Ep. 344 | Most Versatile Cartridge Ever?

[@8208isfun]

308 has served me well for 40 years. Only recently have I added a 6mm arc for it's lack of recoil. Thanks for what you do!

[@chadillac95]

6mm arc is awesome!

[@dankcincy]

Yup...6 ARC is pretty good.

[@VortexNation]

@8208isfun - Your comment was selected as one of our comments of the week! Shoot us an email at [e-mail] and we'll work to get you your very own Vortex Nation Podcast hoodie! Thanks for tuning in and stay tuned for future content:) Mark B.

[@larrygabbard4896]

308 with a Barnes 130 gn ttsx can’t be beat for deer.

[@TheBowhunterinNB]

I am not a western hunter , but here in my neck of the woods. The .308 does it all . Moose bear whitetail and yotes within 400yards

[@CDinNC]

Many years ago a writer named Rick Jamison wrote that if you lived east of the Mississippi River a 308 was all the rifle you needed. I don’t think he has been proven wrong.

[@randiecoulter7872]

I loved reading Rick's articles! I met him at the SHOT Show in Dallas in 1983, he was a real down to earth kind of guy who got screwed over a little by Shooting Times, which in my opinion has gone down hill after Peterson bought them.

[@BrockOBauma]

Could say the same west of the Mississippi too.

[@gabemooney5676]

With modern loads I think the same works for west of the river now too

[@MrAPCProductions]

If only there was a slightly longer, slightly older version of the 308 that has literally taken every single thing that walks on this planet, defeated fascism and communism twice. Held the longest sniper kill for 40 years and was common enough to buy in a dollar general in no whereville Tennesse.

[@robinsage1964]

I believe they call it 30:06 and it's a great cartridge.

[@sorryociffer]

The 06 was the round that IMMEDIATELY came to mind when I read the vid title…😂

[@jacquesvandenheever8235]

🤣

[@JNOSNOW]

That would be cool but it probably doesn't exist..

[@sorryociffer]

@@JNOSNOW He’s talking about the 30-06.

[@milo555100]

If .308 were introduced in 2024 it would likely be loved by the folks who don’t love it. Jack of all trades and Master of quite a few. Great Podcast Gentlemen. Very enjoyable with thoughtful perspectives. Thank you!

[@wsbill14224]

Many people gravitate toward anything that's new and specialized, even if it's something hardly anyone needs, like 6.5 Creedmore.

[@mikemellon80]

Imagine if the 270 came out today. Beats the 6.5 cm in every way for hunting. By a lot.

[@wsbill14224]

@mikemellon80 Great minds think alike. For some time I've been thinking about getting a new T-shirt that says "6.5 Creedmoor, because I never heard of 270 Winchester".

[@milo555100]

@@wsbill14224 🤣

[@jonathanmitchell3733]

Tikka T3x hunter in .308 150gr accubonds: springbuck, wildebeest, blesbuck, Kudu, gemsbuck, waterbuck & even Eland. All under 350 meters.

[@58harwood]

@@jonathanmitchell3733 Agreed! I’m sure you already know this owning a Tikka but, for those who don’t. The Tikka action is somewhat unique, in that all of the action lengths are the same, its the bolt release that determines the length of bolt travel. So shorts and long actions weigh the same. So there’s no weight penalty between the two. So, for someone who handloads, that makes the Tikka 30-06 is hard to beat! 👍

[@mikekeretzman4757]

Randy Newman 308 rifle 20” barrel, 165-gr Nosler Partition drops elk out to 300-yds. For years.

[@cubrunner11]

Randy Newman 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@edwardhoward4708]

Ok since you invited me to post…This whole video I kept thinking that the 7mm-08 is better at everything except short range and big things and still OK at those. But I wasn’t thinking chamberings or availability. But, what do I have in the gun cabinet? .308. I still think the 7mm-08 would be even more popular than the .308 is now had it been chosen as the military’s medium round. We might not even have the 5.56 NATO. 7mm-08 would be REALLY hard to beat for all things you spoke of, except maybe by the .277 Fury.

[@ChanoLeyva-hq2ci]

Uh no

[@CDinNC]

Ryan, I believe you are correct about the Tikka stock. It’s better constructed than any other polymer stock I’ve examined and I have changed out a lot of them. Light and weather proof! I do switch out recoil pad for a limbsaver if the cartridge generates stiff recoil. My 30-06 Superlite is no problem with a Limbsaver recoil pad.

[@edwardabrams4972]

Limbsaver🙌 are a must and totally changed the rifle recoil felt on such a light rifle.

[@Wilt11-14]

On the topic of versatility, I'm a big fan of the 7mm-08. It never got the popularity of the 6.5 creed unfortunately. I'm waiting to see how the 277 fury goes since the army is adopting it's high power variant. It's essentially a modernized 7-08. Until then, my 308 Tikka may need a gas gun brother.

[@JimYeats]

Ryan’s soft, faintly raspy, yet soothing voice has convinced me to get a 308 Win. I’m going to go for a Howa Superlite in a 16” barrel configuration.

