About to purchase a Rossi matched pair, 308/12ga. Was wondering if 308 is overkill for whitetails? i hope to possibly next year start hunting in different states that have more land for rifle use, as here in NY its limited to certain counties. Would also like to go on a hog hunt, and possibly a cat hunt(cougar). will this weapon do what i need it to do for the listed animals?
308...overkill for whitetails?
- Thread starter bugg00jr
- Start date
bamaranger
New member
+1
The .308 in use is basically indistinguishable from the '06, which is universally recognized as the all around NA cartridge. Different bbl lengths, bullet weights and ammo manufacturers, yield varying velocities so that in day to day use, in my book, they're the same. So yup, you can have at it w/ .308 w/ anything on the continent (and much of the world, likely), excluding the obvious.
In fact, full power .30's are more than enough for the average 150lb whitetail, hog, or bear twice that size or more, esp at ranges under 100 yds, where a lot of it gets shot.
The .308 in use is basically indistinguishable from the '06, which is universally recognized as the all around NA cartridge. Different bbl lengths, bullet weights and ammo manufacturers, yield varying velocities so that in day to day use, in my book, they're the same. So yup, you can have at it w/ .308 w/ anything on the continent (and much of the world, likely), excluding the obvious.
In fact, full power .30's are more than enough for the average 150lb whitetail, hog, or bear twice that size or more, esp at ranges under 100 yds, where a lot of it gets shot.
Swampghost
New member
I hunt 50,000 acres of private land that is managed by the owner and state. This year they declared the .243 as minimum.
I personally view this as overkill as our deer tend to be small. With access to a private, managed ranch, you do what you're told to do. Out comes the .44 Mag. with soft, solid rounds.
I personally view this as overkill as our deer tend to be small. With access to a private, managed ranch, you do what you're told to do. Out comes the .44 Mag. with soft, solid rounds.
DiscoRacing
New member
If it is, in fact overkill,,,I overkill every year then... been usin one for years.
Kreyzhorse
New member
The .308 is an outstanding choice for whitetail. In fact, it's damn near a perfect choice for all NA large game.
Brian Pfleuger
Moderator Emeritus
It's certainly not over-kill (has anyone said that
) but it's also more than you need. If I were using it, I'd be using the lightest bullet I could find. 125gr if possible, 150 if not. There's even a 110gr for the -06, don't know about the 308. I wouldn't hesitate to use the 110 if I could get it. Why beat yourself with any more recoil than necessary. That cartridge, in any offering, is plenty for whitetail.
) but it's also more than you need. If I were using it, I'd be using the lightest bullet I could find. 125gr if possible, 150 if not. There's even a 110gr for the -06, don't know about the 308. I wouldn't hesitate to use the 110 if I could get it. Why beat yourself with any more recoil than necessary. That cartridge, in any offering, is plenty for whitetail.Art Eatman
Staff in Memoriam
The 110-grain bullets in 30-caliber are thin-jacketed, intended as varmint bullets. Odds are they'd fragment on bone on the way into a deer. Not a good choice. Generally, the old standard 150-grain bullet has always done a great job in the .30s as a deer load...
skydiver3346
New member
.308 overkill?
No way is the .308 overkill on whitetails. I use an Nosler Accubond bullet (150 grain) and it ususally drops them where they stand. Minimal recoil for a
.30 caliber bullet and can reach out on your longer shots if needed )and still have plenty of punch to do the job). My walking/hunting rifle is a Rem. Model Seven in .308 that is really easy to carry and pretty accurate for just a 18.5 inch barrel.
No way is the .308 overkill on whitetails. I use an Nosler Accubond bullet (150 grain) and it ususally drops them where they stand. Minimal recoil for a
.30 caliber bullet and can reach out on your longer shots if needed )and still have plenty of punch to do the job). My walking/hunting rifle is a Rem. Model Seven in .308 that is really easy to carry and pretty accurate for just a 18.5 inch barrel.
The .308 is absolute cruel overkill....
Anyone using one should immediately send it to me for disposal!
As for the Rossi combo... I have heard more bad accuracy reports than good from those who own them... The NEF handi can be ordered with both barrels custom fit from the factory. It will cost a bit more but I have hardly ever heard a bad thing about these guns.
Brent
Anyone using one should immediately send it to me for disposal!
As for the Rossi combo... I have heard more bad accuracy reports than good from those who own them... The NEF handi can be ordered with both barrels custom fit from the factory. It will cost a bit more but I have hardly ever heard a bad thing about these guns.
Brent
Willie Lowman
New member
Shortwave, I think the rifle in that video is a .338 Edge. The .338 Edge is a .300 Ultra Mag necked up to .338. Different breed of dog entirely.
As far as .308 being overkill for deer, that must be why I my 12 gauge drops them so well.
As far as .308 being overkill for deer, that must be why I my 12 gauge drops them so well.
James R. Burke
New member
.308 is just fine. Real nice deer rifle!