.223 vs .308

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Sorry if this is a repeated thread, but I couldn't find any in my searches. So anyways.

My main question is which one do people prefer more, purely for paper targets. No varments to be killed by me. But why do you choose that?

Is one more accurate than the other? If I'm not mistaken these are the two most common rounds used for precision shooting.. correct?

Any pros and cons to both is greatly appreciated.

And last thing (for now) ... I know its going to vary depending on tons of things but what are the cost differences of reloading either one compared to buying? The reason I ask is because I like the sound of .223's cost... but .308 looks like way more fun to shoot.

Gun in mind is rem 700 varminter sf.

Thanks
 
They are the two most common calibers in F/TR shooting, because they are the only two calibers allowed in F/TR. In F-Open you can use basically whatever you want up to 8mm or something, but the 7mm calibers seems to be the latest and greatest.

Basically you are right, the 223 is cheaper (but mostly only because you use less powder, the rest of it is pretty much the same cost ie. brass bullets etc), and probably a little more finicky to reload, but it's no less accurate than a 308. I know of several people who shoot a 223 in F/TR and shoot it very well (mostly with 77,80 and 90 gr bullets). The 308 is awesome because it's very well known how to make it shoot, easy to get, and less finicky to reload.

Only thing about shooting the 223 at long range is you need a fast twist barrel 1 in 8 or 1 in 7 to shot those heavy bullets. A 1 in 12 twist in the 308, which is common, will shoot most bullets up to 210gr.

Bottom line is that it's basically personal choice because you can make them both shoot well at all ranges up to 900m.
 
Ballistically they are pretty much identical. 308 has way more recoil and that creates bad habits. It is more expensive to feed and it is harder (than a 223) to shoot accurately.

I would personally suggest the 223 to start, but it's your dime. Buy what YOU want because this will not be your last gun. Some lessons are best learned first hand, so don't sweat it.
 
Really it doesn't matter mate because as soon as you start shooting the tiny little targets at long distance you are going to want another rifle anyways! ;)
Seriously if I were going to build another gun the .223 in combo with those new 90 grainers has some serious potential for a little less money.With that said I do love shooting my .308!
 
I love my .223's. I wouldn't be without one (2 currently). It's great! Cheap to feed whether it's handloads or factory. I love that part, .224 SMK's are about 2/3 the price of .308 SMK's (last time I picked some up anyway). If you bring a friend to the range you can buy dirt cheap ammo from Russia or Serbia and let them bang away with them and save your handloads for you. Yes you can find surplus 7.62 NATO dirt cheap most of the time, but you can walk into any well stocked gun store and find cheap, .223/5.56 all the time. The lack of recoil is a real plus as well.
 
Longshot said:
Really it doesn't matter mate because as soon as you start shooting the tiny little targets at long distance you are going to want another rifle anyways! ;)
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Be very wary of these words, they will haunt you over and over and over again! :D
 
.223 is accurate and cheap to shoot.

.308 as well is accurate and cheap to shoot. The .308 is easer to hit targets at greater distance. Just Comes with more recoil
 
Okay thanks! So now I have to ask... my understanding of f class was that it was long range. So what's the diff between "f" and "tr?" Just the calibre allowed?

But back on topic.. I have never shot .308... but I do love recoil. Makes you know you've caused some damage :D haha. But what bad habits come from it? I'm not a rich kid by any means so I would like to buy one rifle and keep it for a few years, rather than buy and sell till I get it right.

Also, is it true that reloads end up costing half of what you'd pay at a store?
 
Ftr requires either a .308 or a .223.F open you can shoot just about whatever you like.
Bad habits can include anything recoil induced basically ie flinching etc.
The average 308 uses around 45 grains of powder.The average 223 uses under 30 grains.Therfore you get more reloads out of one lb of powder when reloading 223.
100 308 matchkings are about $40.100 223 matchkings is about $25 or less.Makes a difference over time and volume!
 
Longshot said:
Ftr requires either a .308 or a .223.F open you can shoot just about whatever you like.
Bad habits can include anything recoil induced basically ie flinching etc.
The average 308 uses around 45 grains of powder.The average 223 uses under 30 grains.Therfore you get more reloads out of one lb of powder when reloading 223.
100 308 matchkings are about $40.100 223 matchkings is about $25 or less.Makes a difference over time and volume!
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I don't shoot as often as I would like to, so those prices aren't very offensive. Thanks a lot for the numbers there; exactly what I was looking for. I have to be honest and say after seeing your numbers i might go .308. Ive got a .22, and an sks. So I can use those to work away a flinch correct? I know 7.62 is 308, just not sure about case size diff and powder diff etc. Hope I'm not making an ass out of myself here
 
Sign up for an Ontario Rifle Association "Intro Day". You can do this by visiting the ORA website http://www.ontariorifleassociation.ca/

For best results at long range 800-1000 yards with a .223 you will need a fast twist barrel and heavy (80 or 90 gr) bullets. 69 gr bullets will also work but get pushed around a bit more in the wind.

If your rifle is a Factory rifle regardless of caliber you will fit into the F(M)anufactured class here in Ontario.

Buy whatever .223 you want, then upgrade to a fast twist match barrel as your skills improve and you bank account allows.
 
Biggest problem with 223 is that sooner than latter they will not find your hole on the long range target and it will cost you 5 points with a miss. Just last weekend with a 7mm I took two misses at 900m with the next shot to be a 5 with no sight changes, two 15 round targets. It was practice and I did not waste time to challenge the misses although I sure would if it had been a match! The bigger hole of the 308 certainly helps the markers!
 
Like many have said...it all depends on intended use.
I had a Rem Tactical SPS .308 and shooting it at paper @ 100yrds. Decided it was overkill so I sold it and bought the same rifle in .223 Less recoil but still fun to shoot!
Now I bring one cal(.223) to the range for both my bolt and AR. If my bolt took .556, I'd be buying that.
 
johNTO said:
Like many have said...it all depends on intended use.
I had a Rem Tactical SPS .308 and shooting it at paper @ 100yrds. Decided it was overkill so I sold it and bought the same rifle in .223 Less recoil but still fun to shoot!
Now I bring one cal(.223) to the range for both my bolt and AR. If my bolt took .556, I'd be buying that.
Click to expand...

pssst... your .223 bolt rifle can shoot 5.56 NATO.
 
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