308 Winchester?

[Patriot_1776]

Good evenin' all.  I have stated elsewhere on this forum that I thought about trading my Rem. 710 in 30-06, so I decided to ask for opinions.  I wanted to stay around the same power range, maybe more or less.  I have compiled a mental list of possible calibers, but these are the top 3:  

1. .308 Win.

2.  300 WSM

3.  223 WSSM (possibly others in this case configuration)


Sticking to the issue of the 308, my rifle of choice has been the Weatherby TRR.  I want it to be a real good tack driver, not overly expensive (like a custom, or Robar.)  What do you guys think about this rifle?  It has a pretty fine configuration, 22" #4 barrel, 1 in 12" twist, 8 1/2 lbs; Weatherby states this rifle has the industry's finest fully adustable trigger (just wondering, isn't this the same trigger system in all their rifles?)  Does  anybody have experience with this particular rifle?  Moving on, I would use it most often to satisfy my own personal taste for precision shooting (at 100 yds, groups that touch is preferred), so hunting is in a close 2nd place :shock:  .................sorry guys!   But, if I get into hunting, I sure would love to see it perform, knowing the possible accuracy expected or attainable.  Those specific calibers listed do shine brightly in the accuracy department I've heard, so my research has not been in vain.  I also realize, that Weatherby has not manufactured any of their rifles in the WSSMs as yet, true?  As it may be noticed, my preference does rest on the .308" cal. bullets, so my most likely decision would be on the 308 Win.  Also, I would like to request any information on what load combos you guys have developed in the 308 Win. that proved quite (or very!) accurate and consistent.  Remember, this is mostly info I will take into consideration as I continue to decide and compare what gun and caliber would suit my tastes, so apologies if I seem too focused on one category.  That being said, I'm open to all opinions and rifle/caliber recommendations.   Thanks in advance, and for your time on this issue.   Patriot

[azshooter]

For target shooting I would not go with the 300 WSM.  It has a good kick - I own one and get about 30 shots off before it starts to get to me even at 10 lbs.  The WSSM willl be the easiest to shoot and if you reload, the components will cost the least.  If you want to target shoot and hunt, I would say go with the .308.

[handirifle]

I don't know anything about the rifles you mentioned, but of the calibers for your intended use, I agree with azshooter, get a 308.  Some mighty fine target rifles are chambered for that round from the factory.

I'd take a look at the savage rifles as well.  Lots of accuracy for the dollar.

[Patriot_1776]

my rifle of choice has been the Weatherby TRR.

For further info about them go here:   www.weatherby.com/rifles/lw_threat.shtml  

Patriot

[borg1]

i agree with handirifle about savages.  i am looking at the 12BVSS in .243.  i've read some testimonials that is shoots consistenly under moa (sometimes way under).  you can't beat that kind of performance out of the box for under $600.

[safetysheriff]

Good evenin' all.  I have stated elsewhere on this forum that I thought about trading my Rem. 710 in 30-06, so I decided to ask for opinions.  I wanted to stay around the same power range, maybe more or less.  I have compiled a mental list of possible calibers, but these are the top 3:  

1. .308 Win.

2.  300 WSM

3.  223 WSSM (possibly others in this case configuration)


That being said, I'm open to all opinions and rifle/caliber recommendations.   Thanks in advance, and for your time on this issue.   Patriot

The .223wssm couldn't carry the tennis shoes of a .30-06, so to speak.   No comparison for power as relates to hunting: wild hogs, black bear, elk, moose, brown bear, etc.etc.    The .223 wssm is just a marketing ploy to sell us barrel-burners that we don't need.     It is a caliber capable of White Tails and Mule Deer, within reasonable range and using proper bullets.    

The .30-06 is capable of slinging 220 gr's of lead with decent aplomb (sp?) and the .223 wssm will only sling 1/3 of, to maybe a little more than, that.  

My recommendation would be a .280 Remington, or a .270 Win' if you want ammo' that's generally more widely-available.    The .280 in a bolt-action rifle is capable of everything the .270 can do -- actually.    You just need to push it fairly hard to get that much out of it.  

Good luck.

SS'

[MGMorden]

Just out of curiousity: why are you looking to get rid of the .30-06?  Unless you're just ready for a change then the different between .308 and .30-06 is very minimal.

[Patriot_1776]

MGMorden wrote:

Just out of curiousity: why are you looking to get rid of the .30-06? Unless you're just ready for a change then the different between .308 and .30-06 is very minimal.

It's not that I don't like the cartridge, I love it.  My only reason to trade the Rem. 710, is it was all I could afford at that time... And it was my first rifle purchase, so I wanted something very inexpensive to "test the waters" of shooting a rifle.  But, I loved it, got much use out of it, and there is a sentimental attachment to it, so I might not get rid of it.  But I am looking seriously at another rifle in 308 Win. to get more in depth into competition grade accuracy.  And, I have a 300 magnum, so I don't have to worry much about anything more powerful than 308 or '06.  But just something a little more common and less expensive to shoot is another fun egg I'd like to have in the basket.  Patriot

[borg1]

i have both a .30-06, .270 and .308.  The 06 is a semi (Rem 740) with a ported barrel and the .308 is a Tikka bolt.  I can shoot the .308 all day long.  The 06 is a bit harder on the shoulder even with the porting.  The .270 is similar to the 06.

