If .308 can shoot 130 grains, why do we need 243?
- Thread starter elker
- Start date
It also has a very low s.d.- sectional density, which can translate into poor penetration on game. Light for calibre bullets also shed velocity faster than heavier ones. Use the bowling ball/volley ball analogy: start both down the alley at the same speed and the volley ball likely won't even have enough speed left to reach the end of the lane, while the much heavier bowling ball knocks the pins down. The s.d. of a 100 gr. .243 bullet is roughly equivalent of a 165 gr. .308 bullet.
Your line of reasoning would eliminate most of my favourite cartridges.
There is an optimal bore diameter for best performance with any given bullet weight (length)... another analogy to illustrate the point would be the football vs the javelin... the accuracy and stability issues in this comparison are obvious... but every once in a while along comes a Joe Montana and throws the football like a javelin.
I would love to do that here but calibre size not KE is the determinate for killing varmints in NB. "No calibres greater than 23 are allowed outside the big game seasons".
I certainly agree, but I don't want either...
The .300 Win/WSM/Weatherby/RUM can shoot 130s too, why do we need a .308? I've got .308s and I can't think of one reason to take one hunting when there's a faster 30 cal around. The .308 is OK for a lot of things but it doesn't do anything better. Nothing. If it could, the same result could be achieved with reduced loads.
- Location
- Southern Vancouver Island
Amost all my rifles are .308 (except for some SKS's, AR's and some 22.lr's). By far it's .308's though.
I like the challenge of mostly using one caliber for different roles. A few different rounds can cover a lot of bases. Learn your drop data for each really well and it's not a big deal.
If I can't get it done well with a .308 it's time to add a .338 Lapua to the line up.
I like the challenge of mostly using one caliber for different roles. A few different rounds can cover a lot of bases. Learn your drop data for each really well and it's not a big deal.
If I can't get it done well with a .308 it's time to add a .338 Lapua to the line up.
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Hear hear. Rationally speaking all anyone needs is a .22, a 12g shotgun, and a centerfire... Doesn't really matter which one unless regs get in the way.
We also don't need a house, a wall tent will suffice, and we don't need beer, imported food, or even toilet paper. But some things are nice to have. As the perpetrator of a couple "one gun" threads, I'm thankful we aren't forced to settle for our basic needs. Hence my cabinet holds from .17 to .505 at any given time. Something about the spice of life...
- Location
- Central AB
The idea that 308 can do most everthing is probably fairly accurate. But for me I collect guns not based on what caliber they are, but for the historical significants of the actual gun. Caliber is almost irrelevant. My american Krags happen to be 30-40. My Enfields are 303. The MAS is 7.5 x 54 etc etc. All close to being an equivalent to 308win, but I wouldn't rechamber just to reduce the number of calibers I load for.
I guess that brings up the obvious question why anybody wants countless numbers of guns that essentially do the same thing. But I don't have time to ponder that, I need to get some 8 x 50r, 8mm Lebel, and 8 x 57 reloaded today.
I guess that brings up the obvious question why anybody wants countless numbers of guns that essentially do the same thing. But I don't have time to ponder that, I need to get some 8 x 50r, 8mm Lebel, and 8 x 57 reloaded today.
