What wouldn't you do with a .308 Winchester?

Chuck

Chuck

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I often find there is a lot of discussion about distinctions between cartridges that are ideal and those that are appropriate but less than ideal. The .308 is a very useful cartridge that is totally without drama in hunting circles.

In my own case, I hunt deer in farm fields with a .270 Winchester with a 26" barrel because it shoots a bit flatter. For everything else I use a .35 Whelen. The only .308 I currently own is a 12 gauge/.308 combination gun that I like to carry during walks in the bush when I'm after grouse but have an unfilled black bear tag.

So here's my question, what whouldn't you be content to do with a .308 even if you prefer other cartridges?
 
I ran a 308 for a while and used it for deer at ranges out to 350 yards with 150gr ballistic tips. It worked great.

For bigger animals at those velocities wya tougher bullets are required and I find that tough bullets like more velocity. I would shoot a moose or elk, but don't think it's ideal.
 
With a range finder, and a known trajectory, there is very few N. American game animals that a 308 cant effectivley take this side of 450yds.

Would it be a good choice for big nasty stuff that bites back, well maybe not, but it is a lot more on those critters than your 35mm camera.:D
 
I bought a new rifle in 308, and my old one is 30-06. I don't expect any real world difference. I chose a short action b/c it shouldered and cycled a little quicker, and I wanted to try one. Maybe if I ever hunt a grizzley bear I would need a big caliber, but I'm sure it has enough for most other game. IMO a heavy enough bullet and a good shot are far more important than caliber.
 
So if an arrow through the lungs of any animal will kill it very shortly.
Why would a 30 caliber 150 grain @ 2800 FPS not do the same thing?
Also 150 grn@2800 FPS cannot tell what cartridge it was fired from
308, 30/06, 300 Win Mag, 308 Norma, etc-etc-etc.
It is the shooter in the real world not the rifle or caliber
A LOT of elephants were shot with 7x57 also E. O'Conner (Jack's wife) shot just about everything with a 7X57 including her Tiger.
Snipers are using the 308 up to 1000 yards and their targets shoot back.
Don
 
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I told my dad I wanted a nice heavy Remington or savage .308 for shooting things, fairly far, very accurately. He could not figure out why I wanted a 308 rifle and he hunts with a 7mm Rm and wants a 30-06.

Why wouldn't I want another rifle? especially in a capable and accurate cartridge.
 
I wouldnt feel comfortable going after a coastal brown bear or polar bear with one...although Im sure it'd work well if loaded with a 165 X bullet or 180 partition
 
I can and do use one or the other of my four .308's for most anything I hunt. But I also have specialized rifles - 25-06 antelope rifle, .35 whelen Elk rifle, a .222 for Coyotes, and a 45-70 for bear. And if I can't make up my mind I use a 16x16/7x57R drilling. They all work, if I shoot a good bullet straight.
 
I don't know what it is about .308 that keeps me away from it. I know it's perfectly good for everything like you say, but I just keep going to other calibers for some reason.
I just bought a 300 WSM as my do all hunting rifle in fact even after looking seriously at .308 and weighing everything I just couldn't do it. Weird, eh?
 
proonur said:
I don't know what it is about .308 that keeps me away from it. I know it's perfectly good for everything like you say, but I just keep going to other calibers for some reason.
I just bought a 300 WSM as my do all hunting rifle in fact even after looking seriously at .308 and weighing everything I just couldn't do it. Weird, eh?
Click to expand...

probably becuase like the 30-06, the 308 is a bit boring...

Gets the job doen and a good cartridge for sure, just not ###y.:p
 
Gatehouse said:
probably becuase like the 30-06, the 308 is a bit boring...

Gets the job doen and a good cartridge for sure, just not ###y.:p
Click to expand...

Sort of like the 375 Ruger!:D
375 Ultra....Now there is a ###y cartridge!:p


Personally I never understood the 308 for hunting.
Its not that it doesn't work it is just that there are so many better choices available.

The best 30 cal bullets (180gr good - 200gr better) are too heavy for the little fart. In my books this makes it a poor over all selection for larger game....Especially when there are so many other better choices available.

The 6.5's 7mm's or the 270 kick less and have all the power and range needed for any deer.
 
I hunt with a .30-06 because that is what my rifle was chambered for. If it had been a .308 it would not change things for me for what I do. I don't think it makes a great deal of difference what standard cartridge you have as long as you like your rifle.
 
Let's face it, there are few hunters out here going after the big bears and everything else including moose, caribou, deer, black bear easily fall to the 308. It's relatively mild recoil in usually a little lighter, shorter actioned rifle makes it perfect for the average hunter and any game he will ever face. In terms of powder efficiency, it scores very high for the reloader "on the cheap side". There really isn't anything it can't do fairly well and with it's military origins it will be around forever long after all the wizzbangs will have faded into obsolescence. Heck, it's almost as good as a .30-06!:p:D
 
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