max effective range for .308

[philsummers21]

looking at getting a few long range rifles to play with. I want one for coyotes and what not and maybe deer and antelope. How far is it reasonable to shoot deer with a .308?

 

[J E Custom]

looking at getting a few long range rifles to play with. I want one for coyotes and what not and maybe deer and antelope. How far is it reasonable to shoot deer with a .308?

On small game 600 to 700 yards and deer size game 400 to 600 yards with the right bullet.

Targets= 1000 to 1100 yards .

J E CUSTOM

 

[tt35]

I think JE is pretty accurate in his estimations. My nephew took a rockchuck at 1264 yards this spring with his .308. http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f31/1263-yard-rockchuck-74527/ But a coyote won't stand around that long. If you aren't too hung up on a .308, you might look into a .260, 7-08 or even a fast twist 6mm cartridge (.243AI??). They'd be adequate for smaller big game species, have better BC bullets available, have less recoil and be cheaper to load for. Just a thought.

 

[philsummers21]

Kimber America | Model 8400 Tactical
This is the main reason for going with the .308 I really like the Kimber 8400 Tactical rifle. Also the reloading cost doesnt really bother me. I will be also purchasing either a 300 RUM or 338 to take on the longer shots and larger game. So the .308 i will just be mostly used on varmints and plinking targets as far as possible. Was just hoping maybe it could be useful for deer/antelope out to about 800. Then beyond that the BIG 3 would be used.

 

[Grumulkin]

As long as you can hit a deer or antelope in a vital area from 800 yards, I would see no reason a 308 wouldn't be adequate. That would mean adequate shooter talent, an excellent rest and a gun capable of keeping groups of 4 to 6 inches at that range.

 

[Buffalobob]

I have been toying with the idea of having open sights put on my 308 and using it to kill an antelope beyond 1K. The problem is the competition palma sights are really expensive just to be playing around for one hunt. I have also been intrigued by Litz's new bullet that is not affected by the transition.

 

[Guy M]

Buffalobob - you should have tried my Model 70 Palma rifle before I sold it... I never did hunt with it, with the sights installed. But did shoot some steel silhouettes and of course did a bit of mid & long-range prone shooting as well. Was pleasantly surprised that the round apertures front and rear did so well on the silhouette targets - just center the steel ram in the forward aperture, hold hard and squeeze. Boom. Clang! That rifle had a 30" Krieger so muzzle velocities were pretty impressive for a .308 Win. With a scope it did some rock-chuck duty...

Back to the OP - I limit my .308 Win to about 600 yards. It works well there, and I shoot it well to that point. There are cartridges that are much better at longer ranges, not that the .308 can't get it done out past that - just that there are obviously better choices w/higher velocity and higher BC bullets.

Regards, Guy

 

[scenarshooter]

My Surgeon .308 has taken 734 coyotes...125 of them have been over 400 meters. I use 155gr scenars at 2950fps.

 

[scenarshooter]

470 meters was the shot on this mule deer buck, same rifle and load...

 

[704]

I shoot this caliber for a living from my M24, I have engaged targets @1100 meters, live targets 950M, looking at terminal effects I agree 6-700 max on deer (with good shot placement) other wise 600M on medium size animals yotes and critters 800 will do it