for the 6.5x47,is there much difference between an 8 twist and 8.5. I realize its going to vary between different bullets, but thats what working up loads are all about and what works best with the rifle.
Sorry disagree. 308 and 7mm-08 will give mediocre results a 500yds...even more so if there is any wind variance plus it's a boring round. 7mm Rem Mag, 26 or 28 Nosler will be a hell of a lot more accurate. I will concur that they will wear barrels quicker. He asked for an opinion I gave him mine.
A .308 would be an incredibly boring choice.
BUT.
"boring" does not mean bad:
* if you don't reload, there is a wide variety of *really* good factory match ammunition available, especially for the distances (500y and less) that the OP mentions. It's pricey compared to handloading, but this is a real advantage that a .308W has over practically any other cartridge
* if you do handload, it is boring-easy to make ammo that shoots really, really well. There are many well-known, boring ways to put together ammo that will shoot extremely well in anybody's .308.
* as a "medium-performance" cartridge, it has excellent barrel life. Any other cartridge you choose that has higher ballistic performance than a .308W, will be paying for that in reduced barrel life. That's not necessarily a bad or wrong thing, but that is the price that is paid.
I think that every shooter should have a good .308W in his quiver. If other cartridges interest you too, you should get them too.... but you really won't go wrong by also having a good .308W on hand.
A .308 would be an incredibly boring choice.
BUT.
"boring" does not mean bad:
* if you don't reload, there is a wide variety of *really* good factory match ammunition available, especially for the distances (500y and less) that the OP mentions. It's pricey compared to handloading, but this is a real advantage that a .308W has over practically any other cartridge
* if you do handload, it is boring-easy to make ammo that shoots really, really well. There are many well-known, boring ways to put together ammo that will shoot extremely well in anybody's .308.
* as a "medium-performance" cartridge, it has excellent barrel life. Any other cartridge you choose that has higher ballistic performance than a .308W, will be paying for that in reduced barrel life. That's not necessarily a bad or wrong thing, but that is the price that is paid.
I think that every shooter should have a good .308W in his quiver. If other cartridges interest you too, you should get them too.... but you really won't go wrong by also having a good .308W on hand.
Agreed.
There is little wrong with it when you consider the benefits. As mentioned, other calibers are great and sometimes better, but a 308 should be had by everybody for their "go-to" rifle.
I'd also like to make a very important note that I think is worth mentioning. EASIER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER.
308 is a learning caliber that becomes that favourite. Its relatively easy and cheap to shoot, low recoil, variable ballistics depending on loads, and teaches you things "better" calibers won't. If it's easy, you aren't learning. That's what I tell newer shooters. The challenge can't be seen as "oh this could be easier with a 7mm mag or a 6-6.5". It has to be thought as I'm stepping up the challenge to learn wind shots.
Using a 338 or 50cal will be great to shoot, but you want to shoot it at longer ranges. Same with "better" calibers. You want that challenge in the back of your head, be it 300, 500, 1000, 1500yards.
Locally, getting a safe range up to over a 1000y is quite difficult. For this reason 308 is the perfect caliber for myself. I'd love a 6.5ish type caliber eventually, but the 308 will always be with me.