Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

Why not?

Darrell2k3
Why is it that all the sniper rifles are chambered in .308. I like .308 but why don't you see 7mm mag, 30-06, or 300 mag, is it that they just don't have the accuracy potential of .308.

Darrell
0

Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • Nighthawk
    This is comeing from a LE view,but here goes.The .308 Win is a very flat shooting gun,with great power potential.It came out long before the 7MM Mag and others.It was adopted by Military snipers and LE snipers as well.The cartridge done what it was supposed to do,so the Military still use it and so does LE.So it really was a timeing issue,and the .308 will shoot through glass and other small obstacles and usually hit its target.The 7mm Mag is not well known for its abiity to shoot through obstacles,or in other words the bullet will break up much easier than the .308.HTH

    Best!!

    Rugster


    Toujours Pret
    0
  • bambihunter
    Rugster has it IMHO...
    However, a lot of the military competition shooters shoot the .300 win mag with custom built rifles and shoot hand loads.
    I wouldn't be suprised to see them slowly adopt the .300 win mag. However, one thing that I think will suppress this idea, is the NATO compatibility with the .308, but also if they need something bigger than the .308, they can just grab the .50 BMG...
    I sure wish I could do the same. [:D]
    0
  • Horse Plains Drifter
    I am under the impression that snipers in Viet-nam used Remington model 700s chambered in 300 Win. Mag.

    Vets? Correct me if I'm wrong.

    I've always wondered the same thing as both the 30-06 and 300 Win. out-power the 308 Win.

    U!S!A! ALL THE WAY!!
    0
  • Tailgunner1954
    The logistics of the ammo supply, and the militarys standardization of cartridges has a lot to do with it.
    Winchester M-70 and Remington M-700's were used, along with the 50cal M-2. Chamberings were 30-06 and 308.
    The Winchester's, and those rifles chambered for the -06 were "remaining inventory" as the military had decided to go with the M-700 baised rifle.
    The receiver is about all that the military uses from a 700, as their own armorers rebuild them (trued and blueprinted receiver, rebarreled and restocked) before they are even fired.
    Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
    0
  • gunnut505
    You are correct sir! The M-21 WAS chambered for other calibers than .308. I saw a few in .243 and one in 35Rem!
    Don't get me started on why Professional long-range shooters utilize whatever's available; but will almost always prefer the .300 over any .308.
    The sheer devastation caused by a 190-220gr. boattail at 600yds. is much more than can be expected from puny .308's and ought-sixes; but when you have to penetrate a barrier or other intermediate structure to get at the target- you want the heaviest(less deflection), fastest(if deflected; will be very small change in point of impact), most densely constructed projectile out there: Nosler Partitions or Barnes Originals.

    If you know it all; you must have been listening.WEAR EAR PROTECTION!
    0
  • Iroquois Scout
    In Viet Nam snipers used the .308 because of ammo compatiblity. Recently, however, Marine snipers have begun useing the .338 Lapua Magnum
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity

Didn’t find what you’re looking for?