308 or 270
 

My stepson has drew and interest in hunting . He is 18 and not recoil sensitive since he has shot my 270 a good bit practicing. I'm gonna buy him his first rifle and have had mixed feelings on which caliber. 308 or 270. I have had good luck with both and I know shot placement is key but what do you guys think. Shots out to 150 yards. Not handoading

They are both great and proven. You will find many fans of each. .308/150 grain and .270/130 grain recoil is similar in like rifles.

In our hunting party, new young hunters seem to be winding up with the short action calibers, like 308 or 7mm-08. The light, synthetic stock, short action, 22" barrel models seem to fit and be easy for them to handle. The ones with the stock length inserts mean they may never need another rifle.

I suggest a simple scope. The scopes with a lot of "features" in the reticule seem to have a learning curve. Scopes set too high for close or moving game cause issues. I know it's all experience, but its tough to be mentoring new hunters and have them "blow" hunting situations because of complex scopes. No issues with a 4X fixed with a simple 4-plex.

Either would be just fine but since you are already a .270 Win shooter it might make some sense to stick with a .270 for him. If you both use the same cartridge it should make the ammunition situation easier.

Kinda the same opinion here, a fellow could hunt whitetails for a lifetime with either and never really see a difference...If most of the hunting is woods hunting and as you said, shots within 250 yards or so, I would probably go .308...If shots were over bean fields where you might want to reach out past 300, I would lean to a .270...

That being said, a .308 was used by snipers for years......

What one will do the other will, both are great. If you truly want "the best of both" then take a look at the 7-08! :s4:

Only one gun, go with the .308.

Deer gun, go with the .270.


Get a good scope !!!

I am also a fan of the 308 if you want a big caliber. How ever a 7MM 08 has a lot to offer. Lot more bullet selection and even better if you reload. Will reach across just about any bean field yet still work in heavy wooded swamps. With the right bullet selection will even take a coyote with out to much damage.

:D Al

I would get a 270 because this is what you carry and to be able to share ammo if needed.

I'm partial to the .308 myself. As said, either one will do whatever the other one will. I like the short actions, so if I were looking for something different than .30, I'd go with a 7MM-08. All are petty common cartridges so finding ammo would not factor into my decision!

The 270 is all that he needs.