Custom 308 or?

[COHotshots]

Hey guys, I’m wanting to build another custom rifle and was thinking about doing a 308. But I was wondering if I am leaving a lot of performance on the table and can get more bang for the buck. Build will be on a Mcmillan a4, Stiller, and bartlein barrel. Here’s my build parameters-
-relatively low recoil (10-14 lb rifle)
-long barrel life
-factory ammo available so I don’t have to depend on finding powder (not a huge deal breaker but I’m tired of trying to find powder for my 338)
-long range precision (1000 yards or so)
-can kill an elk if I need it to
- short or long action
-relatively cheap to handload

the 308 gets pretty close, but again just wondering about the other options. I’m aware of a lot of the higher performance chamberings, but I haven’t shot any of them and I’m sure you guys have a lot more knowledge.

 

[Newbie2020]

I was going to suggest 6cm until you said "elk"...

 

[BikePilot]

For everything except the Elk I'd say 6.5cm is probably ideal for you (depending on what you see as long barrel life--I think a 6.5cm should go around 2500 rounds before accuracy starts to degrade). I imagine a 6.5cm would work on a elk but it wouldn't be my first choice (I'm far from expert in hunting--I've mostly killed lots of clay, paper and steel). 308 is a great round, but at 1k yrds it is typically subsonic while the Creeds will be supersonic, so you have less wind drift and don't have to worry about potential instability as it crosses the sonic barrier.

 

[eastexsteve]

Your parameters narrow it down to .308. And, 1k yards is not a problem for .308. Even factory 185 Bergers are still making over 1,300fps out of my gun at 1,000 yards.

 

[supercorndogs]

I know a guy who has been killing elk for many years with his 243. He never fails. Rumor has it, he would usually fills the tags for the other guys in his camp too.

6 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm/08 will all kill elk just fine. They are in ascending order of barrel life as listed.

 

[Newbie2020]

My buddy gets a cow every year with his 220 swift. Shot placement rules. But I don’t think Colorado allows anything below 0.25 caliber on elk. Don’t know about other states.

 

[supercorndogs]

.243 and up for big game in Colorado.

 

[Newbie2020]

In that case 6cm would work.

 

[GMZ]

Out of your criteria barrel life will be the deciding factor. What’s reasonable to you? If you want 5,000 rds get the 308, with 178 ELD or 185 it’ll get you to 1k easy and tons of ammo everywhere.

If you can live with 2500 rds up to maybe 3000 rds check out 6.5CM, ammo is everywhere and it’s low recoil and easy mode at 1k.

7-08 will cut between the two somewhat but you need to handload it long to really get the most from it.

Since you said long action too maybe 6.5x55, 280AI, or 30-06.

 

[Newbie2020]

6.5cm seems like the Goldilocks compromise. I guess there’s a reason it’s grabbed so much market share.

 

[MNhunter1]

.308 fits the bill just perfectly in my perspective.

 

[Sogan]

What kind of barrel life is everyone seeing with a .308?

 

[eastexsteve]

What kind of barrel life is everyone seeing with a .308?

Long. I have two milspec 1450 barreled guns that are ancient with untold rounds fired through them. They still hold reasonably tight for guns that were manufactured 25+ years ago. These days, barrel manufacturing is much better than back then.

 

[chuey]

I'm thinking of doing something with a 308, except I wanted a shorty hunting rifle . 10 twist 18 or 16 inch barrel. defiance or curtis action with a bunch or carbon fiber on it. it would be a for sub 500, but mostly sub 300 where I hunt. ok, the truth is most shots are under 150 yards to harvest... I don't see why 308 would not work. I get why guys say 6.5 's and all, but their's is always a place for a 308 in my safe.

 

[jcmullis2]

IMO the 6.5cm is the way to go. I believe the 6.5 out performs the 308 in every aspect except barrel life. The 308 has its uses but there’s several better calibers for 1000 yard shooting. Just saying

 

[Scampo]

If you don't already have a 308, then go in that direction. If you do, 6.5CM is a great next caliber

 

[stello1001]

You'll have to pick between 308 or 6.5. Determine what long barrel life means for you and that will be your deciding factor.

 

[charnicus]

I have zero percent elk killing experience but would imagine the .308 to have enough energy to do the job with the right bullet at the right range. Regardless the .308 gets my vote. Finishing up an 18.5” .308 in a chassis so partially biased but it’s nice to have an option for the factory ammo and good stuff at that. Sometimes loading becomes a chore when everything else gets chaotic. .308 is fun to shoot (most / all shit is). 6.5 Creedmoor would be second choice. Don’t have to load it to burn barrels and excellent factory options as well. It’s probably understood that I don’t know if you can kill an elk with it but I’ll say that once more. The few guys I know who hunt elk aren’t using short action calibers.

 

[eastexsteve]

.308 is definitely cheaper to shoot, and ammo easier to find.

 

[COHotshots]

Basically everyone is saying 308 or 6.5 which is inline with what I was thinking for the most part. Although I’ve thought about the 6.5-280 ai, 280 ai and such. Which I know does kinda contradict some of my parameters, but I’m drawn to the increase in velocity and with a heavier rifle I can minimize recoil. Just still in the information gathering phase. Thanks for the input everyone

 

[Rocketmandb]

You could also look at a 260. A little more case capacity/speed capability than the CM. Good brass is available for it, and of course all the great 6.5 bullets that the CM has made popular. If wanted even a little more performance, you could go 260 AI - and shoot the Berger 156s at a good clip.

 

[acudaowner]

choices , choices every where good luck making a decision may it serve you well send pics

 

[WB300]

While i agree with most recommended above, I'll throw .30-06 in there just to give the factory available and longer barrel life requirements some more thought. Wouldn't be MY pick though.

Let us know what you decide.