.303 vs.308

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AGD68

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I would like to hear from anyone who's used both these calibers. Other than the joy of buying a new gun is there any benefit to packing in my 303 Brit for a .308 ? Say what you will an Enfeild in a tough gun. I do not normaly take a shot over 200-250 yrds.
 
The two cases [303 Brit & the 308 Win] have identical capacities, so that should tell you what the real difference is....zip! The limiting factor for the 303is the rifle it is chambered in [Lee-Enfields tend to be a bit "springy"], and some will bring up the fact that it is a "rimmed" case, which can be a detriment to feeding from certain magazines. In a front locking bolt action like the P14's, the 303 can be loaded to equal the 308 without any issues. I have a couple of these, and have found that 308 data works great. the .003" bullet diameter difference is a non-issue. One thing that will plague the reloader is the lack of a really good bullet selection for the 303 British, whereas the 308 has an endless variety available. The bottom line is, within 300 yards, no game animal can tell the difference of a 180 grain bullet at 2500 or 2650 fps. If your 303 is working well for you, keep using it. If you feel you need an upgrade, then buy what suits your fancy. Regards, Eagleye.
 
Lighter weight, more scoping options, way better bullet selection, stainless if you want it. You can always pack the .303 for a day or two if you want...
 
just get both, then you have options. If you feel like nostagia comin on, and want to whack a moose the old fashioned way, take the .303. If you want maybe a lighter rifle for a longer trek, then you can get a light .308 Why have only 1 when you can have two. I just like the variety I have now. I have a .22-250, a .243, .270, .308, .338, .444, so its nice having different guns to take out shooting to keep things fresh.
 
Everyone laughs at the 303 (myslef Included) I have three lee enfields SMLE 3,4 (mint) and a Parker Hale Refurb I got from my grandfather for my 16th B-Day, the latter of the three is the only rifle out of 'collection' I could never sell.....

Sentiments aside the 303 will do just fine, you are at a loss for any real options on bullet weights , 1 or 2 from the factory, and they will be 5-6 dollars a box more than 308 (federal fusion 308 vs remington/winchester 303) If you want to add some 'life' to your rifle try a 'butler creek' stock from Wholesale Sports, fits like a hot damn and looks pretty good as well.........:)
 
As far as liteweight some of the PH sporters are right around 7lbs and nice handling guns.If you are worried about weather resistance you can always have yours coated with one of the many weatherproofing products available.

I dont personally think there is enough dif between the two ballistically to say you would have a way better cartrige with the 308. I you want a noticable upgrade I would go a step further and get a 30-06.
 
Thanks for your input. I'm trying to decide if I want to lay out money on a new Stevens 200 or keep my synthetic #4 mk 3 and upgrade to a better scope.
 
Not much difference IMHO, but come to think about it the .303 uses a .312 dia bullet so it technically should provide a larger wound channel over the .308.

:)
 
Well - Its not necessarily the difference in the cartridge- as people point out, there is not much ballistic difference. But there is a big difference in the rifles you describe LE vs Stevens 200...

LE has detachable mag...
LE has iron sights..
LE can shoot heavier bullets...
LE was built to milspec quality...
 
cosmic said:
Well - Its not necessarily the difference in the cartridge- as people point out, there is not much ballistic difference. But there is a big difference in the rifles you describe LE vs Stevens 200...

LE has detachable mag...
LE has iron sights..
LE can shoot heavier bullets...
LE was built to milspec quality...
Click to expand...

LE shoots heavier bullets? how so? The only factory ammo you can readily get for the .303 is 150 and 180 gr..that's it... and milspec quality? are you saying that that's a plus here? The Stevens 200 is a great budget rifle and will do whatever you want...i'd pick up the stevens 200 .308 and be done with it..the LE is a robust rifle but the stevens 200 is plenty tough enough for everyday hunting and you've got a much wider selection of ammunition. The .308 is really all the rifle you need except for the largest bears possibly it will do everything you need.
 
watsknew said:
LE shoots heavier bullets? how so? The only factory ammo you can readily get for the .303 is 150 and 180 gr..that's it.
Click to expand...

For re loaders there are allot of options...Woodleigh make both 174gr and 215g grain bullets in .303.
As do others.

watsknew said:
and milspec quality? are you saying that that's a plus here?
Click to expand...

Oh hell yah! Personally I'd rather pass onto my future great grand kids an over built rifle that has proved itself in well over 100+ years of armed conflict then a chunk of tin can steel in a plastic stock cranked out on a budget.
 
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I've got both 303's and 308's and, really, I would not consider a 308 to be any real "upgrade" to the 303 (in hunting situations) if all you're looking at is the cartrige. If you want to upgrade your rifle, then that's a different story, you can't buy yourself a nice shiny stainless/synthetic .303 british with all the modern trimmings like you can with a .308. If you're looking for an actual downrange killing power upgrade, you'd have to go with a more significant change of cartridges, say a 300 win mag or a 35 whelen or something. No animal will tell the difference between 100 fps more or less with bullets of equal weight, which is what you are talking about with your 303/308 comparison.
 
Thanks everybody. I think I'm having a bit of post season new gun fever. The old LE is a tack driver and does fit well. I also like the fact that you can't seem to hurt one of these guns short of using it as a bat. Think I'm going to look at a new scope.
 
Maybe try a (budget) leupold rifleman scope, if you want to add some zip to your 'LE' find some one to reload for you and get some 'hot' 150 gr made up:D

PS......But always always consult a 'reload manual'
 
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