The "what caliber" thread.......

[K. Lane]

Got me to thinkin and wondering

In my search for a new rifle and looking in the classified section of this and other forums, gunbroker, arms list, Texas gun trader, and other online firearm auctions

Why is there 3-4 .308's for sale for every one of any other caliber??? But when someone asks "which caliber"....... Invariably there are numerous ".308" answers??

I DO NOT like a .308 and will never own one but with so many folks apparently trying to unload theirs, why is it always recommended

Not tryin to stir up hate and discontent, just curious

[SCREAMINREELS]

I think it's just a super common round in a bolt gin. Kind of like ars in 223 lots of those for sale too.
Also a good starter gun for mid.long range shooting. Lots of guys find out long range isn't for them or opposite and build up a better gun/upgrade to a better caliber for paper. (But usually more expensive to shoot)
I have one and love it for paper/ targets but its heavy barrell etc. If I absolutely had go sell a rifle it would be sold before my hunting rifles because its just used for fun

[Fajkus7]

I completely agree with the post above. Just because I'm curious, why do you not like the .308 round?

[Black Ice]

.308 is a great round. .30 cal bullet In a short action rifle with all different kinds of configurations from hunting rifles to AR10's. I prefer it over a 30.06 any day.

[K. Lane]

The "what caliber" thread.......

I completely agree with the post above. Just because I'm curious, why do you not like the .308 round?

While I agree that it could be because it's such a popular caliber..... That certainly makes sense

But to answer your question..... I shot 1000 meter comps while in the service (30 years ago) and while they got the job done to be sure, I was just never impressed. Yes, it's accurate but IMO, terminal...on game ballistics leave a lot to be desired. Again, just my opinion and I accept that not everyone shares my opinion.
Let's look at this ballistic calculator on the 2 calibers that were mentioned in the other which caliber post..... The .308 and .270
Also let me qualify with yes we are talking 300-500 yards and a lot of folks won't shoot that far, but I will and THAT is where the main differences lay
****note**** the calculator, with bonded bullets only gave me one weight choice
150gr for the .308
140gr for the .270
Punching paper is one thing but punching an animal is something entirely different

Pictures are .270 first and .308 second
In my mind the difference is clear and it is the main reason why I don't like the .308
(Info is directly from Winchester and their ballistic calculator)

[Tower43]

It's a military caliber and they tend to be the most common rifles. 5.56, 7.62x39, 9mm, .45. At some point a lot of money was dumped into that caliber to tailor it to a specific purpose or need. I have a 308 and a 270 not trying to dump either one

[Tower43]

I find the what caliber threads exhausting. For most people they are hunting under 100 yards and it really doesn't matter. If it were legal and you were good enough you could hunt deer with a .22. I never yet to ever come close to needing the full ballistic performance of a bullet, not to say it doesn't happen but these instances are the minority

[Smokeater]

Love mine and it's killed a bunch of critters. It's no speed-burner so you kinda need to know what's goin' on at the longer targets. Like bows....just "need" somethin' a lil bigger, faster or whatever. Lotta new fancier stuff out there to play with so the old school stuff has to go I guess. Scopes have certainly gotten better too so maybe upgrading both to extend their comfortable range...?

[K. Lane]

Don't get me wrong fellas..... I ain't bashing a .308 or those who hunt them. I just personally don't like em and was wondering why there is ALWAYS numerous folk tryin to unload theirs to get something else

[Bowyer]

I try not to debate over which caliber is better because there are too many variables, ie; bullet size and make, barrel lengths, gun and ammo manufacturers. So, when folks say "Mine is better than yours" I just let it slide because it's all just opinions.
As for so many 308's flooding the market, I think it's because 2 years ago during the big scare, 308 was hard to find, both ammo and rifles. And there are always the popular calibers for sale, 270, 30-06, 308, 243, 7mm mag and 300 Wm. Because manufacturers push those above all others.

[TexMax]

Your numbers are scued heavily to the .270. A 165 sst at 2700fps carries 1167 ft lbs to 500, in a short action, with a short barrel, with 10 grains less powder. The 08 is a killer. Not fast or flat or flashy but gets it done.

[TexMax]

Skewed. Making up words here

[az2tx]

Don't get me wrong fellas..... I ain't bashing a .308 or those who hunt them. I just personally don't like em and was wondering why there is ALWAYS numerous folk tryin to unload theirs to get something else

I understand not really liking a cal, I feel the same way about the 270 win even though I own one.

I don't think it is a matter of people trying to unload or dump their 308's I think it is because it is such a popular cal. I wouldn't be surprised if their are more 308's sold than 7 mag, 30-06 and 270 combined in Texas

[K. Lane]

Your numbers are scued heavily to the .270. A 165 sst at 2700fps carries 1167 ft lbs to 500, in a short action, with a short barrel, with 10 grains less powder. The 08 is a killer. Not fast or flat or flashy but gets it done.

I understand what you are saying. There can and is a lot of differences when you consider different loads, bullets, barrel lengths etc.... I was just comparing the same bullet (although one is slightly, 10gr, heavier). I was just using the calculator and bullet choices given.

I also understand that the vast majority of folk don't shoot 300-500 yards so it's really a moot point really.

It's just, again, IMHO that the .308 isn't all that special. Especially for those who are speed freaks like myself.

[Capt.Bryan]

Like you I'm not a fan of the 308, I am sure they out number other rifles out there so yes you may see more for sale. What I can't figure out is a 260 or 6.5 creedmoor with 140 grain loads has far better ballistics than a 308 at long rang until you get a 308 load in the 180-200 grain range. And a 7mm-08 with 160-165 grain loads is likely even better than both. Most people seem to buy a rifle and buy the lightest loads available. I have long and short action rifles and never understood when someone argues a round is better for hunting because it is short action either. My dad has a long action ruger m77 in 25-06 and when needed (herd of hogs)you would swear he was shooting a semi auto.