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

[Cleftwynd]

Lmao @ Kelly! I use the 7mm 08 the most but looks like I need to buy a Barrett now ......

 

[Eagleye]

As many have so eloquently asserted, Magnums are not a requirement for North American big game.
Your 308 or 30-06 have and will continue to be seen in the hands of successful hunters for the forseeable future.

I have and shoot them all, from the 6mm Remington up to the 338 Win mag.
I like them all, but when I go hunting, what more often comes with me?

If it's deer on the menu, the 6mm, 260 Rem or 6.5x55.
For some deer hunting my 38-55 or 30-30 are my companions.

If moose are the target, the 7x57, 303 Brit or the 30-06 will more often than not be in my hands. [don't have a 308, but it would be included]
For elk in close quarters, my 30-06 or my 8x57 are great.

Only if I am chasing Elk in open spaces does a magnum get the nod. [Even then, the non-magnums would be sufficient 75% of the time.]

Regards, Eagleye.

 

[Splatter]

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 might be surprised how effective the 53 grain TSX is from my .221FB ;-)

 

[blasted_saber]

.308 killed moose and elk just fine 50 years ago.

Last i checked moose hadnt mutated body armour or steel plating. That would indicate .308 will kill moose these days.

New cartridges are introduced so gun companies can sell new rifles and make more money. That doesnt mean they're any better. The terms "reinventing the wheel" or "filling the niche no one cared about" can be used in regards to new rifle chamberings a lot.

 

[Cleftwynd]

Good point, so just pick from 30-30, 30-06, 303 Brit, 375 H&H, and a few Euro cartridges

 

[chappy]

i have always shot magnums prefering 7, 30 or 338. my hunting partner shoots an 06 his son 7 08. all the animals i have seen shot all die no matter what we are shooting. real world i like odd or wildcat calibres cause there more interesting. in reality i could hunt forever with my 308 but it would be boring.

 

[lilsurfer]

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.

What a great answer. This is very sound advice. The notion that anybody needs a magnum for anything but the largest of game is simply incorrect. The .308 is a fantastic round as is the 30.06. Seems to be alot of people these days who are under the impression that you need a cannon. There are many fine large calibers and they certainly have their place but they are in no way required. If you want a magnum then get one but don't ever start thinking that they are necessary for deer, moose, elk, or similar game.

 

[rookie wildcat]

Heres one for you.....


.303

A 170 grain in that puppy will kill what your talking about with no problems

This is the second time today that someone on here has referenced 170gn bullets for the .303. Where the hell are you guys getting them. Only ones I have EVER been able to find are 110gn, 125gn, 150gn, 174gn (which are match grade and usually not hunting ammo), and 180gn. With some digging around you can sometimes get some 200gn ones.

 

[pilot2001]

Ive posted this before and ill post it again ... If you need a good all around cartridge and your not hunting G bears i personally love the 300 WSM. Its basically a 30 06 in a short action. Great to carry little lighter with the short action and a 24 inch barrel is all you need. More than enough hitting power inside 600 yards but not to much either. If you want to shoot at paper a little more take the 308, the WSM is not that fun off the bench. But for a pure hunting cartridge the WSM has that extra wallap. I would steer away from the 06 just because the WSM has a little more to offer ... more modern. However i would rather see a guy hunting with an 06 over a 308.