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The .308 Winchester turned 70 years previous in 2022, and regardless of being fairly lengthy within the tooth, this spherical nonetheless ranks among the many hottest searching and taking pictures cartridges on the planet, particularly for searching rifles. There’s little question that newer cartridges just like the 6.5 Creedmoor and PRC and Winchester’s new 6.8 Western have some ballistic efficiencies over the .308, however that hasn’t eroded the .308’s mass attraction. For those who’re on the lookout for a short-action cartridge that provides ample punch for many large sport animals, reasonable recoil, and loads of manufacturing facility searching hundreds from which to decide on, then the .308 remains to be a stable guess. Right here’s an inventory of the most effective .308 searching rifles that I’ve used within the discipline or on the vary.
Issues to Take into account When Shopping for a .308 Looking Rifle
Motion
With its overwhelming recognition and 70-year historical past, there are many choices for many who need to hunt with a .308 rifle. There are such a lot of choices, in reality, that choosing the most effective .308 could be a problem. However figuring out what sort of motion you need is a good place to start out. Most .308 searching rifles are available in bolt-actions, and there are numerous nice choices. For those who’re aware of semiautos, then the AR-10 platform is ideal. However if you happen to want one thing lighter and extra classically styled, Browning’s BAR rifle combines the basic look of a searching rifle with the comfort of a semiauto. Lever weapons like Browning’s BLR and Henry’s Lengthy Ranger make the most of field magazines and, due to this fact, will work with the .308 cartridge. However there are additionally single photographs like Ruger’s vaunted No. 1.
Accuracy
Nearly all trendy rifles, no matter worth, have appropriate triggers and supply affordable accuracy. Some, just like the Ruger American, mix excellent accuracy and distinctive worth.
Weight
Weight financial savings within the type of carbon fiber shares and carbon fiber-wrapped barrels come at a worth, so if you happen to plan to hold your .308 on high-altitude, leg and lung-burning hunts, these weight financial savings would possibly give you a greater likelihood of success within the discipline. A pound or two of weight provides up over time, particularly within the skinny air altitudes the place elk, goats, and sheep thrive.
Threaded Barrel
For those who’ve invested the money and time to buy a suppressor you then’ll need a threaded barrel (ideally one which matches your thread sample—adapters are broadly obtainable however simple to lose or neglect) that’s brief sufficient in order that the general size of the rifle remains to be manageable. The Springfield Waypoint 2020 .308 rifle I used for a pronghorn antelope hunt within the fall of 2021 got here with a 20-inch carbon fiber pipe, however with a suppressor in place total size will increase by as a lot as 9 inches. Over time I’ve come to understand shorter barrels as a result of I completely hunt with suppressors when that’s an possibility, however brief barrels additionally make a rifle a lot simpler to maneuver in dense forest or in a blind or treestand. Fortunately, .308 rifles carry out effectively with brief barrels.
Ammunition
Ammo choice is critically vital to wring the most effective in-field efficiency out of your .308 rifle. There are gentle .308 hundreds obtainable with bullets underneath 150 grains, however these are usually designed for varmint searching or diminished recoil hundreds. As with different .30-caliber rounds, you possibly can stuff 200-grain bullets in a .308 case, however velocities are so low that I’ve by no means seen 200-grain .308 ammo as a viable possibility. If you’d like a hard-hitting .30-caliber, 200-grain bullet, there are many nice cartridge choices together with the .300 Winchester Magnum, .300 WSM, .300 Weatherby Magnum, 30 Nosler, and .300 PRC, all of which gladly deal with heavy .308-inch bullets.
Execs
- Wonderful accuracy
- Nice ergonomics
- Good adjustable comb design
- Wonderful journal design
Cons
- Costly
- Metric muzzle threads require an adapter
Key Options
- Grippy textured inventory inlays and adjustable comb
- Properly-designed removable journal that may be locked in place
- 4-position adjustable set off
- Threaded muzzle
We examined the Sako 90S Journey in our 2024 gun check, and it’s among the best all-around searching rifles we have now ever dealt with. This new Sako has a splendidly designed inventory with nice ergonomics and textured inlays. It additionally encompasses a push-button-adjustable comb riser that blends completely with the buttstock when not raised. It’s a perfectly correct rifle with a thoughtfully designed removable journal that may be locked into the gun and simply prime loaded. The set off is adjustable for pull weight with an Allen key and options 4 totally different adjustment positions.
We don’t suppose there’s a greater all-around searching rifle to pair with an all-around cartridge just like the .308 Winchester. The one complaints we have now concerning the gun are that we’d prefer to see them use QD sling cups or perhaps incorporate a Picatinny rail within the fore finish for a bipod, and the metric threads on the muzzle require an adapter to make use of with normal 5/8-24 suppressor mounts.
