.223 or .308 for Target Shooting

It all depends on what your definition of "precision rifle" is and what you want to use it for. For classic "hog" busting the .223 is the way to go (although there are a number of other calibers that will fit this bill -long list but I will stay within the confines of the two cartidges you mentioned previously). Low recoil, relatively cheap and good to approx 300 yrds (shooter dependant).
If you are looking to get into the long range game the choice becomes painfully clear - .308
Yes the .223 has been used sucessfully out to 1000 (I have used it and know a number of folks that still do) with 80 grn bullets, but to get the 80's to stabalize consistently at 1000 you need a 1/7 twist bbl. Further most fullbore rigs have bbls 28-30" long which are not present on factory rifles.
Since the DCRA has went to handloads the use of the venerable .223 has diminished dramatically out past 600 yrds and the .308 reins king. Keep in mind this is in the TR class where your only choice is .223 or .308
Assuming you want to get into the F-Class game there are better choices - 6 mm comes to mind.
Bottom line - get the rifle which best suits the type of shooting you intend it for, use it often, have fun and put many rounds down range
 
got my medalist today..........

ebruder said:
Carlos,

Let us know what you think of that medalist stock... I am considering one for my 12 FV (which shoots .223 really well)

I am another supporter of .223 especially if you are starting out. You won't be shooting at super long distances, and it's a great round to shoot lots of and really learn... once you've mastered the .223, and you feel that you want to stretch it out... then consider another rifle...

Savages are great rifles by the way.
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oh man, it looks feels/looks so good. my savage looks very brutal, handsome whatever you want to call it. its a reborn savage. it cost me $352 plus tax but its worth it. i wish i had a digital camera to show it. one of these days, i'll get one. by all means get it, don't get the std stock(10fp std). i hate to step on toes, but they don't look/feel good. savage rifle all the way...........
 
223 precision

Seems like there are Nutz all over the place. Vancouver is where my gunsafe lives. Been shooting out at Mission with some buddies. Guess I should join up and become legal. Nice place. Had a visit from a bear last time out. If he only knew...
 
I have to agree with the remarks about a .22 Lr. A very wise old guy ( Spanish Civil War vet) told me if I wanted to be a really good shot, I should take my targets back to 200 yds with my Brno. I didn't even know you could hit a target at 200 with a .22! He said it was about the same as hitting at 1,000 with a centrefire, but since I already had the gear I could afford to do it! Those kinds of ranges really change your outlook on shooting at distance. (and yes the Fed bulk is as good as Gold Medal in my rifle)
 
Long time ago I had the same question, .223 or .308 for target...???
I went with .223 as a beginner....it was a wise choice....
so, go with .223 and later take .308...
Cheers
 
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Just for the sake of being contrary, I'll got with a 308.

For the simple reason that once you get past 300 or so yards, it gets tough to tell whether you're ringing the gong or not. There's not much energy left to make that gratifying 'thwang' sound, or swing the gong.

Last time I was out at Gennessee, I was shooting my 7mm08 at the gongs downrange, and the others were using small bore stuff. They pretty much had to visually confirm their hits, while mine just went "THOK!!!" and got the gong a-swinging
 
I am in the same boat as you Guff, I have a wife and kids at home to think about so I went with the .223 and can afford to go to the range every now and then! I still have yet to put 200 rounds through it though!
 
I have the Savage BVSS in .223, but only because I have another precision rifle in a more powerful caliber for longer range shooting.
If I could only have one, I would go with the .308.

The Savage BVSS stock may look more clunky than the Savage low profile, but from a shooters perspective it is ergonomically the better of the two. The grip of the BVSS is more vertical and is better suited for prone target shooting, while the low profile is angled more like a conventional sporter rifle.

I would also suggest you buy a set of reloading equipment. Even one of the Lee beginners sets will allow you to produce ammo that is more accurate and cheaper than anything in the store.
American Eagle and Precision Rifle do not belong in the same sentence.
 
pilgrim said:
Long time ago I had the same question, .223 or .308 for target...???
I went with .223 as a beginner....it was a wise choice....
so, go with .223 and later take .308...
Cheers
Click to expand...

Get both calibers in Savage 10FP & you won't be disappointed...If you do get the .308 in McMillan or Hs-Precision & if you really don't want the .308, you can always swap stocks & get a .223 HS or McMill...And sell the .308 but you don't have to do that of course. :p
 
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