[@edwardabrams4972]

Great gun for the price 🙌

[@Alan.livingston]

Own a weatherby vanguard in .308 which is just a Howa, and two mini actions in other calibers. Going to add a mini in 6.5 Grendel soon. Great action, inexpensive, reasonably accurate, plenty of after market mods. What’s not to love.

[@MrHf4l]

This was unarguably my favorite Vortex Podcast of all time. Excellent conversation and analysis. You guys kept it real and brought people back to reality with this one. I like the 308 quite a bit, but I can’t say it’s my favorite cartridge. Regardless, this episode was a Major win!

[@cfoutdoors0624]

The more you talk about .308, the more I want to buy or build another one to add to the half dozen I already have! 😂

[@edwardabrams4972]

308 is one of the best versatile rifle cartridges on the market and will probably have to build another once I get my other 7 builds out from the gunsmith😳

[@milo555100]

Me too😂

[@ronaldroehrick4872]

Not long ago, Ryan said how much he liked the 3006 with 130-grain Barnes bullets at about 3250 fps and talked about why he doesn't just hunt with that and how flat shooting it was with mild recoil. The 3006 can do everything the 308 can but much more with heavier bullets for larger animals and that makes it more versatile as a hunting cartridge.

[@stormbringer1876]

Agreed BUT it depends on recoil. Literally they compared the 308 with a 6.5 Creedmoor AND touted the fact you see the impact as a feature. Not complaining, but 30-06 sight control takes a bit more work.

[@ronaldroehrick4872]

@@stormbringer1876 The 3006 with 130 bullets is very manageable.

[@johnganshow5536]

@@stormbringer1876 Depends on the stock design and recoil pad, I've had 308s that had more felt recoil than several of my 30-06s...

[@OutOfPockets]

Please do a pocast about modern legacy rifles. What are some good options for rifles we can be proud to hand down for generations? Maybe share some personal stories of ones you've received or ones you're looking forward to passing on to the next generation. Great work guys, been listening for years

[@rman713]

A BCM or a tikka

[@willd7596]

A custom rifle you save up for in the 4k plus range.

[@frontlinerejects8029]

Looking forward to a 7.5 Swiss cartridge talk!

[@jeffreyjohnson5092]

The cartridge just works. For a Midwest deer hunter who may go out west occasionally,i t's just right. The 7x57 mauser is a mild cartridge, and look what it has done all these years around the world. And has spawned other great cartridges.

[@williamsoutherland9087]

7x57 gets my vote. You mentioned spawn of 7x57…I am also a fan of .257 Roberts.

[@firstjohn3123]

Yeh, it's also why the 7mm-08 is loved so much....basically the same cartridges in performance from 2 different eras. Both solid performing, punching way above their weight (so to speak).

[@drstrangelove4998]

The 7x57 Mauser spawned them all. It’s the daddy. A chopped down 7x57 case is the Colt 45acp!

[@bdaug15]

Awesome episode. Love to hear cartridge talk on 338-06 please!

[@harrypeterson9287]

Agreed. The 338-06 is a very versatile cartridge. Flat enough shooting and powerful enough for just about anything without being absurdly overkill.

[@zednic416]

I also love the 130 TTSX 😊 I shot a moose with them at 166yds in a clearcut. It was going 3150 in 30-06 a grain under book max with big game. I hit it in the shoulder and found the bullet against the opposite side hide. It was beyond fully expanded, the base was distorted. Now I'm running them with imr 4064 1 grain under book max and getting 3300!

[@adunx]

It is the most versatile but it’s not the best for every hunt I think. Newer hunter here. I watched all of these videos from the podcast 3 years ago when I was picking my first rifle. I scoffed at the 308 and wanted something lighter than a 30-06 for deer or antelope. I choose the 270. Worked great for my first white tail at 248 yards across an alfalfa field in Wyoming. After seeing all of the cartridge talks I’ll try any caliber just to compare. This is the Ford vs Chevy vs Toyota. You like what you like.

[@jerryconrad2737]

Smart man great choice

[@austinbaker8175]

So my take has always been that for any specific type of hunting, there's always a better option than the .308 win. BUT, while the .308 isn't the best at anything, it's very good to great at everything. On top of that, there's so many applications, loading options, and purpose built projectiles that it's by far the most versatile

[@ronladuke7235]

My first big new big game rifle was a savage 99c in 308 back in the late 1970s. Shot consistently under 1.5 inches. Used it for varmints to big game,it would get it done ✅. Then in the early 1980s I got into reloading and bought a 7mm rem mag,22-250,25-06 and 340 Weatherby and 223 rem.Didn’t need the 308 anymore but I still could have got buy with the 308 but I like playing with guns and one is never enough lol 😊

[@thomastew830]

Love this video! Been shooting 308 since I was 12 in 1964, using my Brother in Law’s old Winchester Model 70. Bought me a Rem 700 when they came out and slayed many white tails with it. I love the Variety you described! I bought a DPMS AR10 with bull barrel when they came out. Used it teaching local sheriff’s dept SRT snipers. That DPMS would put five Fed. Match 168 gn Sierra boat tail hp’s into one hole at 100 yds! My students could not believe it! I have many other calibers, but the 308 Win is best all around!!!

