Newbie caliber/hunting question...yes, another one but I had to put it out there...

clhdluke

clhdluke

Regular
Rating - 100%
45   0   0
Location
Calgary
Is the 308 dead as a hunting round... It seems nowadays that you either need a magnum of some sort or a dangerous game cannon just to step into the woods. I'm not a hunter, although I plan to get into it next season, but will a 308 or a 30-06 suffice for game up to an elk or equal beast...or is a magnum the way to go...I'm not going for a kodiak or water buffalo at this point...but I'm willing to spend a reasonable amount of money for a reasonable rifle that can cover most game available in south to mid Alberta. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
 
Go the sticky at the top of this forum or check the following:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...hould-my-first-hunting-rifle-be-thread-advice

The .308 has an established record for accuracy. While it may not be the biggest - fastest - most powerful, it does fill a niche for a huge number of shooters and hunters.

If you consult any loading manual the .30's can start with the 7.62 x 39 and proceed beyond the imagination of most.
 
The .308 is a fantastic round, and dont let anyone tell you otherwise. Dont buy into the magnum/ and or big cannon hype. I think if rocket launchers were legal, you'd see at least one knuclehead packin one though the bush ~ Just to prove he could "handle it"... And he would be SURE to have an argument on how great it was, due to the fact it not only killed game, but butchered it for him at the same time...

Generally the type that pack these monster Magnums, seem to be the type compensating for something else. (if ya get my drift) They are usually the same people that have an 84" TV, a truck that is just shy of Monster truck requirements, and a wife with more plastic in her than a lego set. (I'm not trying to stereotype, but this has been my experience ~ I'm not bashing Magnum owners... Just those that buy them so they can BRAG about their Magnum, and how much better it is... along with all the previously mentioned items)

I plan on getting back into hunting next year, and a .308 is #1 on my list to get.

My grandfather hunted his .30-30, and it sure as shoot put meat on the table.

Do magnums have their place. YES. Do you need one to hunt deer etc? Not at all. I know girls that hunt Deer with a .243 with great success. If you wanna get into Moose and Bear, then yeah, bigger wouldnt hurt.

Decide for YOURSELF, what you need. If you go into a shop and wish to buy a .308, and they say you need a magnum... walk out. Take your business elsewhere. If you've done your research, then "stick to your guns" no pun intended.

There's my 2 cents. Take it or leave it.
 
I feel quite adequately gunned with a cartridge of similar power to the .308, the .280 Remington. I do have interest in one magnum (.300 H&H) but more because of its cool factor than any other reason; I sure dont need it just to hunt moose.
The .308 and .30-06 class of cartridges still sell like hotcakes for good reason: they are powerful, relatively easy to shoot well, come in a plethora of rifle choices and ammo is easy to find, likewise with a good variety to choose from. In short, a very sensible choice, especially for a newer hunter.
 
I have a 270 win and a 338 Win mag and to be honest sometimes I wish I just had a one really nice 30-06. A 30-06 or 308 for that matter can be used with premium bullets for the same cost as many magnums. I'm a believer in premium bullets and feel that a lot of hunters gun up to the magnums when really they should be investing in good ammunition. I hunt deer and elk in the open country and moose in the bush. The only time I feel the 338 is really needed in when shooting elk at 200 plus yards.

Cheers G
 
Might I suggest a .470 nitro express instead?

Just kidding, go ahead and get one, good for anything from pronghorn to moose. Between the 308 and the '06 I'd pick the '06, but can't really give you a reason why. thats just me.
 
Heres one for you.....


.303
Removable mag so your not fumbling around trying to stuff them in an internal, its tough tryed and true
Get a sporter thats already got rings on it , or drilled already so your not messing up a nice milsurp( suckin up here);)
A 170 grain in that puppy will kill what your talking about with no problems.
I took my first moose with a .303 and if it werent getting worn to the point im unsure how many rounds its got left in it i would still be useing it.
That being said i bought a 300 win mag that in all honestly i dident need(but it got me useing a nice new scope)

So here you go , .303 in good shape , a nice scope and you got a tougher rifle than a lot of them for way cheeper(just make sure you get one with good headspaceing)


Oh and the .303 wont break your arm shooting it;)

Barring all that , A 30-06 is also a great choice with plenty of cheap ones to be found(that you dont have to feel guilty about scuffing up);)
 
Not dead, just boring, like the .30-06. They've got nothing left to prove, there's nothing new to say about them, and hasn't been for about 50 years. All the new magnums are just a way to sell more guns, and the large calibres are largely a way to stave off boredom and try something different. I'm hunting with a .308 myself this year btw.
 
The 308 can be loaded with anything from a 110 grain to 225 grain bullet (even lighter if you use sabots). There is nothing in North America that will not fall down dead from a properly placed 308 pill.
 
Magnums are not needed in north american hunting. They do have their place in long range shooting and if the hunter can handle the gun I'd never think twice about a buddy bringing one on a hunt. I prefer to get as close as I can to the animal and in ontario in the thick bush that can be done. I use shotgun, 50cal muzzleloaders, 2506, and 4570. I have both a 308 and 300wm but never hunt with them. Terrain and conditions will influence the choice most. If shots are to be long a flat shooting gun that carries a punch is best. If shots are 200 yards or less a standard offering is more then enough. What ever you decide make sure you practise with it. Shoot it often and from various positions. I'd prefer a 3006 over a 308 personally but a 308 is a very capable round
 
Great information, guys! I appreciate the positive feedback. The magnum mindset is becoming more clear for me now...if that's what you want to shoot then by all means, but if not it's okay too...each to their own. Cheers!
 
I hunt with a 7mm STW, a 325 WSM, a 7mm 08 and a 270 Win now but I once took a large bull moose at 425 yards with my Ruger m77 mk II chambered in 308. The 308 is pretty much equal to the 30-06 in factory ammo, is in a shorter action and quite pleasant to shoot. Don't let anyone tell you that more is required for anything at ranges of 300 yards and less.

The 308 will never die, just like the 30-06 and the 270 Win.
 
I have a Sako Finnlight in .308 and a Rem. 700 5R and love them both. You can get .308 in short actions which is nice, where as you need a long action for a 30-06 or .270 etc. Don't buy into that bigger in guns is better. Cheers Roscoe
 
I have bolt action rifles in 30-06, 308 win, 7wsm, as well as a laundry list of "milsurp" rifles. I hunt deer, and have been using the 308 the most. It has plenty of power, low recoil, and mine seems to have the same POI with different bullets I've tried(not so with my 30-06). It comes down to what you want to shoot with it.
 
Chambering choice is strictly based on comparison to manhood.

Take a measure then decide if you need a magnum or a pea shooter.

Here is an example.(measurements must be taken to in an un-flaccid state to ensure accuracy).

1" = 50 BMG
2" = 500 Nitro Express
3" = 416 Rigby
4" = 338 Lapua
5" = 300 WM
6" = 30-06 Sprg
7" = 308 Win
8" = 7mm-08 Rem
9" = .260 Rem
10" = .243 Win

You get the idea, everybody has an idea of what gets the job done, in both aspects. ;)


I am a fan of 7mm-08. :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom