How would you set up a 308 Winchester?

[straightshooter]

I'm going to do a semi custom build 308 win. How would you set it up to get the most range on elk size game. This rifle will mainly be used for practice, but I want to use it to back up my 7mm wsm. I don't mind some weight, say in the range of 12-13lbs all up. Looking for barrel weight, twist, length, bullet weight, type, and stock ideas. After your input, what would you think the max range on a bull elk would be?

 

[roninflag]

there is a guy on 24hourcampfire; ( scenarshooter); he kills a lot of stuff with his three 308's . i know he shoots a 155 scenar with a lot of varget. not sure spec on his rifles. my guess is an 11 twist krieger on a rem 700. mcmiln stock.

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

My guess would be most guys here would rate the 308 win as a 500 yard elk gun but thats just a guess. I would build it light, its a 308 recoil is non exsistant. Manners MCST 1-10 twist 26" barrel with a meduim contour.

 

[308 Wisconsin]

I love the 308, but I would not consider it a 500yd elk gun. The bullet may have great reach in human combat, target shooting and such; but an elk is a trophy large game animal. At 400yd, most 308s decrease power to around 1000ft/lbs. It has a nice diameter, accuracy, and recoil, but I would consider it a 400yd max whitetail gun. I have not had a chance or the financial resources to do my first elk hunt, but I would guess that you would want more power which might bring it down to a 300yd gun.

I own a 26" savage with choate stock 308, a 308 AR-10 (R-25), and a 308 savage edge/axis. The round is great.

 

[trebark]

In terms of a load, I would recommend 208Amax or 210VLD pushed by heavy charges of RL17. Barrel should be medium to heavy contour 26" or 28" long in 1:11 twist. My 308 started like this...

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-308-1k-rifle-evolution-continues-43510/

Keep in mind that this particular 308 had a Remington factory 1:12 twist barrel so it could not handle the heavier bullets. Read the thread all the way to the end and you will find it was morphed into a 260. It is an upgraded version from the 308. Both of these rifles are configured how I would set up the rifle you are wanting to build.

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-260-mcr-59628/

The qualifier here is how do you want to hunt and shoot? are you planning to carry this rifle into the thick stuff? or set up and ambus? My rifles are set up for long-range ambush.

Hope that helps.

 

[texan79]

At 400yd, most 308s decrease power to around 1000ft/lbs. .

This is not accurate at all. Run the numbers on a 175 SMk loaded to a modest 2650 fps and it will hold a thousand lbs energy to 700 yds.

I have to disagree with trebark too on this one. (I usually dont) I have not fired the 208 amax or 210 VLD's, but for the little case of the .308, it is my opinion that a 180 is about tops for the little dude. I'm shooting a 1:10 twist and it puts 175's in the same hole.

I do agree that for elk, 400 is about all I would ask for out of the 308. I think a partition bullet may be better served for elk than an SMK, amax or VLD.

Just my opinion, and I know elk have been killed by less. Guns are kinda like race cars, there's no replacement for displacement.

 

[trebark]

I have to disagree with trebark too on this one. (I usually dont) I have not fired the 208 amax or 210 VLD's, but for the little case of the .308, it is my opinion that a 180 is about tops for the little dude. I'm shooting a 1:10 twist and it puts 175's in the same hole.

The basis for my statement on the use of the 208Amax and 210VLD in the 308 is from actual experience. A good friend uses RL17 and a 28", 1:11 twist barrel, to push the Amax and VLD at 2800fps.

Run the numbers on that and you will find that it carries 1480lbs (elk killing energy) to 800 yards and 1160lbs (deer killing energy) to 1000yards.

If you're running a factory 26" barrel, you would see a velocity loss of ~75fps (both for shorter barrel and generally factory barrels are slower than custom).

So to be even more conservative, run the numbers with 2700fps and you get...1537lbs at 700 and 1066lbs at 1000 yards.

As I said before, this is based on real observation.

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f19/308-208gr-max-range-report-54003/

Also, please keep in mind that although the round might have the capability to kill elk and deer at these ranges, the shooter needs to have the skills and confidence for shooting anything at these distances.

 

[Camshaft]

2800 is pretty **** impressive from a .308win. I have a hard time believing that your friend is trailing my 300RUM by only 350fps with half or less grains of powder and them same bullet. I load 178amaxs for my 308win vtr with a 20 1/2" barrel and can barely lay down those kinds of numbers. Granted the barrel is a lot shorter but the bullet is 32grains lighter also. I'm not calling anyone out here I am just conveying my experience. In my 300wsm I push 210vlds to 2720fps out of a 24" barrel with 64grains of h4831sc. And that is Max load in that rifle. I have heard of very fast barrels before. A good friend of mine has a. 300weatherby that trails by rum by only 70fps. It does happen. Anyways back to the topic. You biggest concern will not be just energy but also impact velocity. Depending on your bullet choice you will probably need somewhere around 16-1800fps. If you are competent with your rifle energy is second to shot placement anyhow. Choose something that shoots well for you and opens up at low velocities and get in lots of practice.

 

[308 Wisconsin]

This is not accurate at all. Run the numbers on a 175 SMk loaded to a modest 2650 fps and it will hold a thousand lbs energy to 700 yds.

I have to disagree with trebark too on this one. (I usually dont) I have not fired the 208 amax or 210 VLD's, but for the little case of the .308, it is my opinion that a 180 is about tops for the little dude. I'm shooting a 1:10 twist and it puts 175's in the same hole.

I do agree that for elk, 400 is about all I would ask for out of the 308. I think a partition bullet may be better served for elk than an SMK, amax or VLD.

Just my opinion, and I know elk have been killed by less. Guns are kinda like race cars, there's no replacement for displacement.

Good call, you are right. Lord knows what I was thinking. I do not reload or hand load. I use 180gr fusion rds and they have the power you are talking about. Good discussion. I read on a site last night about 210 VLD being loaded to incredible power but the chamber psi was 60,000... is that abnormal for a 308?

 

[jlamb]

I have two 308, one with a 26" barrel (tactical setup) and a DPMS AR10. Through the Savage I shoot 175SMKs and hit out to 800 yards consitantly. (2850 fps, w/Varget)

I shoot 155 AMax or 155 SMK Palma through the DPMS using varget. They fly out about 2950fps.

I have a real issue with using a 308 as a elk rifle past 200 yards. I've seen to many animals run off never to be found when shot with smaller weapons. If you are going to attempt it, use a monolythic bullet (Barnes or Hornad GMX). I'd limit your distance to 250 yards so you don't lose the animal.

My $.02.

 

[texan79]

Trebark- just my opinion man. I dont have experience with those loads.

308 wisconsin- I cant say for sure on the chamber pressure of 60k being safe in the 308. I read a while back that in a modern bolt action rifle, that it is fine, but I wouldnt bet my eyes and face on it. When pressure shows, I stop. Each rifle is different.

Jlamb, can you share the load data?

 

[trebark]

Trebark- just my opinion man. I dont have experience with those loads.

No worries. Hope no offense was taken on my post. Just puttin' the info out that that I can substantiate.

 

[texan79]

Trebark,

I know i cant duplicate that with my 24" tube, but will you post the recipe? I'm a varget fan but may give it a shot.

 

[dig]

With the proper bullet, Barnes, Sierra GK, Accubond etc. . . you have a solid 600 yard Elk gun. Have used the .308 with three kids to kill Elk, Mule Deer and Hogs at up to 350 using SGK and Nosler BT. If a 300 Win Mag is acceptable at 700+ yards no issues with the .308 at 500. Of course as with any shot bullet placement is key. You have a good diameter med-heavy bullet traveling at medium velocity with well know drop and behaviour. Roll with it, you will be fine. It always amazes me at the poor wrap the 308 gets and the same person will tought the .270. I own and shoot both.

As a hunting rifle:

Med or med/heavy contour barrel 26-28 inches
Rem/Win/Savage Action
Floor plate
Good stock, McMillian, Greybull, HS (many others)
Scope in 4-12 or 4.5-14 range

Probably 9-11 pounds max.

Or just buy one of the many Savage or Remington option.