Talk me out of a 308

[6ShotsOr5?]

Consider the 6.5 PRC, probably with a 7 or at least a 7.5 twist. It should handle an elk. Downside would be barrel life but you could go with lower pressured rounds for more routine stuff - versatile.

 

[DirtySteve]

308!!!! It is easy to tune, very accurate, mild . What is not to love?

 

[rijndael]

What components do you have most of, on hand, to reload? You may need to let your supplies drive the caliber choice.

 

[joshb]

Only because your real favorite 6.5x55 needs a LA, .

Just working inside the OP’s parameters!

 

[hfinkle]

6br

 

[mattri]

6BR is not an elk round. Have shot one extensively and it is as accurate/easy to tune as they say but elk? No.

 

[Tommie]

Another vote for the 7mm-08

 

[Intheshop]

Throw in one more 7-08 vote.

 

[mattri]

Why a 7mm-08 over a 260?

 

[john 800]

Ok, if you want an alternative, something more interesting than the boring old 308win try a 284win. Never owned or shot one myself but I really would like to have one

 

[Dub]

I would NOT talk anybody out of a 308. My favorite cartridge

 

[Medic505]

^^^^^^^^ THIS^^^^^^^^

I would NOT talk anybody out of a 308. My favorite cartridge

 

[Hotshot]

308Win is BORING!!!

 

[mattri]

308 IS boring- that's why it is on the table. Boring usually gets it done.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I sure wouldn’t do it! You will absolutely have no fun shooting varmints with 130 Speers over a medium load of H4895.

 

[mattri]

Looks fun! My first wildcat was a 20 Practical back when Warren was just getting it going, had an absolute blast.

 

[john 800]

I sure wouldn’t do it! You will absolutely have no fun shooting varmints with 130 Speers over a medium load of H4895.View attachment 1221055

Never used that bullet, but is it just me or are those hollow points really big?

 

[SecondsCount]

Nothing wrong with 308 but you are going to take hundreds of shots at targets and a couple shots at game. I like the suggestion for 6BR. Shoot it at targets, and then get a lightly used 308 for your hunting rig.

 

[MQ1]

Looking at a build, have a spare SA with a .473 boltface.

Rifle will be mostly for target shooting to 600, some occasional work beyond that but not much.

Have always liked the 6mms and 6.5s, originally was considering a Creed, not a fanboy but they do fit the bill.

Just to be different was thinking about a 243 AI or 260, and either of those would work well also.

The 308 comes into contention when we start talking about barrel life, and realistic expectations. It would probably be a 1:10 22" barrel, shooting 150-160gr bullets at paper. Not expecting to buck the wind to 1k and beyond. Recoil at this point is tolerable, tons of load data, even ammo choices.

Then there's hunting. I live in IA so can't hunt with it here but I would like to get back out west to hunt elk/mulies so that pushes me toward the 308. Could load up a good 170gr+ hunting bullet and be comfortable out to realistic hunting ranges.

I have none of the sentimental/emotional attachment to the 308 that some folks do, not married to the idea by any means. Very open to other suggestions.

Thoughts?

I like the .308 for a do everything rifle. If it were me, I’d probably put together a straight 6.5x47 Lapua. I have a .308, and a .243AI as cartridges you named as possibles. I also have a 6x47 Lapua barrel that flat out shoots without giving up anything to the straight .243s I’ve owned. I’m not a 6.5 fanboy, and I cringe at Creedmore fanboy praise, however if the 6.5x47 Lapua shoots as well as I’ve heard...I think it would do the trick as good or better than the .308.

Just my opinion.

MQ1

 

[M W R]

I have had/have 70-eleven different caliber rifles/pistols over the years. .308/7.62X51 is one that will always remain in my arsenal.