Is the .308 dead?
 

By this I mean for new purchases. This upcoming deer season I have my oldest boy and now my 12 year old nephew to take hunting (plus two more sons in the wings, 9and 7 yr old). I have a .257 roberts (12 year old)and a .270 win (20 year old). That leaves nothing for me, outside of my 12 ga, but I could get a kimber 84 m classic for under $800 in .308 win. The shop is local ~5 minutes from my house but does it make sense to get a .308 anymore? I thought about getting a 7 mm wsm or a .300 wsm but for a 99% pa deer gunin hilly, woodsy areas a mag seems like a waste. I thought about the 338 federalas well. Any other ideas?

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

I think that the .308 is still very much a popular caliber that will be around for quite a while yet. I constantly read and hear others give it big props, so I think that you would be fine with one.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

Nothing at all wrong with the .308. It's an outstanding cartridge for deer. Not many that are better for your purposes.

As for any reduction in its popularity... that's probably due to folks afflicted with excessive levels of testosterone and bruises brought on by thumping their own chests... Classic symptoms of magnumitis... From your description, there's no need for you to get a magnum.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

.308? Dead?

Heck,no!

That cartridge is going to be around LOOOOOOONG after you've rotted away, so don't worry about getting one.

Those WSMs are a joke, you don't need those.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

It doesn't get talked about as much because it has been around for so long. Everybody always talks about the newest rounds. Sort of like you don't hear people talking about the 30-06 as much anymore but the .308 and the 30-06 are probably two of the best you can get for your situation.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

The .308 is nowhere near dead. American deer hunters have been raised on TV shows and marketing brochures to think that a magnum is necessary to kill deer. Uphere in Ontario the .308 is one of the most popular rounds in the field and we hunt moose also with them with excellent success. A .308 will do everything a .3006 will do. No animal will ever feel the 100 fps difference. The nice thing about the .308 is that it can be had in lighter weight rifles. If I was hunting Pennsylvania sized deer I wouldn't buy anything bigger. A 7mm-08 is also a fabulous choice.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

I've owned about 5 different .308's and would never be without one for Pa hunting.Last year I picked up a .308 and a 300 wsm inKimber Montanna's.The Kimber's are the best rifles I've ever owned.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

A Pennsylvania hunting gun? Nothing better than a .308, or my personal favorite, the 7mm-08!
Will

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

Since I just bought a 308 barrel for my Blaser, I sincerely hope the 308 is not dead, but as far as the WSMs being a joke, that comment is obviously from someone who doesn't own one. I own 2 guns chambered in 300 WSM and can do sub MOA with factory ammo all day, and ballistically, there is no joke there either. Look it up!

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

My last purchase was another 308, I own three big game rifles and two are in 308, they aren't dead.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

I bought my first 308 this past summer and it is my new favorite round. I shot a 175lb 7pt..dropped him in his tracks. My dad took it onemorning and killed a 205lb 9pt...dropped him in his tracks. And my bro inlaw took it one aft and his gf shot her first deer with it. 90lb doe...dropped her in his tracks. All behind the sholder shots. All 60-140yd shots. I've been overly impressed with this round. 150gr Rem Corelokt. Wish I had bought one 10 years ago. I feel like I've been missing out.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

I hope its not dead. I just added one to my collection. I blame the members on here for making me get one. I couldnt decide between a 7mm-08 or a 308 so I've added both in the last 3 months. The only complaint I have with the 308 is their are too many bullet\load choices to decide on.


As far as the WSMs being a joke. Well then their are a ton of people out their laughing because they've pretty much outsold everything elsein the last few years. I have a 270WSM and have nothing but good things to say about it.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

Not dead but close to life support. The initial popularity was due in large to nearly free brass. It's still an '06 wannabe. Close but no cigar....I own 2 of them by the way my favorite is an early 1959 Bofors Sako L579. I still remember my M14 SN from basic in '65.....17709794. Regards, Rick.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

I didn't even hear it was sick! :D
Not dead by a long shot! A wonderful round that is probably one of the best bets for world wide ammo acquisition.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

Man I hope not, the 308 Win. is one of my all-time FAVORITE cartridges.

I love the 308 Win!

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

It's funny this post came up. I currently own a Remy 308 with a bull barrel butI amin the market for a 308 deer rifle. any sugestions?

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

I think the 308 Win is still in the top 10 as far as reloading die sales. If not the top 10 then at least the top 20.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

I am a remy person by heart but I bought a 308 and a 300wsm Tikka T3 this summer and love them both. I only thought the bolt on my rem's were smooth. My 308 will shoot less than a dime grouping. That's just off rolled up towels. If I had a lead sled or something I think it would shoot even less..especially if I hand loaded. It's by far the most accurate rifle in my safe. Good luck

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

My first deer rifle was a rem model seven .308, killed more deer than I could count. Recently purchased another Remington Model seven Custom Shop Mannlicher stock model Seven .308. They are amazing rifles. I hunt in PA, seems like those rifles were built for hunting deer in pa. I own many different caliber's, including a few magnums, the 308 gets more woods time than all my other rifles combined. If you like the 308, dont be afraid to get it, its not going anywhere anytime soon.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

For hunting, I have the Browning A-Bolt light weight synthetic Stalker. Its light (almost to light) and deadly accurate. As a carry all day rifle, its hard to beat.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

LOL The 308 will never go away. Its like the ol 30-06...its almost NEVER the wrong answer..lol. I dont own a 308 but I think I own one of every derivative from it they make.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

My personal favorite is the .308.

