.223 or .308?

[Coyote Hunter]

OK, here’s the deal.  Christmas is coming up and it’s a great time to get a new rifle.  The last couple of years the big box stores were clearing out inventory and great deals were to be had.  Ruger “canoe paddle” rifles for $375, any chambering in stock.  Ruger Compact laminate/stainless .223’s for $375.  Marlin 336D (.35 Rem) for $250.  A couple years ago I got a Ruger .22-250 VT (Varmint /Target heavy-barrel, target trigger, laminate with Target Grey stainless) for under $500.  Last year it was a Ruger canoe paddle .300 Win Mag for the aforementioned $375.

The question is, will they do it again this year and, if so, what should I get?  The only calibers I am interested in are the .223 Rem and .308 Win.  Although I would prefer a Ruger, I would take another make at the right price.

I already have the following:

.22-250 heavy barrel
.257 Roberts
7mm Mag
.300 Win Mag

The rifle would be used differently depending on what I get.  A .223 would be used for plinking and for popping prairie dogs along with my .22-250.  A .308 would certainly go to Whittington Center to topple steel silhouettes and, if a sporter-weight barrel, for Colorado’s big game.

Given that I will be reloading for whatever I get, what would you choose from the options listed in the poll?

[Redhawk1]

I would go with the Compact .308.  

[Gregory]

Everybody needs at least one 223.

[rockbilly]

I have a fairly good fence around my place already, don't need any more fence post, so I would go for the heavy barrel .308.

[nasem]

Not to sound rude to anyone or anything, but I personally like to get "kicked" by the gun when I pull the trigger, I am a 30-06 and a 300RUM (talkin about kicking).   I would defenetly go with 308 (since its the closest thing to a 30-06).  my buddy has a .223, I dunno I don't enjoy shooting it, I like to feel / hear the "BOOOOOOM" and the bench treambling when I shoot and the .223 doesn't give me that feeling  :wink:

[Coyote Hunter]

nasem –

I understand what you are saying, although I enjoy the .22-250 in part because of its low recoil – same with the .257 Roberts and my Marlin .30-30.  If I want to get my blood going I can squeeze the trigger on my .300 Win Mag (about 32 foot-pounds recoil) or my hunting loads for my Marlin .45-70 (about 42 foot-pounds).  For “real” recoil I simply pull out the Marlin .45-70 and my 460g hardcast “Rhino Blaster” handloads.  At 1812fps these loads generate recoil in the neighborhood of 48 foot-pounds, territory your .300 RUM can only dream about.

Guess what I’m saying is I don’t need a hard kicker - accuracy is the big requirement. With the Compacts I would want to be able to pick off prairie dogs at 200 yards.  With the standard size rifles with sporter weight barrels I would expect even better.  And with the heavy-barrel .308 I would expect much better.

[mangulator]

If, the only choice I had was a 308 win, or a 223. I would choose a 308 win. the 308 will handle almost everything.

[biglmbass]

One that currently has my eye is the Rem 700 LV SF in .308.  Sadly, they aren't exactly giving them away.  I do intend to tell Santa about this one, though.

[myarmor]

How about this
http://www.hr1871.com/firearms/index.php?cat=4&subcat=22
and then send back the receiver to get fitted with the other caliber you want. Bull Barrel or sporter, the 223 and 308 are offered in both.
Total-$250+$115(give or take a few for both) for extra barrel fitted and shipped=$365ish
Less money than one bolt action in the caliber of choice and you end up with both calibers to play with.
I just thought I would put it out there :grin:

[1armoured]

Get a Standard .308, ....not a lightweight !

Use it for Silhouette. You can shoot it in both Heavy and Light !

Great allround deer rifle as well.

You can also get plenty of cheap Military surplus ammo to practice with.

I have a Sako 75 Stainless/Synthetic, weighs about 9lbs with a 24x variable scope, and the heavy high Sako stainless mounts.
Great mounts with inserts. Keeps everything nice and tight !
Has a reasonably heavy profile 22" barrel.

I've had plenty of 80 shot competition days, without any problems.

It shoots under a minute with Sierra 155gr MK, and I use the 175gr MK on Rams.

Never regretted buying the .308.

Neither will you.

Sean in Kiwi 'Godzone'

[Coyote Hunter]

Its interesting that the .223 isn’t getting more support – only 5 votes out of 29.


What's with that?

[Bubba w/a 45/70]

The .308 is much more versatile than the .223.  If you're looking at a dog shooter, get some of the lighter bullets and have a go at it.  Those 100/110gr should work for you.  And then you have the ability to go to the heavier 168+ regions for heavier work.


Try that with a .223.

[RaySendero]

OK, here’s the deal.  Christmas is coming up and it’s a great time to get a new rifle.  The last couple of years the big box stores were clearing out inventory and great deals were to be had.  Ruger “canoe paddle” rifles for $375, any chambering in stock.  Ruger Compact laminate/stainless .223’s for $375.  Marlin 336D (.35 Rem) for $250.  A couple years ago I got a Ruger .22-250 VT (Varmint /Target heavy-barrel, target trigger, laminate with Target Grey stainless) for under $500.  Last year it was a Ruger canoe paddle .300 Win Mag for the aforementioned $375.

The question is, will they do it again this year and, if so, what should I get?  The only calibers I am interested in are the .223 Rem and .308 Win.  Although I would prefer a Ruger, I would take another make at the right price.

I already have the following:

.22-250 heavy barrel
.257 Roberts
7mm Mag
.300 Win Mag

The rifle would be used differently depending on what I get.  A .223 would be used for plinking and for popping prairie dogs along with my .22-250.  A .308 would certainly go to Whittington Center to topple steel silhouettes and, if a sporter-weight barrel, for Colorado’s big game.

Given that I will be reloading for whatever I get, what would you choose from the options listed in the poll?

Coyote Hunter.

Check this 308 out:

http://www.remingtonle.com/rifles/700pltr.htm

[killdeer]

.308 in a scout configuration has been on my mind lately but the only one I've seen is the Steyr  and it's way too expensive.

[Coyote Hunter]

.308 in a scout configuration has been on my mind lately but the only one I've seen is the Steyr  and it's way too expensive.

Have had a problem finding an inexpensive .308 - or even an expensive one.  Was at Gart Sports today and found a Ruger blue/walnut for $479 but they had identical rifles in other calibers for $459 and $429 - why the .308 was so high priced is a mystery.  Also found a Remington Light Tactical at the local gun shop for about $650.  Nice rifle but way too much $$$ for me.

May end up with a Stevens .30-06 for $199.  That would work fine at hte Whittington silhouette range.

[Coyote Hunter]

Well, it’s been decided.  

I stopped by Gander Mountain today on my way home and saw a used Remington 700 BDL in .308 for $350.  The rifle was in excellent condition.
I couldn’t talk the price down but I did get the sales person to throw in a Leupold one-piece scope base for free, so I figure it really cost me $330. To bad I’ll have to wait until Christmas to “unwrap” it!