308 Accuracy - Short Range?

[Phil3]

I bought a Howa barreled action with large bolt face, but the actions only come with a barrel. I had a choice of 22-250, 243, or 308. I got the 308 in heavy varmint. I had intended to remove it and replace with an aftermarket in 6.5x47, but I may just shoot the 308 for a while. My question is how accurate is the 308 at short range? Good, pretty good, excellent, or...? I am not expecting it to be 6mmBR accurate, but if the 308 can shoot under 1/2 MOA, I'd be happy. I know the stock barrel may not deliver that. Unfortunately, I am limited to a max of 200 yards, and most of the time, to just 100.

If wondering why I want the 6.5 x 47 with a 200 yard max range, I have no good reason. I just want it. And in the future, I just might have a chance to shoot out to 1000.

Thank you.

Phil

 

[mao0720]

I have shot many sub 1/2 MOA groups and a few sub 1/4 MOA groups from several 308 win rifles at 100 and 200yds. I always shoot prone from a bipod, so from a rest I probably could have done better. The accuracy potential is there with 308, the hard part will be controlling recoil. I suspect that is why you dont see 308 win at short range BR matches. Too much gun for the game. That being said, you can load light bullets in a 308 like the 125gr and even the newer 110gr bullets that were designed for the 300blk. These should reduce recoil quite a bit, and its not like you need high BC bullets for 200yds. 308 win is the spoiled child when to comes to component choices and availability. I say try the 308 and see what it does for you.

 

[DennisH]

Phil, I can send you several target pictures of my 308's. All are within 1/2 MOA. Just do your part. The factory barrel is definitely worth giving a try. I have had several that shot the same with factory barrels. Any good factory round should do the job. I have tested about all of them, and the $22 box ammo shot just as good as the expensive ammo.

[/URL][/img]

 

[CJ6]

The 308 Win. is an inherently accurate cartridge ,albeit a bit much (big) just for 200 yds. If you get 1/2 MOA from a "factory" rig keep it (in ANY caliber). There are factory rigs (in any caliber)that will do better but MOST will not. I like the 308 and will never be without them, but 200 yds doesn't do the cartridge any justice, stretch it out a little and let it shine.

 

[Shynloco]

........just shoot the 308 for a while. ..... how accurate is the 308 at short range........excellent... .

Phil

Phil,
I modified your post to express my views. As the others have said, the .308 is a great and accurate caliber. I've not had a Howa and have no idea what accuracy their barrels provide, but I got EXCELLENT accuracy out of my 1980's Ruger (yes a Ruger) and just bought one of my son's a Remington .308 SPS (Varmint - 26" 1:12 twist barrel) and that barrel shoots 5 shot groups the size of a nickel and that's with less less than 50 rds down the barrel so long as I do my part. So at least give that baby a try and see where she takes you. Just my .02 worth.

Alex

 

[Steve3]

I would keep that barrel on it and shoot it. That rifle should give you 1/2 or better. If you handload I would suggest you try the 155 SMK Palma bullet. We are shooting the 155 SMK Palma at 300 yards and getting better than 1/2 using a cheap barrel. This 308 is set up for hunting. We are using the 155 SMK Palma for targets.

Lots of components for the 308.

The 308 is easy to tune, knock on wood.

 

[alf]

My question is how accurate is the 308 at short range?

A BR gun in 308 is capable of shooting in the zeros.

You and your platform is the limiting factor, not the cartridge.

 

[gtl1946]

The only reason to change to a different cal. is to cheapen the cost of components/quantity of powder but as you can see people are saying it will do the job. P.S. Also there are other cal.s that will reduce the recoil . Have you ever thought of the 222/223 ? Everything is cheaper unless you already own the action or just want the 308.

 

[savagedasher]

308 is Very accurate with the right load and a good shooter. Many of times the accuracy results comes from the shooter not the load, We have several savage guns we shoot All will shoot 1/2 '' at 100.
It never fails the one who's gun doesn't shoot and you change noting but the shooter and it does.
I would expect 1/2 or less. Larry

 

[bheadboy]

Wally Hart and others shot 308 with 150's in br in the 1970, Al Angerman consistently place in the leaders. groups in the .100's were not uncommon.

Bob

 

[Phil3]

Thanks to all for the replies. Based on those replies, I will keep the 308 barrel and shoot that for a while, if not much longer. Recoil is a concern for me, as I have shot a 308 and would prefer it kick less. But, the rifle I am building will likely be a bit on the heavy side which will help, as will lighter bullets. Will the Howa 1:10 twist work OK with 155 bullets or lighter?

I have a Howa 223 I built and yes, the 223 is perfectly adequate for my shooting range, but just wanted some other calibers for variety, even if I have no place to let any of this stuff stretch its legs. I so envious of you guys who can shoot beyond 200 yards.

Phil

 

[savagedasher]

Put a brake on it. Better yet put a tuner brake on it. Larry

 

[mao0720]

Yes the 10 twist will be fine with 155gr bullets. My FTR rifle has a 10 twist but I shoot Berger 155.5gr Fullbore bullets and have printed 1/4 moa groups at 200yds from my bipod and shoot in the high 190s in match at 600yds, 1000yds is a little bit different story since the only 1000yd range near me is Rattlesnake Ridge in Tri Cities WA, notorious for 40+ MPH winds.

 

[tonyben]

I mostly shoot service rifles and I use 125gr flat based bullets from 100yds to 300yds. Accuracy is excellent (for a service rifle). Just on Saturday, I shot a .9" 10-shot group out of my new M25 (M14).

It's a new rifle and I've only got around 300 rounds through it but I shot a personal best a month ago with it. 0.329" at 100yds, 5 shots using M118LR (175gr stuff).



I have great luck with 42.0 grains of IMR-4895 under a 125gr TNT bullet. It shoots like an AR out of my M14's.

Tony.

 

[broncman]

125 grain flat base bullets of several varieties are very accurate in my R700. The cheap flatbase Sierra gamekings have been superb in mine.

 

[rpierce]

Id say its very accurate. I just got a picture of a 10 shot group from customer Ronnie Ralston a couple weeks ago. He shot a .38" 10 shot group at 300 yds with his 308 I chambered for him. 200 gr hybrids. Also another customer and friend Dan Lentz is #1 right now for tryouts on the National FTR team. He shot 3 clean targets in a row for vertical at 1000 yds for tryouts. That's 60 shots at 1000 yds under 10" vertical off a bipod. So it also does great at long range under capable hands. Both barrels were chambered with a JGS reamer that Dan Lentz designed which is approved for international competition.