Tom

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RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

The 308 is dead. Please send them to me for burial.:D

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

I would compare the .308 to Raquel Welch, Lonnie Anderson, and Suzanne Somers. Not a lot of folks looking at them in the store due to all of the newer models out there but most would hit any of them in a heartbeat.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

GO WITH THE 308 BROTHER...IT WILL BE FINE....AND IT ISN'T DEAD.:)

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

Every purchase I've made in life I've always tried to make it dual purpose, How can I get multiple uses out of the purchase. I too struggled with what caliber to get to do the most for me. I settled on the .308, you can load it light and varmint hunt with it or load it heavy and bear hunt. It's really your all around do it all caliber for most people. Oh yea the .308 was introduced to do away with the .30-06. I think someone forgot to tell him he was supposed to leave.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

I thought that the .308 was a rifle/catridge that had no place next to a .30-06 or any WSM in a hunter's safe........boy was I wrong! My dad gave me an ADL in .308 for my B-day a few years back. It fast became my favorite rifle to shoot! I have taken it deer, elk, and coyote hunting. I even shot a 350 yrd shot at a prairie dog! It was very windy, and very far for a standing shot (I used a pod), but I did it, and got many "wows!" Not a typical shot, but I shoot this gun at the range every time I go. It basically tags along for different sessions, on bench or in the field. IMO, there are better guns for specific tasks, and I love them all, but I love the .308 for a general purpose rifle. Even over my .30-06 (don't let her hear that! I have shot that one for 20 years now!)
Just my 2 cents. Thanks for listening.
Victor

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

I am not sure what it is anymore. I was looking to buy a 30-06, going to Sportsmans Warehouse... but they told me no, look at these ballistic charts. Left with a 7 Mag (Browning A-Bolt Stainless). I really like it. No recommendations from them on either the 30-06 or the 308. Not a bad gun and not much recoil though.

Something they said must have sunk in because I just got a 300 Win Mag as well. Next I'll probably look at a 22-250 or 223, something in that rangeof caliber.

I was reading one post where one chap was looking at guns and the salesman told the guy that the 308 is a "sissy round". [:-]

I am sure that all in the caliber will do the same. Your 308 will kill just as dead as my 300 WM.

I think it is just society today, and we have to get the latest and greatest. Why buy a new Corvette as opposed to a Hyundai at 1/5 of the price... they both drive down the road the same and get you from A to B.

I have avoided those WSM's though, not too sure on the longevity of those...

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

Yes, the .308 is dead...dead like the .30/'06, .270 Win., and the 375 H&H Magnum are all dead.

But I think .308 ammo will still be available for a couple of years yet.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

I think the 308 marketing budget or program is dead..

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

I think one factor might be the war effort, the components are getting more and more scarce, and the .308 is one of the cartridges used in the military for assault rifles, and sniper rifles.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

The .308 is my gun of choice! It will be around long after all of us here are dead and buried! The marketing and popularity of the newer WSM's and magnumitis have pushed the popularity of many other cartridges like the .308 back a bit, but it will never kill them!
I would not say that the WSM's are "not needed." Some of them are great cartridges, and they have boosted sales for the gun industry! But, they are something that I could have lived without! After the "magnumitis" trend fades, some of the better WSM's will live, others will die but, the old standards will still be here too! The Anti's have a much better chance of taking all of our guns away, than of the .308, 30-06, and 30-30's dying!

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

I am sure there are those who prepared a eulogy for the 1911 and the .45 ACP when the gooberment misakenly "killed" it for the 9 MM.
You could hear the faint echos of "taps" for the 1911 when the "Glock" styles became popular! However, as the 1911 and .45 ACP approach their 100th birthday, the 1911 is the most copied gun in history, and sales have probably never been better!

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

P.S......
The .308 Winchester IS dead! Enlue of flowers, please send donations and supplies of .308 ammo to me! I will respectfully dispose of them for you!:D

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

I am also a fan of the 308, but I am also quite fond of my 300 WSM. I agree that the WSM's may not be "needed", but they were not created out of "need" but to boost gun and ammo sales revenues. There are MANY calibers that I don't see a point for, but I am sure that they are probably someone's favorite. We are still in America and have a freedom to choose and be different.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

AMEN!!!!!!

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

.308 is certainly not dead. But I don't think there's anything you can't drop with a thurty aught six. The .300 and 7mm seem novelty to me. IIf it ain't broke - it don't need fixin'.)Aught six has been around longer than my last set of britches and is certainly time proven.

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

PA257, As a kitchen table dealer (FFL) I can tell you most of my customers fall into one of three different "schools of thought" when it comes to new gun purchases, as far as choice of caliber is concerned:

1) They want the latest and greatest---WSM, WSSM, UltraMag.

This type of buyer is motivated to buy something they have never owned before, or they want to go into a new direction, etc.

2) They want something tried and true, just like Dad or Uncle Joe, or GrandPappy used to have---30/30 .308 .30'06 and on and on.

This type of buyer knows what they want based on a proven track record.

3) They don't know what they want---???

That's when the 99 questions beginning with what are you going to use this for starts.


Consider this: The 45/70 cartridge was adopted as a official US-Army round shortly after the civil war. You can still find this cartridge, factory loads, at any gun shop or even wally world.

Don't lose any sleep over the .308 dying off anytime to soon.

I love the concept of the WSM / WSSM cartridges. The real problem is that no single firearm has been designed from the ground up to take advantage of their performance as of yet.

Just my $0.02

VTgao

RE: Is the .308 dead?
 

The 308 Win. is alive and doing well. With all the new and wildcat calibers in the market the 308 is still a strong performer sharing the top with the 270, 30:06, 7mm and 300 win. There is no need for a magnum caliber on most North American game if you match the bullet to the game and shot placement is on the money. Fact is, Hornady just introduced an new 308 caliber called the 308 Marlinwith littleimprovement over the 308 Win. For dependability, accuracy in a short action the 308 is an excellent choice.
Good Hunting..