tealboy

I just watched a program on the History channel about snipers. They talked briefly about the equipment, which included the Leupold Mark 4 scope and a .308 caliber bolt action.

I don't know a lot about ballistics, but remember seeing some stats on the .270 that seemed a bit better in terms of energy and flatness of shooting. I was just wondering if any of you knew why the .308 was the caliber of choice. Personally, I shoot the .308 but have felt there are other calibers that might be better, a least a little.

Edited by - Christine B on 11/17/2002 22:24:10

Robb92

I just got done reading a book on U.S. snipers throughout WW1, WW2, Korean War, Vietnam, and Libyia, the gun of choice was in fact the
30-06 with a 10x scope on it! The book was written by 2 former U.S. snipers. The gun of choice now is a 50 caliber, single shot rifle, with a fiberglass stock

sky_guy_61

Sure there are other rounds which have the potential for better performance.. but keep in mind that the .308 (aka 7.62x59)is a NATO and US standard. Also, for military needs it can do the job just fine. If a sniper needed something with longer range, he can use the .50 cal sniper weapon.

XTP

I agree...the cartridge of choice has always been linked to the "standard round" being used at the time.During the days of the M1 Garand,the 30-06 would have been prefered.In latter years,the .308 was predominant(in the M-14 as well as M-60 rounds).This ammo may not have been match grade,but would certainly be better than nothing.These days combat has changed,and the .300 Win Mag,.338 Lapua and several other calibers are being used or considered.It is my understanding that the .50 BMG,while effective against personnel,is used mainly against "hard" targets,ie: trucks,light armour,and other equipment.

propmahn

the .308 is an accurate round has enough energy to do the job. Its a standard round, and i dont know the regs but if i had to use a fmj bullet then bigger diameter the better

propmahn
save the world, reload your brass

frizzellr

The 308 Win is 7.62X51mm, not 59. Why is it used so much as a sniper round in battle? Simple logistics for one. There are tons of 308 rounds everywhere. Two, it is effective. Contrary to popular belief all sniper, or counter sniping operations do not call for 1000 yard shots. I would venture to say that most are around 300 yards which is right at home for the 308.

seattlesetters

Right on, frizzellr! The .308 is also three things: Accurate, accurate, accurate.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

bigbulls

I watched a documentary and it said that police sniper shots average 76 yards. Some a bit farther. You don't need anything else. It has more than enough energy and very light recoil out of those heavy sniper rifles and there are alot of them around and they will probably never go away.

bigcountry

1. Very efficent round compared to the older 30-06.
2. Much light than older 30-06 when ammo is carried in bulk.
3. Accuracy of a short action round compared the 30-06
4. Use of high BC bullets like 165gr and 180gr bullets just like the 30-06.
5. Just the right balance of recoil of wind drift tolerance, velocity, recoil and still stay super sonic past 1000 yards.

hoghunter51

Bigcountry has named all the reasons the .308 was used for snipeing in Viet-Nam, and yes most shots were around 3oo to 4oo meters ,The main reason I used the .308 was the ammo was a standard until the .223 started to be used more and more, We only used bolt actions , the .308 was shorter then the 06 and was easer to eject and reload. I still have my Remington mod 700 .308 the army wouldnt let me keep the starlight scope,( was bummed out about that LOL) I had a weaver K-4 scope on mine until 5 years ago.My .308 has a custom action from Mauser, Its smoother than most of todays New weapons. They now use the 50gal because the ranges are a lot longer as most of the fighting will be in sandy country void of trees and brush. In a jungle area you can bet the .308 will be used more than the 50cal.

BTW, I was known to use NORMA match grade ammo at times but dont tell anyone.


Viet-Nam 1967-1970

Edited by - hoghunter51 on 11/18/2002 10:53:38