[@papamullikin7258]

.308… coyote, bobcat, cougar, antelope, blacktail, whitetail, mule deer, elk, moose, black bear, and I would try a grizzly if I ever get a chance. Mic drop!

[@58harwood]

I get it, its hard to ignore and it’s the second best all around for me, especially if you don’t handload. However, if you do, the 30-06 is hard to ignore for versatility. For a few extra oz in action length, you can almost squeak out 300 Win Mag performance with the right bullet/powder combo! “The 30-06 is never a bad choice!” Craig Boddington 🇺🇸

[@TimBiagi]

Take your AR10 on that hunt, just in case

[@aaronr.5491]

I’m digging all the 308 love lately.😊😊

[@BornAgain2019]

The 308 does many things adequately. The ammo is relatively inexpensive and readily available. For reloading you have an extensive line of bullet weights and design to utelize. Powder consumption is minimal. It can be chambered in ultralight rifles with barrels cut down for compactness for packing without giving up a ton of performance and remaining comfortable to shoot. This platform also makes sense for adding a can if you prefer. You just need to remember what your quarry is and know your effective range. But that holds true with every cartridge. And as a final note it is the chambering that makes the most sense for AR10 platforms which would pair well with your dedicated hunting rifle. The 308 is certainly a top cantidate for 1 rifle cartridge to do it all.

[@ChanoLeyva-hq2ci]

I agree and with the right loads I can make hits out to 1200 plus to ring steel then use that same load to take an elk at 500

[@COREYDEER]

“The neighbours dog was getting in the trash.” Hahahhaha. I laughed so hard for like at least a full minute. Pictured that scene in my head. On another note this is still the cartridge I recommend to anyone wanting a one gun answer to their hunting needs for all the reasons listed. Not the best but it will do it all without issue.

[@vanisher178]

Love my 308 rifles. Such a versatile cartridge. Hunted coyotes to elk with mine. Not the best gun for all things, but it can get the job done. Shot 125 gr at coues deer, went to 165gr for elk.

[@scottyevens3174]

Dead is dead! Thanks for your pod casts!! Totally entertaining! Next lead balloon could be the 26 Nosler

[@daxbrydl2582]

I have recently found your KZbin channel and I am glad I did. You make the information fun and informative at the same time. Great job and wonderful content.

[@tongo382]

I have seen .308 FN FAL rifles extensively used in Africa by game rangers for culling elephants with no issues. They were using standard military FMJ bullets which penetrated the brain area adequately.

[@z4570]

yes,I heard about this. And apparently the great Karamajo Bell did about the same with a 7x57 Mauser and later a .308.This is what I remember reading.

[@tongo382]

@@z4570 You are correct

[@willd7596]

They use .404 Jefferey and .450's .458's.

[@tonykruger871]

@@willd7596 Whilst serving in the Rhodesian Light Infantry during the bush war I was tasked with my fireforce 4 man stick as back up ( in case they were attacked by insurgents ) to National Parks personel conducting an elephant cull in the Ghona Rezhou game reserve . The selected herd was driven by helicopter onto the waiting guns . All personnel involved in the actual shooting were armed with FN FAL using military ball ammunition . There were two rangers armed with 458 Win Mag amongst them whose sole task was to take down anything that became a threat to the shooters . The two big bores did not fire a single shot .

[@ronws2007]

This is my second time to watch this. I have .308s and always considered myself a .308 guy, precisely for the reasons listed here. Within a reasonable range (400 yards and less,) it will bring down what any other cartridge would bring down. And for the longest time, that would be the case and even when this podcast was produced and aired, definitely. But I also have a 7 PRC and I like the performance of it. And I think it is a hunting rifle that you can take from east coast to west coast and all points in between. It will also shoot everything. And for now, it may cost some people a bit more than .308. .308 can be had around the world. The .308 recoil must be dealt with but it is manageable and the military still trains with it. Even the new-ish MRAD by Barrett came out into sets of barrels, depending on which branch of SF. One that has .308 Win, .300 Norma Mag, and .338 Norma Mag. The other one has .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, and .338 Lapua Mag. That is, both sets still have .308 Win for specific uses. Ideally, the .338s are for materials disposal such as vehicles and fuel and munitions depots. The 300s are for longer range enemies. .308s are good for urban locations and also for training. And also for ammo availability. But the question is, not what is the best cartridge but what is most versatile. .308, if for nothing else, seniority.

[@angelosantora6625]

.308 is a great northeast cartridge. I was in the market for a new deer rifle. Was. Going to buy a .308 but chose a 6.5 Grendel bolt gun for my needs. It's lighter, less recoil, will be easy for my nephews to learn if they want to. Plenty capable for whitetail and predator. Plus I'm just a guy that likes things that are out of the ordinary 😂.

[@keithprinn720]

totally agree that vast majority dont need 300s or bigger and dont want to deal with the downsides. 308 fine if shortages of ammo again but plinking even targets and varmints up to deer way too much gun.

