What is it about the .308 that makes it the best cartridge for any type of competition shooting?

[Erud]

We all know that it is, so no need to get into that part. But what specifically is it about the .308 that makes it so awesome? Is it magic? Because when I shoot my .308, it feels like magic.

 

[jim_k]

Versatility, barrel life, available chamberings.

 

[SWRichmond]

Americans' emotional weddedness to .30 Cal?

Short action
Experience in .mil
.30 Cal
Moderate recoil
Capabilities vs North American game
"As far as I'm concerned, they stopped making rifles when they stopped making the M14"

It really is a fine cartridge, and given the above it served as a dev platform for damned near everything, and as a baseline for comparing everything else.

 

[Ringostar]

Erik, Aren't you supposed to be off shooting a match somewhere vs stirring the pot on a Saturday morning? Ok I'll bite on your question now. Could it possibly be so popular because it's required for several competitions.

 

[Erud]

Erik, Aren't you supposed to be off shooting a match somewhere vs stirring the pot on a Saturday morning? Ok I'll bite on your question now. Could it possibly be so popular because it's required for several competitions.

I don't think that's it, Keith. It's not a question of why it's popular, it's what about it makes it the best? Anyways, this is the one weekend I have off from matches until July. Only 3 hours in and I’m already bored. I should be out mowing the lawn, but the grass is still wet...

 

[daniel.chisholm]

But what specifically is it about the .308 that makes it so awesome?

Why, 155s are what make the .308 awesome, of course!!

 

[Dgd6mm]

I didn't know this about the .308, reckon I need to shoot mine more.

 

[INTJ]

The .308 is easy to get to a moderate level of accuracy, has low recoil, and came along when the shooting sports were really taking off. I like the .308, but if you showed up with one at one of my competitons you wouldn’t be very competitive.........

 

[dcali]

But what specifically is it about the .308 that makes it so awesome?

This is definitional. There is no need to expand.

 

[Doug Beach]

Beating people who shoot cooler cartridges.

 

[Terry]

Nothing.

Had 3, They are gone.
6BR is more percise. You don't find 308' at 600 or 1,000 yard Benchrest matches.

 

[alinwa]

+1

nothing

 

[dcali]

Nothing.

Had 3, They are gone.
6BR is more percise. You don't find 308' at 600 or 1,000 yard Benchrest matches.

That's only because BR shooters are grouchy and have no appreciation of quality.

 

[Terry]

 

[Erud]

Nothing.

Had 3, They are gone.
6BR is more percise. You don't find 308' at 600 or 1,000 yard Benchrest matches.

Sounds like you made a mistake, sorry to hear that.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

The only competitions the 308 is competitive in are the ones its the only one allowed. Even the sniper type competitions where it fits the part to be authentic its not even competitive

 

[Erud]

The only competitions the 308 is competitive in are the ones its the only one allowed. Even the sniper type competitions where it fits the part to be authentic its not even competitive

Not competitive in any competition where other cartridges are allowed, huh? I had not heard that.

 

[Doug Beach]

The only competitions the 308 is competitive in are the ones its the only one allowed. Even the sniper type competitions where it fits the part to be authentic its not even competitive

It’s not the only cartridge allowed in Palma, or FTR, yet it manages to hold its own.

 

[Terry]

It’s not the only cartridge allowed in Palma, or FTR, yet it manages to hold its own.

With FTR you get .223 or .308. Hardly a choice. Allow 6 Dasher and they would rule. In F Open 7mm. Rules.

 

[B Nettesheim]

Its one of the best because of the length of time its been around. Think of how many combinations have been tested and what people know about them.