Roskoe

For some reason, out here in the West, the .308 is not very popular. Yet the 30/06 is a caliber you rarely hear anything bad about. They are so close, particularly with factory loads in the 150 and 165 grain bullet weights, that any advantage is purely conversational. And there are so many good tough 165 grain bullets available now for larger game such as elk that the .308 really gets a bum rap, IMO.

Or maybe its the age old campfire discussion where one hunter fetches a loaded round from his pocket - holds up his .308 round next to the other hunter's 30/06 and belted magnums - winds up feeling kinda inadequate . . . .

StrutnBPS

But wasn't that the whole point why the .308 was even made? B/c the 30/06casingwas too long and jammed insemi-auto rifles. So theyshortened the case and the .308 was born? If that is the case, why even comparethe size to a 30/06.

Steve F.in MD

Over the years I have owned three. A Ruger M-77, a Rem Mdl 760 and the H&R Handi Rifle. I like the caliber a lot. I wish I still owned the 760. I never could get the Ruger to shoot well.

Colonel

The .308 is very highly regarded and respected by those who are familiar with it. If I were restricted to owning only 1 rifle (is this a great country, or what??), it would be a .308. Many believe it is the most inherently accurate 30 caliber available. I began using it as a youngster, and came to appreciate it in the M-14, 7.62 NATO military round. I have used the .308in Alaska, Maine and a number of other places.

Gerry

alleyyooper

[&:] I wonder just what cal our family would have if they took away our 308's. From my brothers fire breathing dragon Remington 760 carbine to the longer barreled Remington 700 bdl I own and sisters Savage 99c, and my son in laws Ruger 77 308.
We have taken many a deer with different loads of powder and grains of bullets but keep returning to 3031 pushing a 150 grain mag tip.
Great cal in my books, I also would only have the 308 left if I could only own one rifle.

Al

300grains

A .308 is misunderstood and malplaced. It is in fact a REAL shortmagnum. And with great advantages for handloaders, burn much less powder than the .30-06 and gives same terminal performance as this 06. I have owned both but today when using my head I have a .308 again and no 06-guns. I load it with bullets from 100 grains (Lapua) to 220 grains (Sierra). My second rifle is a .375 HH. And with this combination I can hunt anywhere in the world. And I think that good shot placement I can manage 99% of my hunting. If big bears are in mind I am certainly as safe with my .308 than the other cartridge (06), but of course then I use my .375.

Dsquared

I agree. But you know how it goes when you are trying to talk the virtues of the 308 to fans of flat shooting belted magnums. Sometimes I feel like I am trying to herd cats when trying to have conversation with some folks about the 308.

I still have a pair of belted magnums, and they do work as advertised. Then I "stepped down" to a 270 Win at first; finding I did not loose a darn thing. Most shots 95% were under 200 yds. These days my deer rifle of choice is a Ruger #1 in 6mm Rem.

When I began looking for a rifle for my youngest son,I remembered the words of a couple friends who used the 308 with great success on mule deer. One in particular was a man whom I have a deep repect for, and the words he spoke about a 308 he once had and lost to a burglary. He "up-graded" to a 30-06, later a 300 Win Mag, but always said he missed his old 308 whenever someone showed up in camp with one.

All of this talk makes me feel a little guilty about looking into having a 270 x 300 Win Mag wildcat built. Maybe I ought to stick with what I got...

Don

Coyotestalker

I shoot a .308 and I never complained. Besides hunting, the .308 has proved to be one of the most versatile military/police cartridges out there. I wonder why after all this time they are still using the .308 as the foremost cartridge for anti-personal and hardscape targets going up to 1500 meters....Hmmmm, I will still stick with the .308.

popeye

Anyone who doesn't give respect to a 308 is just showing theirignorance.

Once at a local checking station, I did hear a guy say that he didn't think the 308 was a real hunting round. I'm not exactly sure about he's meaning. I just wrote it off as a stupid comment by someone who didn't know what he was talking about.
.

Brush hunter

I agree with popeye 100%, although I mostly pistol hunt I love taking the old Windchester 88 out on a good elk hunt.