Best LIGHTWEIGHT 308 Hunting Rifles

Welcome to Ron Spomer Outdoors! It is day 4 of 308 Week, and we are looking at lightweight 308 hunting rifles. Will we find the best lightweight 308 hunting rifles? Follow along to find out!
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Who is Ron Spomer
For 44 years I’ve had the good fortune to photograph and write about my passion - the outdoor life. Wild creatures and wild places have always stirred me - from the first flushing pheasant that frightened me out of my socks in grandpa’s cornfield to the last whitetail that dismissed me with a wag of its tail. In my attempts to connect with this natural wonder, to become an integral part of our ecosystem and capture a bit of its mystery, I’ve photographed, hiked, hunted, birded, and fished across much of this planet. I've seen the beauty that everyone should see, survived adventures that everyone should experience. I may not have climbed the highest mountains, canoed the wildest rivers, caught the largest fish or shot the biggest bucks, but I’ve tried. Perhaps you have, too. And that’s the essential thing. Being out there, an active participant in our outdoor world.
Produced by: Red 11 Media - www.red11media.com/
Disclaimer
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not modify any cartridge or firearm beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

[@Eisenhower42]

It is SO nice to see a young man learning from an experienced older guy. Plus, just a couple of good dudes. Well done, guys.

[@michaelhill6451]

“What do you mean? Learning from men, especially old White men is a mega-micro-aggression...I’m fainting…Call my therapy dogs so they can take me to my safe space…” - The Modern “Man”

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Eisenhower.

[@michaelwilson9986]

Agree

[@coljaschoppe8670]

😂👍@@michaelhill6451

[@MichaelTharpe-hc6un]

Love your vids Ron. I have a very accurate Browning Bar mk.3 in 243. Good you shoot some autos?

[@stevefisher2121]

My vote is still for the tikka even though these were some really nice rifles.

[@blackjack5676]

You really knocked it out of the park by doing this series on 308. Thank you much!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Much appreciated, Blackjack.

[@brentbryson215]

Ron, I’ve been loving this series, and I’m not even a die-hard 308 fanatic. But one thing I’ve been thinking from watching these videos is that the 308 is so popular because it is a “confidence” round. I think people know if they do their part, they can find a load for most (all?) typical big game, and trust that the bullet will do its job. It’s been done so many times, whether on the range or in the field of battle or the game woods in many different rifles, including these handy rifles, that’s the answer to the mystery of the 308’s mystique.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

I did an experiment a few years ago. I bought two barrels from McGowan. I think I was shooting 6.5 PRC. One barrel went on a blue printed action by a gunsmith, and the other barrel I put on a Savage Axis. Both shot four different factory ammo loads, and two hand loads. Both rifles shot 3/4 to 1/2 in groups at 100 yards with all cartridges. In my opinion, it's all about the barrel and chamber. Maybe I got lucky on that Axis, or maybe it's the barrel. Savage rifles are so easy to change barrels on too. If you already have a rifle you like, it might be worth it to buy a quality barrel from a place like McGowan instead of buying a new rifle. I took another Remington 700 270 that was just ok. I wouldn't take it hunting out west. I put a new 280AI barrel on it, and it shoots outstanding. It's all about the barrel for me.

[@daig54]

What Ron said at the end of the video spoke to me, I gave up smoking because I had a daughter and loved to shoot/hunt(and ride motorcycle) plus better for the health.

[@larryschmidt3594]

Loving this series on the 308 rifles. I won a Ruger American Predator 308 rifle last week. Picked it up yesterday and threw a 1-6x LPVO scope on it last night. I bore sighted by removing the bolt and looking down the barrel at a stop sign at the end of my block. Adjusted the cross hairs and took it to the range today. Was on paper close and did a windage and elevation adjustment Norma Whitetail 150 gr ammo and I had 7/8 inch groups off sand bags with the first 7 rounds down the barrel. Should only get better. Thanks for your insight on these.

[@atranimecs]

Ruger American is seriously underrated. I've seen some copies shoot near 0.5" MOA once broken in.

[@timbender3348]

What a great tribute to the 308, and what a great review of rifle options out there! Absolutely love the series ❤

[@charleshuyck6641]

I have 4780 friends on Facebook and 3870 or so are military and we love you again Ron. It was getting touchy.

[@bradcarson6070]

Loved this .308 series of videos! Thank you for doing these!

[@shawnfinley5827]

This has been so far a really informative and fun series, what shooter or hunter doesn’t like punching paper with different rifles? 👍

[@lmbear]

Great video and guidance from Mr. Spomer. Thanks!

[@sekaf4125]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 very well done! So nice to see the comparison between 3 rifles, then you shoot 3 different shell brands. Excellent. Really helps me decide. Thank you for fabulous work!

[@davejones67]

I just finished hunting with a Howa Superlight and really like it.

[@DakotaDoc]

Great series, I think you had as much fun filming this as I did enjoy watching.

[@MrOffTrail]

I’d have liked to see the Kimber Mountain Ascent in this comparison. 4lbs 13oz in .308. Has a 3 position safety that Ron would like. Not really in the market for .308, but I do like a lightweight rifle for western deer hunting, blacktails and mulies.

[@rpk5250]

Great video. Definitely echoing other peoples feedback debt having a series of videos on the same kind of thing is great because you get to see a trend. I love the way you chronicle all the things that go into accurately shooting from the bench because. The way you just speak about things that come to mind at the moment are great because it gives the rest of us stuff to think about when we’re purchasing something things to consider. It’s hard to sum up all little details later.

[@William-Bill-Munny]

PNW woods and my .308 does all I beed ot to do. Thanks for the week long of videos that I will go back to more than a couple times.

[@joquin4618]

Loving these 308 series videos! Keep up the good work guys 👍

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Joquin.

[@davidjohansson2282]

Never been much of a 308 guy, but a little while ago I bought a CZ 600 Ergo in 308 and what a great little rifle it is, lightweight, accurate and nice to shoot. So this 308 week have been fun to watch and informative, so thank you very much.

[@JoeAroner-SIWAYTV]

Nice videos on the rifles Ron. It was nice to see the different varieties. I find myself in a Goldilocks situation looking for a rifle not too heavy and not too lite with the right action and accessories. These were great and informative, now I know which 6 rifles I won’t be buying. Your videos have really helped me narrow my selection on my new purchase, not just on caliber and cartridge selection, but on what preference of rifle platform I desire.

[@_emh]

Great series, Ron! I think this deserves a follow-up series with the descendants of the .308... can we look forward to 7mm-08 week and .243 week? Maybe even .260 Rem week? Cheers!

[@andriesfourie6859]

I have enjoyed this. The first cold bore shots may affecting what you are seeing a bit, but one thing that is really apparent is that it is worth spending a bit of money. You are getting so much more!

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

I sure enjoyed this 308 week! good stuff,nice work gentlemen.

[@lesleyboeder1798]

Growing up we did not have the choice they have today.i can remember three that stood out the Roger 77 Ultra light Winchester model 70 feather weight and the Remington model 7. All were great quality rifles that worked

[@sandybarnett7502]

Looks like a 20 inch barrel on the Springfield

[@grizzley8888]

I appreciate the advice on different things to make sure it fits better for you as always Ron thanks again for the great content

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks for watching.

[@jonfranklin4583]

Always enjoy your content but this series tops them all, thanks guys!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

You are welcome.

[@paairmen7458]

Thanks Ron for all that you teach should be in textbooks.

[@kyleward88]

I have a similar setup in 6.5 creedmoor. It was so nice carrying during rifle hunt instead of my heavy .338

[@davidmackee8575]

brilliant video Ron looking forward to seeing you two in next one 👍👍

[@awwwshucks443]

This is some wholesome stuff here. Love these videos

[@timothylear2770]

What a fantastic Review Ron ....You have made me think very seriously about my best new favourite Hunting Rifle....😎👍Aus

[@doubleedge7250]

Great series. Really enjoyed it

[@mtheurer18]

Pretty cool you reviewed the Waypoint 2020, I've had mine for about a year now in .308 and have loved it. I reload for it and have worked a pill that is consistent .25 to .5 MOA at 100. Great rifle and loved packing it around this year for elk. only gripe is like you mentioned, the safety not locking the bolt, I've had that lift a couple times but it's not bad. Also, I do want to mention shooting strings atleast for me does not do well due to the carbo fiber heating, it tends to walk. but, for hunting I better not be shooting longer strings or i'm doing somethig wrong. 2 to 3 shot groups it keeps tight, barrel coolers also really help w/ carbon fiber during load development.

[@bp8023]

Really like the new content, Ron. Keep it up.

[@bushleague3472]

I really agree with your coments at the end on carrying and balance. I dont have any true lightweights, so maybe thats a factor, but in a 7- 8lb rifle I've generally found that I preffered how a wood stock balances. With alot of synthetic rifles, the balance moves further out as butstock is lighter and I dont care for the way they carry/ handle, though they shoot fine.

[@bneaclab1]

How about some wood stock rifles!

