why does the U.S. military and police force insist on using a 308 for a sniper rifle if the ballistics on a 7mm Rem Mag. look so much better. More power, flatter trajectory, and more speed. Same thing goes for the 6mm BR and 6.5x284. They are the choice of 1000 yd. competitions, yet a 243 AI has better ballistics. Better being once again, flatter, faster, and more energy. I've chosen a 50gr. bullet for my 22-250 based off of books, and once again people say to go with 55's and 60's. Have I made a mistake?
Books Vs. Reality?
- Thread starter Moose420
- Start date
You may not know this but the Marines, FBI, and Secret Service Snipers all have been shooting 300 Win Mags for years. The also have some exotics that you have never heard of. In most urban sniping a 308 will do a superb job. Low recoil, inheret accuracy, low cost in training is part of your answer.
Rustystud
Rustystud
Rusty Stud hit it right on. They like the .308 because alot of their other weapons are the same caliber, ie M-60, M-14 )Also lighter per round to allow more ammo to be carried. The 308 is usually used for medium range interdiction. Army & Marine SNipers routinely use the .308 out to 1000. The .223 up close and .300 mags for Longer ranges and of course the .50 cal for Way Out or heavy targets.Of course they have played with the various .300's & 338 lapua. Army Infantry shot 223 open sight to 300 meter for Qualification & Marines to 500 meters open sights on man size targets. Army shot M21,accurized/scoped M14) then went to the M40, Army version of the 40X) The Marines primarily shot the modified 40 X can't remember what they designate it.
The US Secret Service switched from the 7mm Rem Mag. to the 300 Win. Mag. back in the mid '90's. They still have .308's for sniper and the 300 Win. Mag. for counter sniper. All of their 300 Win. Mag. ammo is custom loaded, to their specs, by a private contractor.
moose- put the books away and read the paper......target paper....there's no substitute for actual range testing AT the actual distances you intend to shoot.
You're comparison is out of context. The 1000 yard comps that I am familiar with is all about pure accuracy, only energy required is to break through a paper target.
Tactical,and hunting) needs require different parameters.
You're comparison is out of context. The 1000 yard comps that I am familiar with is all about pure accuracy, only energy required is to break through a paper target.
Tactical,and hunting) needs require different parameters.
WHAT THE &%#$!?
why the 168gr when the 155gr flies: faster,for longer), farther, has less wind drift, and carries almost as much energy at any distance????? now keep in mind, I'm talking about factory ammo. Hornady match 168gr has a b.c. of .475 and flies 2700fps, while the 155gr Palma ammo has a b.c. of .460 and flies 2850fps. especially if only shooting paper, isn't the 155 the better choice? and would the slight energy difference really matter on a person at a 1000 yards? I'm just an ignorant 24yr old tryin to learn something... 
thanks for the input!!!
thanks for the input!!!
Lighter bullets loose their velocity at a faster rate than heavier ones.....and you apparently are quoting muzzle speeds. If you check the downrange tables the 168 gr. will be higher in velocity within short order,200 yds? perhaps.....my guess).
I'm not much into BC numbers, but it is my understanding it can change from one lot of bullets to the next....it supposedly even changes as it's flying through the air.
Again, if your talking paper targets .... the particular cartridge and loads' agging ability trumps everything....the only numbers that mean anything are your group sizes or your score.
If your talking tactical,'would the slight energy difference really matter on a person at 1000 yards') one shot- one kill rules all ...and terminal performance is now required in addition to a high level of accuracy.....hence a whole different set of parameters.
I'm not much into BC numbers, but it is my understanding it can change from one lot of bullets to the next....it supposedly even changes as it's flying through the air.
Again, if your talking paper targets .... the particular cartridge and loads' agging ability trumps everything....the only numbers that mean anything are your group sizes or your score.
If your talking tactical,'would the slight energy difference really matter on a person at 1000 yards') one shot- one kill rules all ...and terminal performance is now required in addition to a high level of accuracy.....hence a whole different set of parameters.
Travelor said:
That's certainly a large part of it. The range I belong to has a very good working relationship with local, state, and federal law enforcement personnell. There are several state police snipers who train with Rem. 700 .308s and always give away the spent Federal brass because they are not allowed to re-load for their department issue rifles. When I inquired as to the reason, the officer's reply was that everything with that rifle had to have been performed by the department armorer along with issuance of approved ammo. The reasons, explained to me, were to keep the lawyers away if the officer had to take a bad guy out.
Chino69
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