[@TheFerrot]

Man cartridge talks are always so fun. Yall should do a lever gun showdown one day. With a 357 lever gun and 44 lever gun.

[@davidheath2427]

@@TheFerrot both should never go hunting.

[@TheFerrot]

@@davidheath2427 tell that to the very dead deer in my freezer killed with a 44 magnum. And all the deer my uncle killed with the same marlin lol.

[@davidheath2427]

@TheFerrot yeah I had a 357 lever . Hit a goat just to the rear of the shoulder and 1 inch up . Perfect side shot . It ran about 500 yards and was still standing when I caught up . I put it down with a head shoot . When I found the bullet it had only just penetrated the far lung . You can do what you like but let's be honest, you need to be closer than 30 yards to be sure of a kill shot .

[@davidheath2427]

@TheFerrot and yes I've seen similar results from a 44 .

[@nevadaoutdoors5064]

Waiting. And praying. For the history and lore of the 7x57 Mauser. Or the 250-3000

[@ThemantleofElijah]

My dad all he had for hunting was .308 win in a savage 99 what a perfect hunting setup. That rifle has accounted for about four elk and prolly dozen deer and coyotes

[@HB-kp6rl]

I wanted a 7mm08 when i got my 308 but there was two problems: no ammo on the shelf and couldn’t find the rifle. So i got a 308 and now i have ammo interchangeability with my AR10 which makes sense. I’ll probably get a 7prc for the bigger animals if i ever get a chance to hunt them but for now im rocking a Ruger American with a 22” barrel because funds lol

[@calebwhiteknives]

Ron Spomer would be very disappointed 😂 Y’all nailed it though.

[@REDNECKROOTS]

308 most versatile cartridge ever made It can and does it all. Is there better purpose made cartridges yes. But thsts not the question Id say the 308 150 ta 165 grain loads are the most versatile

[@B_Pizzle_4_Shizzle]

Tikka composite stock is great if you're small, and in 300wsm if you love being beaten up. Also if you love hearing a horrific plastic reverberation when you shoot it. KRG Bravo was the ticket for me and my tikka 300wsm. Love the comfort and stability of that setup and dont mind carrying a little extra weight around the mountains.

[@LeakyJoosbox]

My 6.8 Western in a 24 inch browning xbolt pushes a 162 gr Winchester copper impact 3120 fps

[@zackw9292]

I recently got into a 1952 (first year) m70 featherweight in .308, and it shoots absolute lasers with the 130gr ttsx. Can’t wait to take it up nort & show it the deer stand hey.

[@NcHalfrican]

Ultimate Reloader hitting low end WinMag velocities with a 308 was super cool to see, I think it was 200+gr at 2700. Notably, they used high end brass and action.

[@msquared9605]

Yeah that was a very interesting video to watch

[@ChanoLeyva-hq2ci]

It was a 212 eld x or match I’m not entirely sure but it was definitely a 212

[@chrisarnoldTX]

I've had .223 anchor does, coyotes and hogs here in TX. I've had .308, 6.5, and .30-06 not anchor coyotes, deer, and hogs here as well. We've all heard the "shoot this, not that" or "that caliber sucks/is the best". How many times do we actually commit to sufficient field practice, know exactly where we hit the animal, not area, I mean specifically hit the animal, and do we know our setup at every range. How often do we actually match the bullet type to the specific environment and animal. Most of us probably but a specific type of ammo and shoot everything with it, or we buy whatever we can for the price. There are few calibers that are as versatile as the .308 and we have to understand the statement "versatility doesn't mean perfection". Great points on this podcast and there is really no objection that is valid to the conclusion here unless we want to look outside of NATO regions

[@chrisabens2915]

I own 3 of them. Different twist rates, action types etc. I’ve had really good luck with them

[@ethan5.56]

I just finished a stag 10 receiver set in .308 Winchester and I love it. I have a few different loads from Norma I want to group out of it but need to get a few more loads to try. Great video

[@bobkat1663]

The Brit. 303, Mausers, 308 win. ...etc. I call these "utility" cart. , they can do it all, maybe not one thing the best, but they do it all, and the barrel will out live you. My son is now 54, his 308 win. has like 30k rounds down the same barrel. Uses more powder , and a little slower fps. but still breaks paper. I have a Brit. 303 and 8mm Mauser, same, still shoot great, at proper distances. and as for the 6.5 anything.... the 6.5x55 has been taking game for over a 100 years. With the bullet and rifle offerings the 308 may have supplanted the 30-06 in most versatile cart. Well, my 270 Win. I get 3100 - 3260 fps. out of my 130 grains, again at proper distance the animal will never know , what bullet/cart. you hit it with. Great. show.

[@bandits2048]

What happened to getting a 7mm-08? We should just call him flip-flop. Lol

[@davidheath2427]

Lack of chambering. Lack of production ammo . Lack of people wanting it . And yes I love the 708 . But I own more 308 .

