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Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
#6044241
11/23/15 02:46 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 173
Hunter Gatherer
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 173 |
What's the most accurate 308 rifle for deer hunting at moderate ranges, say 100 to 400 yards? I'm speaking more in terms of barrel weight than rifle brand. Normally I like Ruger, Winchester, and Remington, so brand is not that big of a deal. Also, I'm not talking about AR's. You guys that love AR's more power to you but I'm a bolt action guy.
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: Hunter Gatherer]
#6044254
11/23/15 02:51 AM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 645
7x57
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Tracker
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Posts: 645 |
I think a 24" barrel would be optimal for accuracy, something in a heavier contour for less whip and more stability.
I prefer controlled round feed (ruger/winchester/etc.), though it's all preference for the most part.
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: Hunter Gatherer]
#6044322
11/23/15 03:25 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171
J.G.
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Barrel length and barrel contour have nothing to do with accuracy. The quality of the rifling, the chambering, and the quality of the ammo determine accuracy.
The shorter the barrel the stiffer the barrel. Which means the short barrel tends to be less picky about the powder charge you feed it, or the mass produced ammo you feed it. Provided you are using quality ammo. The short barrel produces less muzzle velocity.
The long barrel has a more pronounced sine wave and can be more picky on powder charge, making "the node" a narrower margin. The longer barrel produces more muzzle velocity. A thin long barrel heats up after less shots than the long thick barrel. Once the long thin barrel heats to the point of stringing then it can shoot very erratically. The purpose of the long heavy contour barrel competition shooters use is to get more muzzle velocity and also have enough steel around the bore that it will still shoot consistently after extended shot strings.
For hunting, the barrel length and thickness is up to you. If you want a light, handy two or three shot rifle the middle ground I like is a 20" sporter contour. You maintain velocity and do not have a super heavy barrel to tote around. You can also go down to 16" at the expense of velocity. The general rule of thumb is 20 fps MV loss per inch of barrel taken off. If you find a sporter contour rifle you like you can always have it cut down as short as you like down to 16" without an ATF NFA tax stamp.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: Hunter Gatherer]
#6044350
11/23/15 03:41 AM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 645
7x57
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 645 |
I've always heard that the longer barrel and heavier weight influence the POA due to the jump or whip or the barrel. The thicker barrel helping eliminate the flex due to greater length. The length helping reduce muzzle jump, muzzle blast, recoil, and noise to an extent which would in turn make the rifle more comfortable to shoot and help with the overall experience.
I've also always assumed that higher velocities would help accuracy due to the lower flight times and better wind bucking at longer ranges.
I'm not a pro by any standard though, this is just what I have read. I'm sure someone with more experience could elaborate on the subject.
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: Hunter Gatherer]
#6044355
11/23/15 03:44 AM
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 788
hermano W
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I have a Tikka T3 lite 308 cut down to 18". It is light and handy for hunting,is plenty accurate, and didn't break the bank to purchase.
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: 7x57]
#6044395
11/23/15 04:10 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171
J.G.
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I already elaborated. One guy being able to shoot a rifle 1/2 MOA and another guy being less comfortable and only getting 1 1/2 MOA is not the fault of the rifle nor the barrel length / contour.
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: J.G.]
#6044402
11/23/15 04:13 AM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 645
7x57
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You talked about the node due to the sine wave, etc. Can you not overcome that using a heavier barrel? I already elaborated. One guy being able to shoot a rifle 1/2 MOA and another guy being less comfortable and only getting 1 1/2 MOA is not the fault of the rifle nor the barrel length / contour. How is it not?
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: 7x57]
#6044413
11/23/15 04:22 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171
J.G.
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Higher velocity, and higher BC do help at longer ranges. We have not talked about long range, just the consistency of the rifle/ ammo.
Ever rifle barrel and every bullet create a sine wave. You cannot overcome it with a different bullet. You can lessen it by making the barrel a. Thicker b. Shorter c. Both
How can you not see that it is the fault of the rifle? Hand a tack driver to a great shooter and he will drive tacks. Hand a tack driver to a chit shooter and he will spread them all over the paper.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: Hunter Gatherer]
#6044491
11/23/15 05:45 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179
Tactical Cowboy
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179 |
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: Hunter Gatherer]
#6044516
11/23/15 07:21 AM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,498
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,498 |
Have a Ruger limited edition ultralite with a 20 inch pencil thin barrel that easily shoots sub MOA even after shooting a box of Federal Match, that is not the norm of very thin barrels but good barrels it can happen.