Execs
- Candy appears
- Light-weight
- Affordable worth contemplating the standard and accuracy
Cons
- Stubby barrel steals a little bit of muzzle velocity
- Requires X-Bolt particular mags and scope bases
Key Options
- Three-lug X-Bolt
- Adjustable gold-plated Feather set off
- Detachable rotary journal
- Brief (18-inch) barrel with 5/8×24 threads
- Weight: 6.2 kilos
With a suppressor, the general size of this gun is manageable however with out one, this gun has an total size of simply 38-inches, which makes it excellent for a blind or tree stand. And whereas there are many nice choices within the X-Bolt household, I imagine this one is the best of the lot.
In my expertise, X-Bolt rifles are actual tack-drivers, and I’ve by no means had one which didn’t shoot effectively. This rifle incorporates updates within the second technology together with a brand new adjustable inventory design and diminished bearing floor between the bolt and receiver. It sports activities and 18-inch barrel that’s threaded and supposed for use with a suppressor. With a can, a great scope, and a dialed-in load, this gun is ideal for many any sport in any terrain.
Execs
- Accuracy matches costlier rivals
- Tons of worth for the value
- New inventory design is adjustable
Cons
- Austere look
- Heavier than different choices
Key Options
- Gen 2 inventory has adjustable comb and size of pull
- Ruger Marksman Adjustable set off
- Three-log bolt with 60-degree bolt carry
- Energy Bedding integral bedding block
- Weight: 7 kilos
- Up to date single-stack journal
The Ruger American Gen 2 is a basic-but correct price range rifle. It options enhancements to the inventory design together with an adjustable comb piece and size of pull. The inventory is extra inflexible than earlier Ruger American shares, which supplies a platform for even higher accuracy.
I’ve examined a number of Ruger American rifles in numerous calibers and—no shock to anybody who’s aware of these weapons—each one shot effectively. On a bear hunt in Alberta, I managed to reap two bruins with this rifle, neither of which made it out of view earlier than expiring. With an American rifle chambered in .308 you possibly can hunt many of the world’s sport. So do you actually need a costlier rifle?
A contemporary tackle the basic lever-action rifle that’s extraordinarily correct.
Execs
- Stunning finishes
- Accessible hammer design
- Removable journal
Cons
- Runs on the heavier facet
- Not as correct as some bolt weapons on this worth vary
Key Options
- Anodized aluminum receiver
- 4 spherical journal capability
- Drilled and tapped receiver
- Six-lug bolt locks into barrel extension
- Weight: 7 kilos
The .308 lends itself effectively to a wide range of motion varieties, together with lever weapons just like the Lengthy Ranger. And the rack-and-pinion system is easy and quick, so you possibly can ship fast observe ups with this rifle. I’m glad that Henry used a switch bar hammer as an alternative of sullying the look of this gun with a guide security, and the side-mounted push button journal launch is intuitively positioned.
Once I examined this rifle I mounted it with a low-mount scope, and the Henry’s brief, steeply-angled hammer stayed effectively out of the best way. Accuracy wasn’t half-MOA, however this rifle definitely is correct for a lever-action, and it even challenges some bolt-actions. Plus, there’s nothing like the texture of a lever gun.
Execs
- Good accuracy
- Appears like a customized rifle
- Adjustable set off
Cons
- Costly
- Some have feeding points
Key Options
- Cylindrical receiver with integral machined recoil lug
- AG Composites carbon fiber inventory
- Non-obligatory fluted metal or carbon fiber barrels
- TriggerTech Set off
- Weight: 6 kilos, 13 ounces
In 2024, Springfield launched their new BDL-style 2020 rifle, the 2020 Boundary. The Boundary is obtainable in the identical carbon- and steel-barreled choices because the 2020 Waypoint, and is available in a slimmer AG Composites inventory. It has plenty of trendy options that we actually like, together with QD sling cups on the perimeters of the inventory, in addition to M-Lok slots on the fore finish to mount a bipod or piece of ARCA rail.
Just like the Waypoint in .308, the Boundary is a extremely correct rifle with the basic searching rifle really feel. We examined an early pattern that gave us some vital journal feeding points, however Springfield ought to have these labored out by now. That is an costly gun, however one which offers you a few years of service as a wonderful all-around searching rifle.
A sturdy and inexpensive gun completely fitted to small-statured or rising shooters.
Execs
- Matches and grows with younger hunters
- Affordable accuracy for the value
- Price range pleasant
Cons
- Useful however not fancy
- Bolt doesn’t lock
Key Options
- Adjustable LOP
- Set off is adjustable from 2 to 7 kilos
- Removable field journal
- Fluted barrel
- Features a 3-9×40 scope on Weaver bases
- Rifle/Scope Weight: 7.5 kilos
This rifle comes outfitted with a bore sighted 3-9×40 scope, so it supplies a hunter with all the pieces they should begin searching at a discount worth. Whereas this rifle is technically youth sized, the adjustable LOP(size of pull) implies that hunters can develop with it.
