Is the .308 ammo viable for long range hunting?

Am Shooting Journal ^ | 9/14/2016 | J Hines

[w1n1]

Currently, the majority of rifles designed for long range hunting these days appear similar to that of military grade weapons in size, weight, and their configuration. These large rifles tend to feature tactical stocks, bipods, larger scopes, and tapered barrels. The majority of these rifles seem to have been configured directly from the factory to utilize .308 Winchester, a powerful round, but one that makes the hunter question whether or not such a cartridge is useful when it comes to tackling big game at long ranges.

Long Range
Believe it or not, the term "long range" actually means many different things to hunters across the world, depending on where in the country you may find yourself. One of the big problems most hunters have with long range hunting is the ability to simply wound an animal instead of taking down your game with a single well placed shot.

Capabilities
In terms of capabilities, the .308 is truly effective within its intended range and parameters. For example, one can tackle numerous game when within 250 yards or less. In this range, the rifle and round will shoot accurately and remains within the ethical limits most hunters tend to carry. Read the rest of the story here.

[Gaffer]

Long range to me is usually a couple three hundred yards. That’s about all the clearance I can see for a free shot around where I live.

[Bulwyf]

So many different loads and weights, and depends on game. This could require an essay to answer.

Short answer: yes 308 can do many things at many ranges.

[Ancient Man]

It’s good enough for our snipers.

[Fido969]

H&ll, yeah.

[elcid1970]

Works for Marine snipers, out to 1400 yds plus.

[Gaffer]

I have a cherry K98 (8mm Mauser) from 1936 that has a tang sight out to 2000 meters I can’t ever imagine a shot at that setting where I live unless I set up on a bridge overpass on and interstate.

[WENDLE]

I highly recommend the .380 for long range. Not the 308. I’m talking 1000 meters.

[doorgunner69]

Works fine an human size game out to over 600 yards.

[TigersEye]

No one cares if a Talibunny is gut shot.

A deer should get more respect though.

[FreedomPoster]

Out there, I’m sure they’d much rather be using .50 BMG or .338 Lap.

[D Rider]

Yes it is. Many hunters opt for flatter trajectories ay longer ranges. Think .300 or weatherby magnum’s. At about 250-260 yards a .308 drops 7 to 8 inches with a 165 grain bullet. The idea is that if the gun is sighted in at 3.5 inches high at 100 yards it will be 3.5 inches low at 250. Creating a “point blank” range. Flatter trajectory rounds extend the point blank range. This is just general hunting setup.

[Little Pig]

How far is “long range” and is it really worth it to have to hoof more than half a mile just to get to the place where your quarry was shot, to say nothing of how much farther you’ll then have to track the thing to find where it finally went down?

[SkyDancer]

In my neck of the woods the common round is either 7mm mag or .300win mag.

[Gaffer]

I don’t have those exotic calibers. I have 06 and some foreign calibers and I have 45-70. That’s about it. I actually don’t have my rifles to shoot game with.

[D Rider]

If you want to play the sniper game a 30-06 or .308 is just fine. You need a range finder and a high end scope to adjust for the distance, then it’s all about shot placement, and that’s all about skill. Out of my league.

[Wyrd bið ful aræd]

I’ve read reports (and by reports I mean tabloid media offerings) of USMC snipers being out-ranged and out-gunned in Afghanistan by enemy snipers at distance on some occasions.

[Gaffer]

I think when/if I need it, I’ll figure it out.

[elcid1970]

IIRC, our snipers are using both of those rounds, one in a bolt action, the other in the Barrett rifle.

Depends on application, ranges, terrain, muzzies, etc.

[JimRed]

Effectiveness against blue Kevlar is important.