.308 or .338?

[ray1970]

Not sure if this is the proper place for this question but not sure where else to post it.

So, I have a little project to keep me amused over the winter months. When this project is complete it will primarily be used for shooting steel from 200 to 500 meters. There is a small possibility I might take it out to 1000 yards once or twice.

Anyhow, I have narrowed my choice of calibers down to 7.62x51 (.308 Win.) or .338 Federal. I won't be buying any factory ammunition for this rifle so the cost difference between the two when loading my own is minimal and won't factor into my decision. The rifle is also just going to be a range toy so being able to find ammo in a SHTF scenario is not important to me either. I'm really leaning towards the .338 just because not everyone has one and I like the thought of slinging a 200 grain bullet down range at about 2600 fps.

Which caliber should I go with and why?

Thoughts?

[Delfuego]

.308

308 is great for 200-500y and good to 1000y.
338 is good for really long range 1k-2k.

338 is not cheap (even brass) and has a very big kick.
308 is inexpensive and easy to find.

I would only get into 338 if I am planning on shooting really, really far. I wouldn't even want to shoot it under 800y, that and I am a wimp with recoil.
I just went from .308 to .260 for better ballistics with less recoil, but limited ammo choices.
I think 223 works just fine at 200-600y.
Ever look at 300 WinMag?

Just my $.02

[donsignalli]

Alot of competition shooters are starting to use 300 win mag now over 308...

[Hoser]

Alot of competition shooters are starting to use 300 win mag now over 308...

Not in these parts.

The norm is 6.5s with the 6mm calibers making headway.

[Goodburbon]

.308 kicks less. You can shoot longer comfortably. Your stated use is well within .308 capabilities.
.338 has more capability for distance built in, and a cool factor. You could just build heavy and install a good brake.


Which platform you plan on building?

[BPTactical]

Shoot the cheap Ray.
How many of us can actually justify the expense of .338?
How many of us have a tangible need for it?


Besides, think of the Cheetos you will have to forego.

[ray1970]

308 is great for 200-500y and good to 1000y.
338 is good for really long range 1k-2k.

338 is not cheap (even brass) and has a very big kick.
308 is inexpensive and easy to find.

I would only get into 338 if I am planning on shooting really, really far. I wouldn't even want to shoot it under 800y, that and I am a wimp with recoil.
I just went from .308 to .260 for better ballistics with less recoil, but limited ammo choices.
I think 223 works just fine at 200-600y.
Ever look at 300 WinMag?

Just my $.02

I believe you are thinking of the wrong .338. The .338 Federal is basically just a .308 case necked up to take the larger bullets. It is not a magnum cartridge.

Which platform you plan on building?

Guess I should have been a bit less vague. I'm building on the AR-10 platform.

Shoot the cheap Ray.
How many of us can actually justify the expense of .338?
How many of us have a tangible need for it?


Besides, think of the Cheetos you will have to forego.

I don't think the cost difference between the two would be that much when I'm loading my own.





Thank you all for the thoughts and opinions.

[islandermyk]

.338 Federal is a bigger and heavier round...


... the .308 will out perform it at longer distances.. but i could be wrong

[TriggerHappy]

In a SHTF scenario, .308 will be much easier to find. IMHO

I prefer .308:

[nisils14]

The 338 Federal is probably advantageous for a hunting scenario. You can get some 208 amax's or 210SMKs going that velocity in 30 cal. It'll need a fast twist barrel to get them hitting accurately and a full length to keep the velocity up. The 308 case just doesn't have the capacity for heavy pills. If you wanna shoot the 200+ grainers in a cheap-ish fashion. I'd look at 300wm or 300wsm.