Is the popularity of the 308 cartridge going down??

I have a 308 and a 30-06. Not too much in North America I cant kill with either of them. I could own lots of WSSMs or Super Magnum flavor of the month but when it comes down to it if you dont know what you want get a 308. Safe choice. If you cant kill it with that then its likely either a damn big elk, grizz, or a bison. Yeah I would use something else there. Got a long bore 45/70 for the stuff that might decide I was something to eat.
 
If you want to look at a decline in chamberings, just look to see how many WSM, WSSM calibre guns are being offered. 270, 300, 325wsm are still strong, but the WSSM seems to have lost steam quick. The 308 is hear to stay you can bet on that. I don't think the demand for ammo and brass is going to decline much in my lifetime. The 30-06 is another example of a calibre that will not die.
 
The 308 is simply the best caliber, you never have to many 308 and all are extremelly accurate, myself tried an TC Icon 308 wheatershield this year at the range and with cheap winny sp 150 grs, this rifle would not shoot over one inch, imagine with a tailored handload the potential is .3 all day. I will buy one this week... JP.
 
Two calibers are kind of perfect... The 308 and the 44 mag, i never have enough rifles of these two calibers... JP.
 
Jack of all trades, master of none

There are 2 parts to this question:
  1. 7.62x51 NATO will live on for another 50 years since it's simply an optimized, more accurate, easier feeding 30-60,
  2. 308 Win very slowly fade away since it's the Jack of all trades, master of none
A great caliber is always great but it can lose popularity.
Nobody shoots 303 British at my shooting range anymore but it's still one of the greatest military cartridge.

Alex
 
My new TC Icon Wheatershield in 308 is on it way home, i am doing my best for the 308 not to decline this is the fourth one added to my safe, i am going to reload tonight O sweet 308... JP.
 
Loved my Icon WS 308 so much, i went and buy a TC Precision Hunter 308 the same week, i told you there is no such thing of having to many 308... JP.
 
JasonYuke said:
10-4

7.62x52 nato is hear to stay.

Not the most powerful not the most flashy but so proven. moderater recoil that can throw accurate 155 to 180 gr projectiles out with effective horsepower.

Ya its here to stay.
Click to expand...

Its 7.62x51 NATO. Just sayin.
 
I think it is growing bigger among shooters they realise they dont need anything else for extreme accuracy a resonable recoil and with super choice of bullets... JP.
 
If the demand is going down is it probaly because the number of Hunters in Canada is declining?

It has established itself as a Go To cartridge for most applications of Canadian Hunting(The .308 Does it all). I see the average guy getting into Hunting, declining and the die hards who hang on already have a .308 or two and probaly want to try something newer. Spice of life, but a change in necessity alone is unwarranted.
A young man at work just told me of the Parker Hale sporter in .303Brit he just bought to go deer Hunting for the first time this fall and I started to say well thats good but.........cut myself off and said well when youre ready I'll take you out to the range and show you how to shoot that thing! Just glad to see someone new come onboard. I remember 35 years ago with 4 to 5 young guys piled into a nova or Maverick, toting single shot shotguns, bubba'ed Enfields, and whatever they could get their hands on, beating the woods all day. I miss those unknowing drivers these days when I'm sitting .....LOL.
When I drive the woods today I usually see Guys around my age or older in their new 4X4s with all the toys but I feel we are the last of a generation. Will it turn around?
 
I got one 300 mag, one 7mm, one 250-3000, one 30-06, one 243, one 257 whet, 5 44mag, one 338 LM, 3 SKS, one Mosin, one SVT, one 303, one 7mm STW, 4 22 lr, 3 223, one 22-250, one 220 swift, one 444, 2 45-70, one 30-30, one 45 lc, one 25-06, 2 357 mag, and a lot more but most importly i have 11 308... Now you know what is my favorite caliber and i have a twelve ( M-77 Scout Ruger ) and thirteen (Steyr Scout ) on order, You may have guess i like that caliber... Cheers. JP.
 
That is an impressive collection, I hope I can get to even half that number someday. You should do a review/comparison between the Ruger and Steyr when you get them. I'm guessing the Steyr will be a little nicer all around, but at over twice the price it'd better be(I'd own it though, if I could afford it). It'd be interesting to see how close the Ruger is to the Steyr, looks like a neat rifle that is likely more in the ball park of most people price wise. Enjoy your new rifles!!
 
I already own a Steyr Scout 308, i love it so much and this one is my hunter, i want to buy a second one for the range only, those rifles are something Now if the M-77 Ruger is on par with the Steyr and it might be i will be very happy, they make good products... JP.
 
my only problem with the 308 is I can't decide which rifle to order it in!!!

If not the new ruger scout or some kind of compact rifle... I think I will holding out for some kind of non restricted black rifle. (other then the new Kel tec)
 
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