How Far Can a .308 Shoot Effectively?

Hunting with Firearms
1

I’ve been diving into the world of .308 Winchester and I’m curious about its range.

From what I understand, the .308 is highly respected for its versatility, but I’m looking for specifics. How far does a .308 shoot accurately for different purposes?

Target Shooting vs. Hunting

  • For target shooting: What’s the maximum effective range?
  • For hunting: How far can you expect to make an ethical shot? Are there factors I should consider, like bullet weight or barrel length?

Comparison with Other Cartridges

I’d also like to know how the .308 stacks up against other popular cartridges. Is it really a better choice for long-range accuracy, or are there better options out there?

Looking forward to hearing your experiences and insights! Any tips or data you can share would be greatly appreciated!

4 Likes
2

The effective range of a .308 can be impressive! Generally, it’s effective up to 800 yards, but it can stretch to 1,000 with the right bullet and conditions.

3

That’s interesting! I’ve always heard mixed opinions on the range. Are there specific bullet types that go farther?

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4

Absolutely, bullet type matters! A heavy boat tail or match-grade bullet typically performs better at longer distances due to aerodynamics.

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5

Also, barrel length plays a big role! Longer barrels can increase velocity, resulting in better accuracy at range. What barrel lengths are you considering?

6

I’ve been looking at match-grade options. Do they really make that much of a difference?

7

Yes, definitely! They tend to have better consistency and can help reduce bullet drop over distance, especially in windy conditions.

8

Weather can significantly affect your shooting too! Wind, humidity, and even temperature can change ballistics. How do you plan to practice?

9

That makes sense! Anyone have tips on how to adjust for wind?

10

It’s all about reading the wind! Look for mirage and adjust your aim accordingly. Practice makes perfect.

11

I think the effective range is overrated sometimes. I’ve seen shooters hit targets at 1,200 yards with .308, but it requires perfect conditions!

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12

That’s impressive but isn’t there a risk of losing accuracy past 800 yards? What’s the point past that?

13

Totally get that! Above 800 yards, it becomes much more challenging, but for some shooters, the thrill is worth it.

14

If you ask me, adjustable scopes are a game changer! They let you dial in for distance adjustments more easily. What do you think?

15

I love the idea of adjustable scopes! Makes shooting more fun, right? Plus, less guesswork in windy conditions.

16

The effective range of a .308 can really vary based on the load and bullet weight. Generally, a good quality .308 can shoot accurately up to about 800 yards with the right ammo.

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17

That’s a great point! I’ve heard that with lighter bullets, like 150 grains, the trajectory can be flatter, making long-range shooting easier. Has anyone tried this?

18

Yes, lighter loads definitely help with speed, but heavier bullets, around 170 to 180 grains, hold up better against wind. It’s all about balancing your specific needs for accuracy versus environmental factors.

19

I agree, Jesse. Also, when considering trajectory, one must account for the bullet’s ballistic coefficient. Higher BC bullets retain velocity and energy better over distance.

20

That’s a technical term! Could you break down how to choose the right bullet based on BC for beginners?