There’s nothing significantly fancy concerning the Mossberg (save the Muddy Woman pink camo end), however these are workaday weapons that punch tags with out pretensions. The LBA set off is dependable and protected, and I’ve by no means seen a Mossberg Patriot rifle undergo from reliability points. After carrying Patriot rifles whereas chasing Coues deer in Mexico, whitetails in Kansas, and ibex in Spain, I’m a fan of this purpose-built bolt gun.
A tack-driving AR-10 rifle that’s constructed with premium elements.
Execs
- Distinctive accuracy
- Reliable
- Premium options
- Non-obligatory upgrades
Key Options
- Wilson Fight flat prime billet higher and decrease receivers
- Rifle-length fuel system with Lo-Profile fuel block
- Wilson Fight match grade barrel
- TTU set off
- Armor-Tuff end
- Weight: 7 kilos, 13 ounces
I’ve spent appreciable time behind Tactical Hunter rifles chambered for .308 Winchester and Invoice Wilson’s sorely underrated .300 Ham’r cartridge. I went on a hog hunt with Invoice at his ranch in Texas and took a pleasant boar with one shot earlier than taking pictures the Tactical Hunter out to 1,000 yards.
Understandably, the Tactical Hunter is priced like a premium AR rifle, however there’s no higher possibility if you happen to’re on the lookout for a semiauto .308 searching rifle. And if you happen to’re questioning why there’s no class for greatest .308 varmint/predator rifle, it’s as a result of this gun wins that award, too.
Execs
- One of the crucial inexpensive rifles on this listing
- Correct
- Light-weight
Cons
- Extra recoil than different rifles on the listing
- 7/16 x 28 muzzle threading requires an adapter to accommodate most muzzle units
Key Options
- Kimber 84M managed spherical feed motion
- Three-position security
- Bolstered polymer inventory with pillar bedding
- 22-inch sporter contour match grade barrel
- Weight: 5 kilos, 9 ounces
I personal one in every of these weapons in .308, which I bought after an analysis. Why did I purchase it? I wished a light-weight .308 rifle that I might use for something, particularly for searching large sport within the excessive nation. And the Kimber Hunter Professional Desolve Blak suits the invoice. My Kimber is a bit finicky about hundreds, but it surely completely loves Black Hills’ 152-grain Twin Efficiency. With that load, it could shoot underneath an inch at 100 yards for five-shot teams, and that’s my go-to rifle/load combo for large sport searching. With the sunshine weight, you do acquire a little bit of recoil from this rifle, but it surely’s not unmanageable. However with this gun’s accuracy, if you happen to’re fortunate sufficient to pack an elk out, you’ll neglect all about recoil.
A flexible rifle at a comparatively inexpensive worth.
Execs
- Comparatively inexpensive worth
- Versatile
- Picatinny rails for added equipment
Cons
- Not as correct as another rifles on this listing
- Twin lug design creates a little bit of bolt slop
Key Options
- Push-feed motion
- 11-inch prolonged prime rail for normal or EER scopes
- Makes use of Magpul P-MAGs (one 10-round included)
- Polymer inventory is pillar bedded and provides rails on proper and left facet
- LBA Adjustable set off
- Weight: 7 kilos
The MVP is an inexpensive introduction to the world of Scout rifles. I’ve efficiently hunted elk and mule deer with this rifle, but it surely’s additionally my go-to hog searching weapon. And with subsonic hundreds it’s an excellent coaching and self-defense rifle. Actually, I most likely shoot my MVP Scout rifle greater than some other centerfire that I personal. Is a Scout rifle splendid for searching elk? Not underneath all circumstances, however my Mossberg positioned a 165-grain Partition within the prime of a bull’s coronary heart from a pair hundred yards away and that, as they are saying, was that.
The facet Picatinny rails make this rifle extra versatile. For AR hunters who need a bolt gun that provides them a spot to mount all their swag, that is it. As a result of I shoot this rifle usually I shoot it fairly effectively, and I imagine Cooper was proper when he mentioned that the pace of a Scout rifle is unmatched by different bolt weapons.
Tanner Denton
Execs
- Excessive-quality elements
- Intuitive design
- High-level accuracy for a manufacturing searching rifle
- Bolt options tool-less takedown for discipline upkeep
Key Options
- Weight: 6.8 kilos
- Barrel: Stainless-steel, 22-inch, 1:10-inch twist
- Threaded muzzle
- Mack Bros motion
The Nosler Mannequin 21 is a unbelievable searching rifle, and it received Editor’s Alternative in our 2022 rifle check. It’s a medium-lightweight, well-balanced rifle meant to tackle any hunt. Although it’s an costly rifle, you get a high-quality, long-term piece of kit for the value.