[@chadh7005]

Absolutely one of the best things you can do is know your limit and stay in it. To many people don't and it don't work out very well.

[@fastfreddy2013]

I would really like to try a few shots with that Springfield! Thankful for your video.

[@joshszydel8202]

Love my waypoint! Antelope at 322 in Wyoming 2 weeks ago and quite a few Prairie dogs out to 500.

[@rotisseriebear5394]

As I considered my foray into buying rifles for myself, for range practice, hunting, and self-defense, I opted for limiting the number of calibers, because my dad's reloading area is out of control, and my space is limited. I went with an AR 10 in 308, and a matching bolt gun. I got an AR in 7.62x39, and an SKS, and I plan on getting the Ruger American to match. It has been tough finding hunting projectiles for the 7.62x39, but cheaper bulk ammo than other calibers for range practice. The 308 has a dizzying list of offerings, as well as bulk ammo. I guess some people bag on the 308 because other calibers can shoot farther, but I love it. Both 7.62 calibers that I got are a pleasure to shoot. Now Ron has me looking at 30.06, but I keep thinking about how few places there are within three hours drive to even shoot farther than a 308 can handle.

[@randy3577]

180 grain generally always shoot well from most 308s

[@jfess1911]

Interestingly, most of the rifles didn't like this particular load. The majority of them preferred the 150.

[@galenhisler396]

I wonder if barrel was warmer than they could tell with composit .don't know anything about them barrels myself

[@philiptrump8472]

That was very well done.

[@fha9507]

I absolutely adore my Kimber Adirondack .308. Rifle comes in at 4lbs 13 oz. One thing we didn't touch on though is lightweights by nature are tougher to shoot precise. A super lightweight will tell on your form in a second. They are not for everyone. You have to put time into learning them. Obviously as witnessed by your video you do not have these issues. Figured I should put it out there though. If you are a weekend warrior and only shoot the week before the season, you might be better off with a traditional weight rifle. Awesome content and .308 is my heart song for white tails. You earned my sub!

[@cervus-venator]

Thanks Ron, I missed the premier as I was taking my second and last GA big buck to the processor. Twelve days into the 2023 season and I'm limited out on big bucks. He weighed 203 pounds live weight. What was I using you ask - the Ruger American Predator 308 suppressed. It is the same rifle you have in these 308 videos. Needless to say I'm biased towards the Ruger American. Thanks for the review on these! There certainly are some in the review group that I would just love to have, perhaps one day.

[@georgecruz6226]

Love the content Ron!

[@ironmikehallowween]

It looked like the Savage was the winner and with all 3 kinds of ammo. Just a little heavier. Thanks for the video.

[@omf2007]

Nice series, awesome content.

[@levanpkh6882]

Happy to see 30 years old concept proved it is still working and is still on top :)

[@poowg2657]

Just because the gun is capable doesn't mean YOU are. The same can be said for cars. Great video guys!

[@Michael-A]

Beautiful background and photography!

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Nice....really nice. Good groups all in all. Thank you. Happy hunting.

[@joelhansen2919]

Savage ultra light should have got some love, the proof barrel on both of mine shoot 1/2 to 3/4 moa at 2 grand less than a nula,,

[@jfess1911]

How is the action? Does Savage do a better job making them smoother on the more expensive models? The mid-range one I tried was not great.

[@jcjustice3786]

They are blue printed

[@CJ-by8ij]

@@jfess1911 I do not have a ton of experience with Savage rifles but the ones I have handled, from a MkII, onto an Axis, up to a 110 Precision (I'm talking from a $150 rimfire rifle, up to their $1,400 target chassis centerfire rifle - which probably costs more than that now) were all somewhat rough out of the box. What I will say though, is they all got smoother and lighter to cycle as we worked the actions / broke them in. The groups got tighter as well.

[@jfess1911]

@@CJ-by8ij Thanks, The only two centerfire bolt guns that I have owned were Lee Enfields which were extremely smooth, so I got spoiled. It is funny how something like that gets fixed in my brain as something so important, but nothing else feels "right" after that. I really want to like the Savage, but it may take a while.

[@CJ-by8ij]

@@jfess1911 Haha I know exactly what you mean! When we first got into long range precision three of us got different rifles to try. For us they are all expensive, but they are considered entry level. One got the Howa in the American Flag chassis, the other went with the Savage 110 Precision, and I went with a Bergara B14 HMR (since the BMP was discontinued). They are all great rifles and they all shoot great. Each are quirky in their own way, but I too look for that silky smooth action right out of the box. What matters in the end is the ability to feed, cycle, extract, and fire without issue. One could always try (obviously make sure it is empty, etc.) cycling the action while watching a movie or tv to break in those springs and smooth out the finish along the bolt track. Let me know if it helps, I know it did on the Axis but have not played with the 110 in quite some time.