The Generalities that Fireman listed above are spot on. Barrels vibrate as the bullet goes down them and generally the best accuracy will occur when the bullet exits the barrel as the barrel is moving the least, reloaders call a load that achieves this a node, it can be seen with better accuracy than when the barrel is moving more.
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: J.G.]
#6044566
11/23/15 12:13 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,499
charlesb
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Higher velocity, and higher BC do help at longer ranges. We have not talked about long range, just the consistency of the rifle/ ammo.
Ever rifle barrel and every bullet create a sine wave. You cannot overcome it with a different bullet. You can lessen it by making the barrel a. Thicker b. Shorter c. Both
How can you not see that it is the fault of the rifle? Hand a tack driver to a great shooter and he will drive tacks. Hand a tack driver to a chit shooter and he will spread them all over the paper. Lately I've been fascinated with the idea of an 18" bull barrel on a bolt gun. I like the way they handle, and the accuracy potential is there. I got a chance to look at a rifle set up this way a few years back, and it made quite an impression on me. The plan is to cobble together something like that in .308, as it is easy to find a .308 bull-barrel rifle to start from. - It's just a matter of reducing the barrel length, then opening up a sporter-style stock to take the bull barrel. I thought of whittling down a varmint stock to lighten it up, but I think I'd rather just open up the barrel channel on a sporter stock. Since I do not shoot at game animals further than 300 yards away, a compact 2-7 scope slammed down as low as it can go ought to do the job while keeping the weight down, and retaining the guns good handling qualities. A rifle set up that way should be capable far beyond 300 yards with a bigger scope, but for my purposes the lower mounting height, reduced sail area and weight of the compact scope is more appealing. - What I'm shooting for is something that would handle brush-popping as well as a 30-30 lever gun, but still be capable of precision shooting out to 300 yards, if I hold my mouth just right. The .308 cartridge seems ideal for that.
Last edited by charlesb; 11/23/15 12:37 PM.
Kind regards, charlesb
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: Hunter Gatherer]
#6044659
11/23/15 01:36 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 603
Dien
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Tac Ops specializes in 308s using Remingtion action. Guaranteed 1/4 MOA using Factory Match ammo I believe. Your search just ended unless you have other considerations such as budget in the way, lol.
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: charlesb]
#6044686
11/23/15 01:50 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171
J.G.
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Joined: Dec 2008
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Charles,
The .308 would be a good choice, so is the 7mm-08. I built a heavy barrel 7mm-08 then chopped it down to 20". It's like a Stihl chainsaw, crank it up in the morning and run it all day long. Just gotta keep fuel in it.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: Hunter Gatherer]
#6044734
11/23/15 02:16 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,637
DStroud
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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I have two 20 inch barreled .308's... one I bought with the plan to rebarrel longer but it shoots so good that now the plan is to try and wear it out.
"Anyone taking up handloading necessarily plays with unknown factors and takes chances. But so does anyone who drives a car,goes to a cocktail party,eats in a restaurant,or gets married."
Jack O'Connor 1963
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: Hunter Gatherer]
#6044774
11/23/15 02:37 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,016
SingleShot85
Veteran Tracker
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nothing over 22" for sure, not for hunting.... i have a AIAW with a 24" barrel and one with an 18" barrel and have taken both to 1000yrds w/o blinking an eye..... hunting wise 18" treaded w/ a suppressor 175smk over 44.5gr of varget and kill what ever you like in TX..... the 7mm-08 as FJG is also a golden ticket
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: SingleShot85]
#6044789
11/23/15 02:46 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171
J.G.
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171 |
Whoa, whoa, whoa! I still have lots of love for my 26" barrel 7 Rem Mag shooting a 180 gr VLD. But it only gets brought out on special occasions, when something absolutely must be destroyed. I just put the 20" 7mm-08 in the passenger seat of the truck, where it will be the next two days. It is just super handy!
