LopeHunter
Well-known member
I shot a .308 for years. On plus side, lots of data on how the bullet flies as is a sniper caliber. If you change altitude and temperatures and hunt in the wind is nice to have that data and have confidence in the data. Also, a bit less kick than .30-06 but similar performance.
The downside is not as many bullet options, even if hand load, with the .308 (vs. the .30-06) and if ever travel to boonies or Africa you are more likely to find spare .30-06 ammo than .308. Might be a factor as evaluate less popular calibers.
As for lethal aspect of .308, just do not stretch the range and make a good shot. I now use a .338 Win Mag for everything but pronghorn as provides a bit more range, handles the crosswind a bit better with a heavier bullet option and can make a less than perfect bullet placement have higher chance is one and done.
Whatever rifle you get, I suggest finding a bullet it likes and use that for everything. Confidence on how the bullet performs in a wide range of conditions is important when a shot opportunity arises but is only there for seconds. You sometimes do not have time to do much more than take a range reading and get on target. Know the bullet and good things happen.
The downside is not as many bullet options, even if hand load, with the .308 (vs. the .30-06) and if ever travel to boonies or Africa you are more likely to find spare .30-06 ammo than .308. Might be a factor as evaluate less popular calibers.
As for lethal aspect of .308, just do not stretch the range and make a good shot. I now use a .338 Win Mag for everything but pronghorn as provides a bit more range, handles the crosswind a bit better with a heavier bullet option and can make a less than perfect bullet placement have higher chance is one and done.
Whatever rifle you get, I suggest finding a bullet it likes and use that for everything. Confidence on how the bullet performs in a wide range of conditions is important when a shot opportunity arises but is only there for seconds. You sometimes do not have time to do much more than take a range reading and get on target. Know the bullet and good things happen.