[@mikerobinson6606]

Great video! Ron, any thoughts on the Kimber Hunter? It too is an ultralight rifle and is guaranteed to shoot MOA out of the box. Seems like it is much cheaper than the rifles you tested also. Would love to hear your thoughts.

[@jcjustice3786]

I think the savage 110 and the rugsr american are my choice. Im just plain vanilla and blue collar worker retired. I go for best accuracy . Every thing else is very nice to have but econimics plays a big part of your subscribers. Just my thoughts. However you are 👌👌👌👍👍👍 Ron. One of the best.

[@Jesco2841]

My 2020 waypoint rocks. I’ve shot well under 1/2” groups from Nosler custom 168gr match ammo.

[@decklanburkhart8113]

I am amazed at how similar the specs are for the browning x bolt and the ruger american 308 compact. Even as a 6'1" i enjoy carrying the ruger american compact 308 through the woods as its a very handy size and very light.

[@sheepdog1102]

Enjoyed this video 😊

[@dennisgodsey7460]

The Savage was the overall winner. Shot good groups with all three loadings.

[@DAVIDMILLER-nc9vo]

Thanks for the interesting and educational videos; this series was well done and it looks like there will be one more. What are the bolt action rifles chambered for straight walled cartridges? Yes, I know, most straight walled cartridges are in lever actions. Some are in the falling block like the Ruger No. 1. The straight walled .50 Beowulf cartridge is chambered in the AR-15, but I don't think many hunters would use that on something as small as a deer. If there are enough straight walled, bolt actions, that would make a fine video.

[@davidteague5461]

That last rifle was sweet . I liked the browning too. But the NULA was very sweet .

[@michaelweber9290]

Great content all week

[@anthonyjbargeman5280]

this time, but the Browning I can get behind. The mod. 20 sounds interesting.

[@jackdundon2261]

Ron, I would love to see you make some hand loads and dial those rifles into one jacket hole. You and I both know you could be a great video showing people the benefits of hand loading

[@donallen890]

Hey Ron, the Remington Mohawk 308. Shoots great. Out to 300ish yards. Can reach out farther but, that is enough for me.

[@iowareddneck]

I'm with you I hate bolts that don't lock when on safe

[@WvMnts]

Great content!!

[@jeffreylocke8808]

That Browning X-Bolt is a feature laden rifle. I would get one in a 7mm-08.

[@Farmer_1776]

Use to have a rem 700 mountain in 260. It would shoot 3/10 of an inch with my hand loads.

[@jkat66]

I have enjoyed watching this series. It amazes me that you can buy the cheapest of the bunch (the Ruger American) and it will typically out shoot rifles costing 2 to 3 times as much. So my pick would be to buy 2 Ruger Americans in different calibers along with nicer mid range optics all for the price of 1 of the high end rifles. Just my opinion. But I do own 2 Ruger M77's and 2 N0.1's so I'm Ruger biased. LOL

[@borisbuliak3626]

Great stuff

[@redneckdipper7860]

Hey Ron could you please do a video comparing the 7mm-08 Remington and the 243 wssm I know the 243wssm is not a well known round to many but I have one and have taken many deer with it and just acquired a 7mm-08 from my grandfather and was wondering the goods and bads between the two

[@Eric-bh7jy]

Hope to see the Christiansen Ridgeline as a light weight option

[@charlesmullins3238]

I’ve been handloadin for my 6.5prc a yr and even with a super cheap scope I’ve shot 1 hole 3rds with 135a tips over n560…I’ve got loads from the 95gr v max@3625 to 153a tips@2900 with 130tmk@3250 bein the sweet spot…those 95s at that speed as so loud it’s painful but will all touch and send a bottle into next parallel dimension….factory 143eldx under 1” easy and really hard to beat..

[@RhinoJoeOutdoors]

It has been told the Fly on the target at 7:28 still has flashbacks to this day of this moment.

[@ThomasDonnelly-dt8mq]

Ron have you heard of the osprey scopes. If so what is your opinion of the scope overall

[@allanrobichaud6872]

I just started following. Has a review been done on the Benelli Lupo .308?

[@mikehardy1202]

Ron how do you feel about the HOWA 1500 in 308 would love to see you do a review on it

[@marcausedc9521]

Just out of curiosity could you tell me the pros and cons of a 30-30 vs a 38-55, especially from a hand loaders perspective? Your input is much appreciated!

