In 308 Win

I use to want a 300WM but after owning one I couldn't justify the ammo cost, availability or recoil.

For my purposes 308 handles everything I need, but I don't hunt bear, moose, elk, etc.

For years I thought 30-06 was the best "all around hunting round", but that's even changed in favor of 308. If people are taking deer with a 243 then a 308 is more than up to that challenge.

I also prefer "short actions" to "long actions" for ergos and speed.

Having said all of this....the last time I hunted larger game with a rifle was over 20 years ago (if you discount coyotes).

Therefore my opinions are basically just that.

Listen to Andy.

Only deer I ever killed was with a model 94 Winchester 30-30 (NO it wasn't the first year they were made). But it was 44 years ago. I also though prefer the .308. I've had 30-30, 308, 30-06 Just like the short action and versatility of the 308. It can do Sand dogs all the way up to just about anything.

IF I had the capability to hand load ammo, and had to choose one caliber it would be a toss up between the .223 and .308. Taking into account that here the largest game we have are whitetail deer.

Now I if I were further North or out west, hands down the .308.

Just my UNQUALIFIED opinion.

223 is underrated but I'm not a hunter. As someone that carries as much ammo as possible ... 308 suffers.

It's a better cartridge .... by a wide margin .... but for 99% of my needs 5.56x45

7.62x51mm is an outstanding performer. It's just heavy.

YUP, what he ^^^ said.

If you are hunting game smaller than Elk (Wapiti they are called here) and don't feel the need to be trying to take shots at 500+yds then I think .308win makes about the most sense of any round about. I have hunting most of my life with either a .308Win or .300WM and these days it is much more often than not with the .308. I like to think I have a modicum of field skill and that allows me to stalk deer to ranges WELL within the ability of the .308. Loaded with 130, 150 and 165gn projectiles you have a whole range of options for game, or do as I have done for the last 14yrs, just use factory 150gn loadings and call it good. Like Gary, I am a great fan of the package size you get with most medium action rifles (vs long action for the .300 etc).

This year I will hunt a bit more with my .300 as I am taking it to NZ with me next year as the ranges involved in the Sika hunting there are significantly longer and it is here where the .300 excels.

Now my curve balls... I love the 6.5x55 round...!!!! ballistically is is just BRILLIANT and is a fabulous killer !!! The main reason I don't have one is that the round requires a long action to chamber it. As a result I am REALLY interested in the .260 Remington and one day (probably in retirement) I will build and tinker with one.

I personally recommend the .308 to about everyone. That there is a plethora of ammunition choices and that it can be a common calibre to your other 7.62 rifles you may have squirreled away, just makes it more sensible.

I killed a moose that was ranged out at over 500 yards with my 308
Would I do that shot again, no
As I have gotten older, I feel less confident in a clean kill at that range
3 out of 4 of my shots were kill shots, however the moose was dead on it's feet and didn't know it. It didn't fall until I started to reload
live weight of the moose was probably around 800lbs

Since that time I have put a personal limit of around 250 yards while hunting, less if conditions aren't ideal

For all around hunting I like the 308 winchester
up north while moose hunting in grizzly territory, I often change the 308 for my 338 win mag
in deep bush in that area I usually pack the 308 or my 450 marlin (winchester 94 timber)

For hunting in BC, leaving out the big bears I would feel confident in the 308 winchester class of cartridges
For me that list would include
7mm-08
30/06
270
280/7mm
7x57 Mauser
260
300 savage
just to name a few that I have either used myself or saw other people using them

My next rifle may be a 7mm-08 or a 338 federal
not sure

BILL! Glad to see you post. It's been a long while and I hope everything is going well with you. How is Pauline doing, good I hope. Hope your girls are well also.