[@alt5494]

10mm auto is easily the most versatile cartridge. In a full size handgun it outperforms a bow in every factor except bloodloss. A skilled hunter can take any game in North America with 10mm. Exceptional performance in both defensive & competition. Entertaining range toy to the limits of most ranges. .308 is extremely versatile but certainly not the only choice.

[@JimmyJusa]

When it comes to 308, Mark is on Board..Man.

[@ronws2007]

That pun needed some love. Clever what you did there.

[@TheNickademas1]

I watch a lot of these podcasts. To sum up this topic in one sentence Essentially shoot what ever “Your ingrained in believing to be the best” because you can talk in your guys case for hrs and hrs and hrs and talk yourself into a circle. I enjoy talking about these type of things so I enjoy listening. I refuse to have these type of conversations with guys. There’s soooooooo many variables that it doesn’t matter it really doesn’t. When that guy realizes “hey this is expensive to shoot or this is too heavy or this has too much recoil or this is hard to load for, or I don’t hunt big game, or I only shoot factory ammo, or I don’t want long action, I don’t shoot often. What scope are you using? What gun bolt, gas, lever, pump, semi auto. Do you know about ballistics I mean you guys know you can’t not stop because it’s never ending.

[@duartduplessis1046]

As a South African Hunter thats hunts the flats plush the thick bush,hunting from Springbok to Eland i can confidently say that the 308 is 👌🏽 know your gun its limits its weaknesses and strengths. But if i could only have one hunting cartridge the 308 will be it

[@MichealJACKSON-ly6cd]

That led tipped 165 hornady whitetail is just like the 168/175 SMK IF YOUR 308 WONT GROUP IT @100 YARDS something is broke bent or loose. Also as you said its the cheapest brass 308 box ammo I've ever bought.

[@joshh5853]

I have to agree with Ryan on the 130 ttsx in a 308. Mine with a 16.5 inch barrel is just bad news for anything inside of 300 yards. I will make an honorable mention for the 120 ttsx in a 7mm-08, exactly the same performance on game as the 130’s in a 308 just a more obscure cartridge.

[@PogLife2171]

I'd say the 30-06 is a bit more versatile because it can do everything the .308 can, and a little bit more on the heavy side of things.

[@eriksforestryvision8751]

I agree as a 30-06 guy BUT ar10s ar 308 world

[@BrockOBauma]

"There was a slight push up, and then a roll down the hill... all the way to the bottom... which was very inconvenient." 😅

[@ronlowney4700]

🤔 Now, It's Time to Revive The 338 Federal (A Great Timber Elk Cartridge)!

[@edwardabrams4972]

Great cartridge but you just don’t see any ammo for it on the shelves Ron😳

[@albertlemont5471]

The 358 win is probably a twin. But again ammo availability is an issue.

[@The_Darn_Cat]

A topic I really enjoy, hoping to hear about the 6.5x55 swiss... that's the next cartridge I'm looking at getting. ☕🐝🇺🇸

[@wigglos]

Sweden is not Switserland ;)

[@WayStedYou]

6.5 swedish or 7.5 swiss?

[@Manbunmen65]

I had 3 at one time and handloaded for the 6.5x55. Hunted deer primarily with them. It is a good round, I stuck with it for 25 years and recently sold them and bought a 6.5 PRC. No more handloading to get performance because in the US there isn't properly loaded ammo for 6.5x55.

[@BrockOBauma]

I just watched your 30-30 talk. Now I've watched your .308 talk. Just waiting for your .300 savage talk now.

[@wahyasaquii7563]

Not sure why the 300/250-3000 has yet to be hashed. Hopefully an historic mention of Yellow Stone is in the works!

[@travishansen4908]

Id offer that the most versatile cartridge family is the 308 fam. These days I'm in love with the little known 358win for all the miracles it can perform😆. But I think the doctrine of 308 family is sound. If you have a switch barrel configuration that family has everything you need.

[@terrarecon]

I love all kinds of calibers. However, the question posed is the most versatile cartridge. That means as broad of use cases as one can get from one end of the spectrum to the other. In my opinion there is nothing that fits that bill that broadly than the Winchester 308. Some other comments make sense but are deviating from the question, which requires objection reasoning to the question at hand. For example, from plinking to personal defense, to hunting, to military and law enforcement, to availability. A lot of calibers can do all of these things, but are they truly as broadly versatile and as available when considerations are taken as a whole? Other cartridges will excel in one area and be weaker in others. The Winchester 308 is well balanced across the board of use cases in a way that other cartridges are not.

[@blinkhornklinkhammer999]

Something sexy about a big stack of ammo.

[@Jeffreyperez-rp6ow]

Once again fellas, great podcast. Informative and entertaining. WHEN is the .358 ? Thanks, as always... jmp

[@ronflore8202]

Would like to hear more about the 338 Federal cartridge.

[@leejohnson2024]

The most versatile cartridge ever is the 300blk. Subs to supers and they all work well to great. No other cartridge can match as many things this little beauty can do. 300blk is the utility baseball player every team wishes it has.

