.223 or .308 ?

[Cserv]

Have pretty much decided on a Savage 10FCP, now I'm trying to decide on caliber. It will primarily see range time, and hunting dogs,deer, and hogs. I know the .308 is very capable for all of the above. The question is, what is the heaviest bullet this rifle will shoot well, in .223? I have a .270 and 300WSM if I need a larger caliber hunting rifle. Just think I'll be able to afford more range time w/ the .223, as I don't reload yet.
I am only looking to get out to around 500-600 with the rifle, for targets. And am aware of the limitations of the .223 at range for hunting.
Any replies, suggestions appreciated.
Eric

 

[SScott]

Re: .223 or .308 ?

Eric,
I have both .223's and .308's and I use them for paper punching, this year I made up some ammo in .308 for hunting.
The heaviest bullet it will run will depend on the twist of the rifle and the max length. Since you are buying off the shelf ammo you will just have to buy some different boxes and see which your rifle likes.
It sounds like your on the right track looking at a .223 it is a great way to get trigger time on the cheap, and with ammo available, you will be able to hunt (dogs or varmints) with no problem.
The original .223 I had was a 1-12 twist remington 700, and it loved light, 40gr-55grn bullets ran fast. It did not like the heavier bullets so I sold it.
Trust your gut, everone needs at least one .223.
SScott

 

[VYD]

Re: .223 or .308 ?

Range time and varmints? .223 of course. But deer and hogs, you need to think a bit harder on that.
Since I bought my .204, I see no need for .223. This laser straight, fast and flat cartridge drops and shifts less than .223 out to 300 yards and it is dead nuts accurate on varmints out to 400 yards. No, I don't need .223

But between the two, I don't personally see how one can even compare them. Since you already have .270 and .300WSM, then perhaps .223 is the one for you.

 

[Wannashootit]

Re: .223 or .308 ?

Hunting Dogs??

 

[MR1 Fan]

Re: .223 or .308 ?

I'm assuming prairie dogs..

 

[Roscoe_M4]

Re: .223 or .308 ?

Cserv,

I would say go for the .223 because it is an excellent paper puncher and a real joy to shoot at the range. I'm a Remmy shooter, but the Savage website lists 1-9 as the twist rate for the Model 10FCP. My 1-9 twist, 20" LTR in .223 loves 69 gr SMKs (Federal Match) and 75 gr Hornady BTHPs (Hornady Match or TAP). Black Hills and other manufacturers offer these as well and they work great at 500 - 600 yards once you get the drop dialed in. Not particularly flat shooting at long ranges but they are accurate!

Good luck with your new stick!

 

[xNF_9]

Re: .223 or .308 ?

In the hunting forums there are many people who shoot hogs with a .223, but most of them are AR platforms that take them. Hogs are tough animals, but a .223 can take them down. I read on a post that it took 8 shots to take one down once. I have no idea where the shots hit, but to me it seems like they are very tough animals, never have hunted them, but think taking 8 shots at an animal is not humane. If you can take 8 shots to kill an animal then you can use the .223.

I'd say 308 because it is the most versatile round out there. It can do all of those, but I can't lie the .223 is one of the funnest rounds I've shot. Which ever you chose I'd say shoot the hell out of it and kill some pigs they are takin over the lower states.

 

[Cserv]

Re: .223 or .308 ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wannashootit</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hunting Dogs??</div></div>

Another name for 'yotes or coyote's.

 

[xNF_9]

Re: .223 or .308 ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cserv</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wannashootit</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hunting Dogs??</div></div>

Another name for 'yotes or coyote's.
</div></div>

I'm hoping so... maybe as in yotes fox's and wolves?

 

[Bayou]

Re: .223 or .308 ?

I know you said that you pretty much decided on the 10FCP but I wanted to throw this out anyway. You might also want to consider a 223 from the 12 series "varmint" rifles. There are some with 1:7 twists, like the 12 VLP DBM, that will allow you to shoot up to 90 grain bullets which will have better ballistics at 600 yds than the 69 gr which are normally considered the max for a 1:9 twist 223. I've seen both good and bad reports from shooters with 1:9 twists when using bullets over 69 grs.

Another thing to consider if you want to reach out with a 223 is the length of the DBM. I can fit 77 gr HPBT (Nosler CC) into my AR mags with normal seating depths but the 75 gr Amax and 80 gr HPBTs are too long. For this reason my standard long range 223 round is the 77 gr which performs similarly for me as the 75 gr Amax in my 1:7 twist White Oak Arms AR upper. I don't mind "feed em as you need em" shooting with a bolt gun but I want to use the mags with my ARs. I don't own any 223 bolts so I have no idea if the DBMs are longer than AR mags, but this might be something you want to check out before you buy.

 

[scotharr]

Re: .223 or .308 ?

You already have rifles in larger calibers: get the 223 for sure. I use a 75gr A-Max for 600 yard matches and it does really well....unless it gets really windy. An 8-twist is recommended for up to 80gr bullets.

 

[chemist1]

Re: .223 or .308 ?

My 12 FV with the 9 twist shoots the 75 A-max very well.

 

[bignada]

Re: .223 or .308 ?

Might also consider a Tikka T3 varmint in .223
Tikka does a 1:8 twist that will be better all-around for heavy bullets. Need a 6.5 twist to stabilize the 90gr longrange .224 bullets, SMK and JLK. Dec 08 Canadian Shooting Club magazine had article about guy shooting 1000yds with bolt .223 using JLK 90gr and getting 20rd grps with 2" vertical spread...

Might be worth your time to get that custom barrel...
I would go Tikka T3 Varmint 1:8 in .223 or .308, and would look at the FN PBR and SPR rifles or action if building over the Savage.

No reason to choose .308 unless you don't already own one. It is a better all around cartridge for a bolt gun. If you have an AR-15, the bolt gun compliments that and should fill your goals nicely.

Nice thing about the Tikka in .223 the magazine spacer can be trimmed and you can seat 80gr loads in the mag, plus they offer an extended capacity mag as an accessory. Evolution Gun Works picatinny rail is a good one for $40...

 

[JamieD]

Re: .223 or .308 ?

+ 1 more for the .223. I shoot mine quit often and have ran it to just about 1200 yards shooting 75grain A-maxs and to 800 and 1000 with ease. Great caliber to learn the art without breaking the bank.

Good Luck,

JamieD

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Jamie Dodson
Wolf Precision
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