The M21 isn’t extremely gentle, but it surely’s gentle sufficient to tackle a mountain hunt and substantial sufficient to be simple taking pictures. It encompasses a bolt that’s fluted to reduce receiver contact and makes use of an M16-style extractor.
The Triggertech set off is user-adjustable, and the rifle is suppressor-ready. I actually admire the bolt’s tool-less takedown characteristic. And the motion is designed with user-friendliness in thoughts. If you’d like a rifle that may deal with something, contemplate this one. —Workers Author Tyler Freel
Execs
- Reasonably priced
- Correct and reliable
- Good weight and stability
- Corrosion-resistant end
Cons
- Match and inventory aren’t what they’re on high-end rifles
Key Options
- Weight: 6.75 kilos
- Barrel: 22-inch, Perma-Cote metal, 1:12-inch twist
- Removable journal
The Winchester XPR represents an amazing worth for a searching rifle and is among the higher “budget-priced” weapons available on the market. It encompasses a no-frill artificial inventory, coated barrel and receiver, and a removable single-stack journal.
For the value, the XPR is usually a performer, and I’ve had the chance to hunt with a number of of them, together with .308, .300 WSM, .338 Win Magazine, and 6.5 Creedmoor. They’re virtually all very correct for his or her worth and maintain as much as the weather effectively. The XPR is a straightforward, inexpensive rifle, however you don’t should really feel such as you’re sacrificing efficiency. -Workers Author, Tyler Freel
FAQs
Bullets from 150 to 180-grains are the most suitable choice for .308 searching rifles. The 150-grain bullets are excellent for many medium-sized sport and are one in every of greatest deer searching calibers, and there are a number of inexpensive choices obtainable. One in all my favourite .308 150-grain(ish) hundreds in Black Hills’s 152-grain Twin Efficiency bullet, which provides excellent accuracy and devastating growth, however I’ve additionally had good luck with Barnes’s 150-grain TSX and Federal’s 150-grain Fusion hundreds as effectively. 150-grain hundreds additionally have a tendency to supply much less recoil than heavier hundreds.
For many sport, 150-grain .308 hundreds work fantastic, however I shoot .308 searching bullets between 165 and 180-grains virtually completely as of late. These bullets supply larger ballistic coefficients than lighter bullets, and that equates to diminished wind drift and sustained kinetic power.
I usually hunt elk with .308 bullets that weigh 165 to 180 grains. Bullets on this weight vary with excessive BCs supply higher terminal efficiency on large sport, particularly when photographs are doubtlessly lengthy. If I’m going to shoot a bull elk throughout a canyon with a .308 Winchester I would like the bullet with the flattest trajectory and greatest retained power, and meaning high-BC bullets.
For many years the .30-06 had been the preferred centerfire large sport searching cartridge, and the .308 is usually thought-about the ‘06’s smaller, weaker cousin. It’s true that the .30-06 manages about 100 fps greater than the .308 with 165-grain ammunition, but it surely does so on the worth of extra recoil and an extended motion (which suggests extra gun weight). And whereas the .30-06 is extra highly effective than the .308, I haven’t observed a lot distinction between the 2 when it comes to efficiency on sport. Additionally, the brief, environment friendly .308 rifles are typically extra correct than ’06 rifles on the entire. The .308 is mild-mannered and could be constructed into lighter rifles, but when I wished one thing with extra punch I’d skip over the ought-six and go on to the .30-caliber magnums, which supply 300 or 400 extra fps than the .308.
With the fitting bullet, in the fitting situations, a .308 searching rifle could be efficient past 600 yards, however most hunters ought to limit their use of the .308 to lower than 500 yards.
Although it has definitely been surpassed in recognition for taking pictures and searching by extra environment friendly cartridges just like the 6.5 Creedmoor, the .308 isn’t going wherever anytime quickly. It’s nonetheless a wonderful all-around searching cartridge.
Methodology
For this overview, I compiled an inventory of the most effective .308 searching rifles that I’ve personally used on the vary or searching. I thought-about elements akin to, worth, accuracy, weight, and the standard of supplies and elements of every rifle for figuring out which of them made this listing.
Learn Subsequent: Wilson Fight NULA 20S Rifle Evaluation
Last Ideas on the Finest .308 Looking Rifles
It’s no accident that the .308 has been so in style with hunters for seven many years. In the present day’s rifles and ammunition are higher than ever, and that brings out the most effective in an already excellent searching cartridge. So discovering the most effective .308 searching rifles to suit your personal wants shouldn’t be an issue. Sooner or later the .308 will solely face extra competitors, however this basic searching cartridge isn’t going to vanish from American sport fields anytime quickly.
The Finest Deer Looking Rifles