If you've got a 300WM, then why bother with any of the others?  How's about a .243 winchester or 6mm rem?  Plenty accurate and versatile.  They are good enough to kill anything between a gopher and a deer.  

Good luck with your purchase... :-)

[MGMorden]

If you end up keeping the '06 (which will cover the same game animals as a .308 would), I'd go with a .223 for the next gun.  It'd be a lot cheaper to shoot (even than the .308) and they can be extremely accurate as well.  Plus if you decided to get into varminting it'd make for a more suitable round compared to any of the .30 cals you mentioned.  

I'm hoping that 6.8mm Remington SPC will take hold.  It seems like it would work well for whitetail-sized game (better than .223 does), and if it becomes the standard military small arm cartridge then you can bet that the stuff will be cheap to shoot.

[Big Paulie]

There is absolutely no question in my mind that the .308 Winchester is the correct choice for you.  Here is why:


1.   In regular factory loads of 180 grain bullets, it has about 94% of the foot pounds of power that the 30-06 has, but with about 30% less free recoil energy!  It is a pleasant round to shoot.

2.   In regular factory loads of 180 grains and 150 grains, there is no real world difference between the effective killing power of the 30-06 and the .308.  (See Crag Boddington's book on Big Game Rifles.  Also,  serious hunters who have used both will tell you this.)

3.   If you want to up the footpounds for some hunting reason, the Hi-Entergy and Light Magnum factory loads will give you energy and ballistic performance equal to the 30-06, with Barnes, Nosler Partition and other great bullets.

4.  The .308 is the most inherently accurate of all of the .30 caliber rounds.  There is no question that it is inherently more accurate than the .30-06.  This has been proven over and over since the mid 1950s in the high power tournaments.  The shorter powder column probably has something to do with it.

5.  Short of the Big Bears, there is no game on this Continent that cannot be cleanly taken with the .308 Winchester, with a 180 grain Barnes or Nosler Partition, in the hi-energy factory loads, including Moose and Elk.

6.  It is by no means the very best big game caliber, but on balance, for target shooting and big game, it is an excellent choice.

Just  my opinions.

Big Paulie

[Gregory]

You have all your big game hunting needs covered with a 300 WM, so I'd recommend a 223 Remington.  They are just plain fun to shoot and accurate.  I have three rifles in 223, a Savage 110FP, a Bushmaster Varminter, and a TC Contender Carbine.

[Squeeze]

If you are limiting your choices to the three you listed, then I vote .308 Win.  
I have that caliber in a Savage Striker, and a Browning BAR.  I use these
firearms for hunting, but both shine on the range.  But...if you are just looking
for something different, that is accurate, I would suggest the .223 Rem.  It is
accurate, it is cheap to shoot, and you can do a lot of shooting with the light
recoil.  If you really want to get wild, and I realize this is the "Bolt Action" forum,
but a AR-15, in a varminter model, is a ton of fun.  If you want more power in
that .22, then look at the .22-250 Rem, over the 223 WSSM, IMHO.  My Savage 16,
in .22-250 Rem, prints pretty little groups on paper, and it could be loaded up for
antelope, and deer.  I believe I am hearing you have "New Rifle Itch", so enjoy the
search!  It is a target rich environment.

Squeeze

[Patriot_1776]

Wow... I am thankful for all the wonderful responses from you folks.  I really appreciate all your different opinions.  So far, I've been pretty hard-set on the 308 Win, and my rifles of choice have been narrowed to two:  Weatherby's TRR, or Threat Response Rifle, or the Savage 10FP-LE2B w/ a McMillan Stock.  As I stated, I am more looking on the basis of an excellent target rifle, more than a hunting rifle.  That is what has also inspired my two rifle choices above.  I have two great hunting rifles so far.  As I had stated in my first post, I am open to all suggestions, as it gives me a broader spectrum to decide from or weigh what would better suit my needs.  I would like this thread to stay alive for awhile, as I still have to save up enough $$ to get any of the rifles that have been suggested.  I don't mind so much the price; I am willing to wait.  I am very greatful for the opinions, and if you have any others, feel free to post them.     Patriot  

If you really want to get wild, and I realize this is the "Bolt Action" forum,
but a AR-15, in a varminter model, is a ton of fun.

I don't know what it looks like to the smallest detail, but I don't think it would be legal in California, right?

[Don Dick]

The 308 or 30-06 would be fine choices if you do not reload.  Simply because of the range of factory ammo available.  The 223 wiz kid is a tinker toy.  If you have enough toys you buy that one to reload and tinker with.