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.308
bullshot
Member Posts: 14,680 ✭✭✭✭
Why is this round so popular?
I see a lot of really nice rifles in this caliber.
"Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you"
Comments
I never really ever took to it but then I like the non popular stuff 30-06 is really the only popular chambering that I've taken a liken too
It's use by the military had a lot to do with it's popularity, as it did for the 30-06.
It's also very accurate (in proper platforms), is a short action round leading to slightly lighter weight rifles, and has sufficient energy to hunt most game on the North American continent.
I think it is so popular, because it can take almost any North American game animal down, with no problem. The first Rifle I ever hunted with, was a Winchester model 88 in 308. That set me off on the path of collecting and falling in love with the model 88. That gun kicks me like a mule on steroids, but I love her.
I'm with you on the less than popular stuff. I no longer own an 06' but will confess to having a .308. It is one of the last of the New Haven mod 70 Featherweights. Not sure why I bought it and it is still NIB. Never had any desire to shoot it and there it sits. Guess I wanted it because at the time it looked like Winchester 70's were going to go extinct and I didn't have a featherweight in the collection. Cartridges like the .257 Roberts, 6.5 x55, .280 rem and the good old 7x57 hold my attention more than the .308. Bob
In for the giveaway!!!
Sometimes the stars just align right. Case capacity and shape/size, along with bullet diameter some times just make things happen, and are very forgiving. The 243 is another example, being a necked down 308, but you can't forget the triple deuce either.
Because it will handle just about any shooting job you need to do. Plenty of power, very accurate, ammo is very available, etc.
As bad a shot as I am,I can still do pretty impressive groups with a 308.
I started out with a .30-06, and never saw the need for a .308 (although I have owned and shot .308s). The .30-06 will do everything the .308 will do, only better except work in a short action rifle.
While it's still used by the military to an extent, I think it's mainly just a sniper round for them now. The military using 5.56x45 contributes to popularity there I think, but from there each has grown for the lighter recoil because the American population over time seems to have become allergic to recoil or something. And I think the popularity at this point may be feeding itself....manufacturers prioritizing the popular cartridges, and new buyers who don't know much about guns purchasing whatever everybody else is using because the ammo is everywhere.
As for me though, I still run a 30-06 or 30 WCF before the 308/7.62x51 any day. More of a legacy behind them, ya know?
I never saw a need to own or use anything bigger. Bought my first centerfire rifle in .308 back in 1974, and still have it today. Converted another one to .25-308 because I couldn't find a 250 Savage anywhere. Both great rounds.
Fits in a short action which a lot of shooters like because of the reduced weight of the rifle and a slightly stiffer action, It's a 30 caliber which has always been americas favorite, Is close ballistically to the venerable '06 and is capable of taking all North American game except the really large bears. A fine all around caliber that does the job very well.
I have 2 .308 rifles that I bought for that special time when all heck breaks loose. And I've loaded a lot of ammo for them.
Joe
Does an AR-10 count, or M1-A?
The .308 is a fairly powerful and effective rifle round BUT has limitations. A .308 bullet long enough to be long range stabile is heavy and needs a longish barrel to get 'out there'. Physics say that the .308 isn't much lower recoil than 30/06 so not really much gain in that category.
I've used a .308 for some long range work and it does poke holes in stuff way out there if held right. Unfortunately, there are other (more modern) cartridges that push more capable bullets at long range with less recoil. On the range or in the field, similar ranging ability with lower recoil is almost always a good thing.
At times, ammo availability is a factor. .308 is almost always available.
Because it can do most of what 30.06 can do and it is a short action and military round so surp is available.
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
I own an M1a National Match by Springfield Armory. It is more accurate than I am.
I have a Browning BLR 81 and a Savage 99 in .308
I always thought one can buy the ammo pretty much anywhere if you forgot to pack it.