Can 308 do everything you need a rifle to do under 600 yards?

[thwatson2]

Sure, guessing somethings you would not go out to 600, but it's very versatile.

 

[ButterBean]

Yep, we get some nasty winds here in MT. This video was taken 5 years ago during one of my antelope hunts ...

That's just average wind

 

[340Wby-4-everything]

Agree pretty much with everything said. I've killed several black bears with a 308 and ranges from 80yds to just under 300. Kills them just as dead and fast as my 300 and 340 Wbys. I have a friend that has killed muleys and antelope out to just over 400 with his and elk to low 300yd ranges. As always bullet and shot placement are key and I agree with those more knowledgeable, that it would not be my first or second choice for bears of the large brown color. I have a 340 Wby for that if I ever get to do it.

 

[TheLongRanger83702]

Greetings Gents,

I am a hunter first and foremost. A few years back I decided to reduce the number of calibers I shoot and reload for. I settled on a 308 as my "do everything" high power cartridge and currently have 5 rifles chambered in 308.

My question is if I know that I will never take a shot longer than 600 yards at game. Will 308 do it all? All species?

Is there anyone else that has done similar/ I would like to hear about your experiences. Post photos too.

Im trying to talk myself out of buying a 300 WSM or 30-06.

Bluejay

I have my Barretta 12 guage for <50 yds. my Kimber .45 ACP for <70 yds. my Wilson Combat Super Sniper in .308 Win for my <800 yds or my 300 WinMag <1500 yds. That just about covers everything.

 

[FEENIX]

That's just average wind

Yep!

 

[MountainShotz]

It wouldn't be my first choice out to 600 for everything but, IMO yes.

Just curious as to what would be your first choice?

 

[GLTaylor]

That's just average wind

If that's average I'll never get to Montana. I would have no clue how to start! If it isn't fairly calm, I don't shoot. No practice/experience like that!

 

[FlyGuy11]

Greetings Gents,

I am a hunter first and foremost. A few years back I decided to reduce the number of calibers I shoot and reload for. I settled on a 308 as my "do everything" high power cartridge and currently have 5 rifles chambered in 308.

My question is if I know that I will never take a shot longer than 600 yards at game. Will 308 do it all? All species?

Is there anyone else that has done similar/ I would like to hear about your experiences. Post photos too.

Im trying to talk myself out of buying a 300 WSM or 30-06.

Bluejay

No, it will not ethically stretch to 600 yards on Elk. The closest "do it all" is 270 WSM, 6.5 PRC, 300 Win Mag, etc. I just went with a 6.5 PRC for my kids as a low recoil "do it all" rifle with a Terminator T2 brake and I have my 9 year old and 11 year old shooting it like it's a .22lr.

 

[Lnewton]

Good thread and sound advice from most. If you want an all around rifle you can move up just a little and carry the tried and true 30-06. Great bullet selection still and just a little more powder. You can send those heavier projectiles that has been mentioned but then you can also get smaller loads for the smaller animals. I love my .308 and it has served me well. I also enjoy my 30-06. For Elk I just can't help but take my 300 win mag. I just can't imagine being limited on range. Would the .308 do it? Absolutely! If the bull of a lifetime was at 700 yards, 300 win mag was worth the carry to the field!

 

[ButterBean]

No, it will not ethically stretch to 600 yards on Elk. The closest "do it all" is 270 WSM, 6.5 PRC, 300 Win Mag, etc. I just went with a 6.5 PRC for my kids as a low recoil "do it all" rifle with a Terminator T2 break and I have my 9 year old and 11 year old shooting it like it's a .22lr.

I disagree, yes it will

 

[Gibbshooter43]

And add to that wind, the swirling effect while shooting across a canyon here in Idaho and you want as little drift as possible. The 308 will certainly work; especially if it is your primary hunting rifle and you are intimately familiar with its abilities d/t practice, practice, practice.

 

[ButterBean]

No, it will not ethically stretch to 600 yards on Elk. The closest "do it all" is 270 WSM, 6.5 PRC, 300 Win Mag, etc. I just went with a 6.5 PRC for my kids as a low recoil "do it all" rifle with a Terminator T2 break and I have my 9 year old and 11 year old shooting it like it's a .22lr.

And there it is , The 6.5PRC with a "Break"comment

 

[Hogan]

it sure will

 

[FlyGuy11]

And there it is , The 6.5PRC with a "Break"comment

I would shoot a .308 with a break, so what is your point? I usually hunt with a suppressor too.