round clips, and if you are in a state that limits you to only 5 rounds when hunting with a semi auto just get a few of the 5 round clips, they work great.