[@lukemiller5022]

You can do subs in 308 as well, can’t shoot 300blk half as far as 308

[@countryjerry52]

A 10 minute talk on the 6mm max would be nice. The Goldie locks AR cartridge

[@garrett892]

Why not the 30-06 or 300 win mag then? It can be downloaded to shoot exactly like the 308 with the same bullets. But you also have the option to shoot heavier and faster loads.

[@andrewmcafee6897]

Time for a cartridge talk on the Weatherby 338 RPM - it's so versatile you can literally shoot it at whatever you want!

[@bobcoudriet6101]

I have some 55grain Remington sabots that are crazy fast for coyotes. My first gun was a 760 game master bdl in 308. I have 5 308’s now. I love my model 88 Winchester

[@matthewnoll7028]

6.5 Creed and 30/06 owner. Love them both dearly. The 6.5 deserves the "meh not the best catrdige" for deer. I certainly wouldn't consider an elk with. I harvested my first 2 deer with the 6.5 this year. One was 120 yards, the other ablut 90, not much blood and trauma. Lungs and internals turned to butter, but blood trails were not impresive. Hornady American Whitetail 129gr Interlocks.

[@dominicteresi3835]

First gun I ever bought was a 308. Been loving it for years now.

[@cabochris100]

I've done some hunting. Africa, US, BC, Alaska.... My first rifle was a wood stocked Ruger 77 in 300 Win Mag, and I've shot everything since from 6.5 Grend, 7-08, 243, 270, 06, 270/300 WSM, 7 Mauser, 7 Mag, 28 Nosler, 358 Win, 338 Win, 8 Mauser, 8 Mag, 300 RUM, 300 Weatherby, 35 Whelen, 9.3X62, 375 H&H, 444, 45-70, 416 Rem, and more. I have a hunting rifle affliction! I really started to believe I'm a collector? But I'm not. Show me a rifle, and I get excited, and I've shot more rifle brands than cartridges! I hold enough factory/loaded ammo to start an ammo store! Dr. Phil would say, "You've got a problem!" Hunting is getting more expensive, and seasons shorter, with plenty of competition! After a winter of painful self-debate, I've arrived upon a resolution. 2, perhaps 3 hunting rifles for everything, and sell the rest! My 2 gun choices are a lightweight 6.5 PRC and a 375 Ruger, which would cover most hunting I'm interested in, from deer to African big boys. From mountains to Black timber. A 3rd and perhaps backup rifle, a midweight 7 PRC. I have just purchased those 3 and will pass the rest on. I do have others which will be kept, a .22, .223, shotguns and handguns, but I really want to end up with 2 or 3 big game rifles. Funny, the 308 Win has often caught my eye, only I've passed every time. It might be a decent round, but I guess not for me. Oh, you guys would be proud. I recently purchased my first Vortex scope! A RAZOR HD LHT, 3-15X15 G4i BDC MRAD reticle. I've mostly shot Leupold and Trijicon Accupoints. My first Vortex really impresses me!

[@edwardabrams4972]

You sound like me😳 recovering gunaholic🤔 but not doing a very good job! At my last est I have gotten over 2,500 over the last 60+ years of not collecting rifles 🤔😳

[@Oldhogleg]

I'd say it's the most ubiquitous, not the most versatile; that title goes to the 30-06.

[@gesheepistemology8050]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@gabemooney5676]

The. 308 and 30-06 are so similar in basically every way with modern loads that's it's basically a negligible difference. Not enough of a difference to make much of a practical difference at all. Probably the most practical difference is the shorter length of the .308 leading to shorter actions/bolt throws which favors the .308 for versatility and usability anyways

[@Oldhogleg]

@@gabemooney5676 Actually no because you're comparing 1906 loading of the 30-06 to the 1957 loading of the 7.62x51. It was advancement of propellents after WWII that made it possible to cut a ½" off the case length with out loosing any velocity to the 30-06 loaded with the old powders and identical bullet weight. But when you use modern powders in the 30-06 and load it to it's maximum pressure without being limited to function in a WWII M1 rifle and identical bullet weights, you're going to get a markedly higher velocities than the 308 WIN. This also means the 30-06 can get similar velocities with heavier bullets as well. The increase in velocity typically equals the square root of the increa powder change. For example if you change the powder charge by 125%, the change in velocity is approximately the square root of 1.25 which equals a 112% change in velocity; all else being equal.

[@matalostodos]

“Modern loads” - 165 grain flatbase bullets seat lower that the case neck on a 308. It doesn’t matter what powder, what rifle you use, how modern or high pressure, that is automatically an inherent fault in the 308. And I own both

[@44regzula]

Alright, I'll play devils advocate... most versatile cartridge is 7mm-08. Almost every gun you can run a 308 in can run a 7-08, either from the factory or readily converted to because they're the same case. You loose very little on the upper end of weight/energy in exchange for some velocity and in many cases BC, and do it with a little less recoil.

[@davidheath2427]

So you think necking down the 308 by 0.5 of a millimetre makes it that much better . If only gun manufacturers relized the truth .

[@jeffkocsis8250]

Agreed

[@milo555100]

Mostly agreed. I have had trouble finding production 708 rifles that have enough twist for the 150-160ish projectiles. I love the 708. Favorite deer getter with 120 TTSX.