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: DStroud]
#6044793
11/23/15 02:47 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171
J.G.
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I have two 20 inch barreled .308's... one I bought with the plan to rebarrel longer but it shoots so good that now the plan is to try and wear it out. I believe Jacob Bynum put 10,000 rounds on one .308 barrel. You better get busy!
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: Dien]
#6045051
11/23/15 04:28 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,499
charlesb
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Tac Ops specializes in 308s using Remingtion action. Guaranteed 1/4 MOA using Factory Match ammo I believe. Your search just ended unless you have other considerations such as budget in the way, lol. My plan is to have a bit of fun rolling my own. - And as some can attest, I am no fan of the Remington action, so that's out. Also, I am thinking of a sporting arm, something nice to look at for those long hours in the field when the critters are being bashful. The only thing "tactical" around the place here is an old '03 Springfield that someone brought in for me to resurrect.
Last edited by charlesb; 11/23/15 04:31 PM.
Kind regards, charlesb
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: Hunter Gatherer]
#6045073
11/23/15 04:36 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,107
catslayer
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listen to fireman...
ps if 400 is all your shooting... then why NOT look at an AR... just my 2cents
Last edited by catslayer; 11/23/15 04:37 PM.
Sombody smells like fried borritos...
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: Hunter Gatherer]
#6047183
11/24/15 03:59 PM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 28
KPHILLIP
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 28 |
I shoot a Mossberg ATR 100 .308 with a Nikon Monarch scope seems to be spot on @ 500 meters I've ver shot further but it does the trick just fine.
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: Hunter Gatherer]
#6048103
11/24/15 11:27 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,192
TexasVine
Veteran Tracker
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,192 |
24" Remington 700 5R Milspec. Superb accuracy.
TexasVine
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: Hunter Gatherer]
#6048113
11/24/15 11:36 PM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,492
splash556
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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I'm shooting a 20" 5R in a remington 700 (.308). Heavy for it's length but shoots touching hole groups with bulk ammo. Can't ever see letting it go.
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: Hunter Gatherer]
#6048666
11/25/15 03:29 AM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,424
jeffbird
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,424 |
What's the most accurate 308 rifle for deer hunting at moderate ranges, say 100 to 400 yards? I'm speaking more in terms of barrel weight than rifle brand. Normally I like Ruger, Winchester, and Remington, so brand is not that big of a deal. Also, I'm not talking about AR's. You guys that love AR's more power to you but I'm a bolt action guy. Accuracy International or Sako TRG 22.
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: J.G.]
#6048732
11/25/15 03:56 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,394
booradley
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,394 |
Barrel length and barrel contour have nothing to do with accuracy. The quality of the rifling, the chambering, and the quality of the ammo determine accuracy.
The shorter the barrel the stiffer the barrel. Which means the short barrel tends to be less picky about the powder charge you feed it, or the mass produced ammo you feed it. Provided you are using quality ammo. The short barrel produces less muzzle velocity.
The long barrel has a more pronounced sine wave and can be more picky on powder charge, making "the node" a narrower margin. The longer barrel produces more muzzle velocity. A thin long barrel heats up after less shots than the long thick barrel. Once the long thin barrel heats to the point of stringing then it can shoot very erratically. The purpose of the long heavy contour barrel competition shooters use is to get more muzzle velocity and also have enough steel around the bore that it will still shoot consistently after extended shot strings.
For hunting, the barrel length and thickness is up to you. If you want a light, handy two or three shot rifle the middle ground I like is a 20" sporter contour. You maintain velocity and do not have a super heavy barrel to tote around. You can also go down to 16" at the expense of velocity. The general rule of thumb is 20 fps MV loss per inch of barrel taken off. If you find a sporter contour rifle you like you can always have it cut down as short as you like down to 16" without an ATF NFA tax stamp. I don't always agree with everything Fireman posts which is as it should be. This post is spot on and could not have been worded better.
Don’t roll those bloodshot eyes at me.
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Re: Most Accurate 308 Bolt Rifles
[Re: TexasVine]
#6048770
11/25/15 04:11 AM
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,072
cabosandinh
Veteran Tracker
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,072 |
24" Remington 700 5R Milspec. Superb accuracy. They re pretty good and not expensive
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