Help with Decision - Bolt Rifle 223 or 308?

[gnihcraes]

(this is not an offer to buy/sell - just help deciding on what to do)

I need help! I would like to purchase a remington heavy barrel in 308 but can't seem to find one locally... but I can find one in 223...

should I hold out until I find a 308 or just go for the 223 since it's available.

decisions decisions...

thanks for any help. Kc.

[Colorado Osprey]

To me it would make a difference depending on what is is to be used for.
What is the purpose of the gun?
Plinking?
Tactical? (under or over 200 yards)
Hunting?
Gee-Wiz?

For a plinking gun I'd do a 223... same for a Gee-Wiz.
Tactical.. I'd upgrade to a 30 cal magnum if over 200 yards, under the 308. Wouldn't consider the 223 tactical in a bolt rifle.
Hunting... elk ... see Tactical
Hunting .. smaller than elk..... get the 308
Hunting smaller than deer 223

[hockeyjedi]

I'd say it depends on what your plans for the rifle are but regardless why not go for both?



Seriously, if you want the 308 why then go with something else. If a person wants thing A but cant have it, or has to at least wait a while, why then go for thing B that one doesnt want, at least as much, in response. In other words consider the recomendation given by someones soon to be fiance; good things are worth the wait. Generally speaking this is true, right?

[gnihcraes]

I should have been more clear on usage... I feel I should have a larger caliber available for zombies I guess. IF some issue came up with owning the AR15 (obama), I'd like another option available in the gun safe. It would be used for "fun" shooting really more than anything. The 223 is an option because I've already got ammo for that, so it seems logical.

I don't hunt with guns typically, other than pararie dogs or varmints, small game... (Traditional Archery is my choice for hunting elk/deer) But would be nice to have the larger caliber if things would change in the future for using the bow. (bad shoulders)

I'd probably be happy with either 223 or 308, if I got the 308, I'd sell my SKS, as it's the largest weapon I have... decisions..

thanks for the input so far... Kc.

[GhostRider]

sounds like for your intended use go with the 223

[trlcavscout]

243? Good all around, low recoil, better trajectory then 308. If you can find one, I havent yet. 223 is fine if you can get it.

[theGinsue]

Personally, I'd go for the .308; but then again, I already have a bolt .223.

Now, if I didn't have the bolt .223 already, I'd still go with a bull barrel .308 (I'm sorta fond of the Remington 700 PPS in .308 for shooting zombies at distance).

[gnihcraes]

Update: I chickened out and purchased a GSG-5 for the family to play with instead of the big bolt rifle. I'll keep saving my pennies and pickup the bolt rifle in the near future.

thanks for all the input! it is appreciated.

Kc.