[@jwdundon]

Devil's advocate to you bud the most versatile rifle is the one you already own become a hand loader and custom builders do what you want simply put the 30 ought 6 is the king of the one gun debate. Personally I have a 375 Remington ultra Mag I've killed everything squirrels to a large bears with that...,. But most men can't handle the recoil.... So for me is the most versatile maybe the 30 at 6:00 probably is. Even though I don't use the 06 much anymore I know it's there.

[@milrtp101]

Totally agree. Wish I had chambered my 700 in 7mm-08 instead of 260 Rem.

[@mot0rhe4d40]

Another point to the 308. During the *Co0F* plandemic. 308 ammo was many times one of few, we could consistently find on the shelves. Usually next to 350 Legend. I guided a number of young hunters looking for a new deer rifle to consider the 308 just for that advantage alone. Whether Ozark mountain Elk along the Buffalo river, Hogs in the bottoms or deer in the timber. It really is hard to beat for its versatility in my neck of the woods

[@keithprinn720]

common sense but not versatility which was the topic, varmint, whitetails etc dont need more than a 6.5 fact. just get load and bullet capability characteristics to suit your varied needs. loads to suit different requirements..

[@mot0rhe4d40]

@@keithprinn720 While I have always felt that a 110gr 308 was overkill for prairie dogs. It is an option for the varmint class. Years ago, used a bonded 150gr 308 to take my 1400+ lb Buffalo. I wouldn't consider using a 6.5 anything for that task. Ammo availability is just part of the versatility. Being able to acquire factory ammo that can run the gambit of varmints to large game. Is what makes it versitile

[@gerardcorreale7760]

if ur gonna get a 308, id be getting the new cva cascade long range hunter. just got mine and its absolutly beautiful and shoots amazeing

[@johnward8846]

And... I'm a guy with six .308s, a .300 Savage, two 30-06s, a .300 Win, and a .300 H&H But most of my hunting is done with my two .243s, my 25-06, or my .260

[@adamrodgers2377]

I have been shooting some form of Firearms since I was 7, so that is 40 years of shooting, I owe the love of this to my Mom and Dad. Anyway it still boggles my mind to hear folks get butt hurt over something like The "Best" Such and Such. My favorite Cartridge and I have 3 are the 9mm, 223/556, and 6mm ARC , It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what kind of Carbine/Rifle I like 🤣 Oh yeah, I'm also a so-called Glock "Fan Boi" because all I carry are Glocks. That has nothing to do with it, I have My Daughter, My Girlfriend and Myself and all 3 of us shoot a couple times a week, having a backyard range is a blessing and a curse 😂 but anyway it's easier to just have AR's, Glocks, 1911's, 2 Bolt Actions a piece and 2 Scatter Guns a piece. Even with reloading this s*** gets expensive. Yeah I have other Firearms but they don't get shot much. So narrowing down to AR's, Glocks, Mossberg Scatter Guns and Ruger Precision Bolt Actions was the easiest way to make sure I can keep extra parts on hand to fix my own stuff. I don't give a fiddler's f*** if someone else doesn't like what I like. Some of these people who lose their minds over something like this are one hissy-fit away from a stroke. Folks will excuse it away as this person is "passionate" about that particular thing. I see it as being too hardheaded to think outside the box for even a second. I would love to have one of each Cartridge I see because I like shooting, but to me that is silly. Although I might get something in 22 Creedmore put together 🤫 Thanks for the Upload !!!! And keep pissing some of the weirdos off 🤣

[@Manbunmen65]

I don't have any issues with you because you didn't say you have a 6.5 creedbun

[@adamrodgers2377]

@@Manbunmen65 🤣🤣🤣 Yeah if I ever do a 6.5 anything it will be a 6.5 Sweed, one of the OG 6.5's. I have gone nuts over the 22 Creedmore though. I hope it catches on but I believe if folks want a fast 22 Caliber they will go to the 22-250.

[@Longshothawk]

"If we're not here podcasting about this, we're downstairs talking about it". This brings me back to once again wonder what you gentleman's job actually is? And how can I get paid to do it?

[@rogerj77]

Its a common cartridge in Sweden for Moose and Brownbear also the smaler game! Usually the shooting distance is up to 200m.

[@K-bob_45]

Seems like the nosler accubond is the least complained about projectile. The complaints I recall seeing were also based on observations from recovered game

[@seanyoung6010]

Jeff Cooper chose to load his scout rifle in 308 for the exact reasons discussed in this podcast.

[@btruckno1]

I have a couple 308's. They are excellent, but I personally prefer the 30-06. And it did indeed used to be ball bearings.

[@dc2090]

So many categories... Best Cartridge... Best factory load... best general do all best for species at hand... vs do all.

[@DripTorch303]

Great talk! Big believer in 308win and 338 Federal.