[@shanejarratt9800]

My face when Ron said his choice was the Tikka from the "budget" rifles 🙄 then it went 😀 when he said he was revisiting the ruger. Imo the Tikka is not a budget type rifle. But I digress. That ruger will hold it's own against rifles 4x it's price point. Great info and I'm fully happy with my choice in rifles knowing I have 1/4 of the money in mine and they shoot as good or better than any of these in this video.

[@JNOSNOW]

Yes Tikka has become a very middle of the road in the budget department especially when you start adding features.

[@rogerbartels5223]

Hey guys. A good series of videos. It would have been a good addition to the information if you also had measured the muzzle velocities. With the MVs, viewers would be able to put the data into a ballistics calculator. Otherwise, good videos and good work. Have a good day.

[@PeterAndrewGrantPAG]

Would like you to do the same series but with 30 06 rifles.

[@johnpicarello1821]

I would have liked to seen a Kimber on the mix.

[@dthayer1045]

I would love to hang out with you Ron and pick your brain. You've definitely lived an interesting life. You should do an episode about how you got into your work and earlier years. It would be really interesting

[@treymartin2366]

Thanks Ron, In your opinion, what is the best factory ammunition and bullet weight for the .308 for hunting large whitetail deer? I have hunted with a 300 Win Mag for the past 15 years, but I wanted to get a rifle that was a little shorter to handle with my suppressor, so I recently purchased the Springfield 2020 Waypoint in .308. My average shot is about 100-150 yards (never over 250-300 yards), and I hunt in a very heavy brush area where it is difficult to track deer, so quick kills are extremely important to me… I am not concerned with excessive meat damage to the front shoulders. What ammunition and bullet weight would you recommend?

[@j051ahking7]

I'm wondering if you guys are going to review things like CVA, weatherby vanguard, mossberg

[@robertjordan4755]

Ron, Great stuff you have going on here. Just getting into .308. I was wondering about your shooting table? Who makes it?

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Superbly stable table, Able. I mean Robert. From Stukeysbenches.com.

[@45lcHardy]

You should put the sig in the final it shot very well

[@michaelwilson9986]

Your still having too much fun.. I love my ol Abolt cant stand them since they changed em n the Xbolt.. As bad as the 64 Winchester changes. And I love all M70s btw.

[@dylanbraamse8365]

ROn i have a question can all five hunting rifles (Buffalo rifle, elephant gun, express (weaponry), punt gun and varmint rifle) be combined into one?

[@jimbarrett5930]

I would like to see a review of the Remington model 7 in 308.

[@AKCB4LIFE]

Mel Forbes is not only a great rifle maker. He is also an outstanding person. I grew up in the same area he lives in. He does a lot for the community. Good ol WV gentleman.

[@open-debate]

Hi Ron, another great episode thank you for that BUT why don't you guys also put some of the other European rifles (thats avaialble in the US) in the mix for example the SAKO they group MOA on 5 shots AND its cheaper than the Ultra L Arms even in an attracive wallnut stock ? Theres also the MAUSER 18 or 12 on the cheaper side in the 98 Action they guaranteed MOA ... all these are available in the US

[@deezTX]

well of knowledge

[@mikekempin7917]

How about a follow-up video to drill down on ammo selection with Chases's one gun? I have an XBolt 270 and got serious about sighting in for an antelope hunt expecting 3-400 yard shot opportunities and knew my current factory ammo and skills wasn't going to cut it. I bought 7 brands of ammo and shot multiple 3 shot groups with each on different days. I quickly found Precision Hunter, Fusion, and Superformance worked best for me and ultimately settled on Precision Hunter 145 ELDX. I shot out to 400 yards and learned to dial for the first time. I really got comfortable with my gun and confidence soared. I shot my pronghorn perfectly from shooting sticks at 305 yds. Bottom line is I needed to invest in practice and ammunition more than I need another gun.

[@syednoori3799]

Start handloading, it becomes way easy

[@kennethmalcom9884]

How do you cope with the mirage? if you seeing crosshair, and add heartbeat movement. Lol, shoot between heat beats.

[@eugenegress5896]

TRADE OFF: Ron, as we all know, the lighter the Rifle, the more recoil thump, but most of that reality goes out the window, when your focused on the shot itself, on game. Thats why, I always took recoil pads of 308, and 3006cal rifles, to aford better full field of view , eye relief. Your bulky clothing is your recoil pad.

[@anthonymagill3714]

Even though it's heavy I would take the first rifle as it shot all the rounds great

[@deanleonard7857]

Ron. I have a question. Are you shooting these rifles from a clean bore or did you fire a fouling round first?