[@RepulsiveBloom8]

I’ve always thought myself that whenever it comes to all categories except 3 gun or prs of course but I thought the 300 wsm is the most versatile cartridge. Just because it does everything the performance of a 308 does if you load it down and you have the option to load it to its magnum capability. Anywhere from a light recoiling 150 grain bullet around 2800 fps to a 250 grain bullet in an f class rifle shooting 1000 yards or even a mile. Especially for hunting from medium game to dangerous game especially at extended range. And you’re also getting it in a short action.

[@jeffreyadams5017]

The 175 grain terminal assent federal premium is a nasty round for 308

[@henrygilliam8488]

Excellent 👍🏻 one of your best podcasts…

[@toddhoad6909]

The .308 Winchester is an asome cartridge. Like you said it can do anything as long as you have the proper bullet and stay within reasonable distances.

[@jerrymartin5100]

One of the things I haven't heard mentioned is barrel life, very long accurate barrel life. Never had a whitetail walk away from my 308.

[@jeffreylocke8808]

The 7mm-08 is actually what the 308 was designed to do. The 308 was designed to replace the 30/06. Analysis is comparing a 160 grain 7mm .284 caliber bullet to a 180 grain .308 caliber bullet in a 30/06. Both cartridges can be pushed to 2800 fps using a 22 inch barrel. So the 7mm-08 is the true 30/06 replacement NOT the 308 Winchester.

[@arniegudgeon570]

270 Winchester, ammo easy to find, just needs faster twist barrel.

[@austinshadle7585]

A Sig Sauer employee appeared on the Meateater Podcast and hinted that a new type of powder will revolutionize ammo, giving a .308-sized cartridge the same velocity as a .300 WinMag.

[@averageshot]

7PRC would be my vote for the most versatile cartridge today. Can be docile enough to shoot in competition, can be violent enough to kill large game either up close or far away. I’m a bolt gun guy myself and pretty efficient with it. I understand the argument is made for the 06 because of its history and being used in repeaters and semiautos but the bullet technology and updated case design in the 7PRC lends to such easy precision accuracy that it can’t be dismissed as one of if not the most versatile caliber. Only other thing would be the 6.5 Creedmoor and while it would be argued it’s not heavy hitting enough for LARGE game it is found in semi autos like the 06 and is too a more refined/accurate cartridge with its updated design. My vote is 7PRC however

[@Grizzlyhillbilly]

Two major drawbacks……not all rifles are chambered in 7PRC yet and ammo is non existent on shelves in a lot of places.

[@averageshot]

@@Grizzlyhillbilly but would you say that’s more relevant to the question “what’s the most common cartridge?” Taking the question for what it is at face value I’d say “the most versatile cartridge” doesn’t have to be “common”. 7PRC is very very versatile and top of its class most categories it competes in

[@edwardabrams4972]

@@averageshotwhat is the point of getting a gun you either can’t get ammo for or is $20.-$25. More for just because of the head stamp on the case over the 7 rem mag which will go the same thing g and even better if you get a 1-7 twist barrel put in it😳 and the ammo is a heck of a lot easier to find on line or in the stores 🙌

[@Grizzlyhillbilly]

@@averageshot versatility in my opinion also includes availability as part of the equation. What good is a caliber if you can’t find supplies or equipment to shoot it? I’m not knocking the 7prc, all I am saying is until rifles and ammo are more readily available on the shelves I don’t feel it really fits this topic they are talking about

[@tommywinthrop3429]

I dont even have one but the 30-06 is definitely the most versatile!!!!

[@Funting3417]

I heard Ryan say 340 weatherby. Speaking of....on the next 10 minute talk the 340 weatherby magnum

[@dbeardsley0]

Love my 6.5 creedmoor, 308, and 300prc cartridges. Don't really shoot an in between, maybe a 7 or 6.5 prc at some point

[@jeffreydawson4520]

The 308 is definitely the most versatile round going and it’s not close. One thing not talked enough about is the intrinsic accuracy of the 308. Purely speculative but I think it’s easier to find a good to great shooting 308 than almost any other center fire caliber. Even in generally less accurate semiauto rifles you can get some magnificent accuracy. Camp Perry rifle matches had some wonderful accuracy results with the M1A platform while the AR10 (in the M110 guise) was selected for sniper duties, replacing a bolt gun also chambered in 308. I agree that it might not be the best for a lot of things but, thanks in no small part to the accuracy of the cartridge, it’s one of the few calibers that should be considered if you could only have a single rifle.

[@jeffreyadams5017]

Ask Randy Newberg about using the 308 for elk, he loves it.

[@edwardabrams4972]

My dad bought the 308 when it first came out in the pre64’s and killed more elk and deer then I could count🙌 but he did change over to the 300 win mag when it came out in 1963 pre64! I did notice a lot more one shot kills with the 300 win mag but the 308 is a Great non magnum and a lot less recoil if that kind of thing bothers you😳 I am a big 300 wsm lover along with the 30-06 and 7 rem mag in my short 60+ years of collecting rifles and the last time I checked is in the Neighborhood just north of 2,500 rifles so what do I know 🤔😳

[@Antjohns89]

I'd agree that 308 win is the most versatile cartridge even though its not my personal favorite I prefer 30-06 but I do own one and my uncle goes out to Colorado every year to elk hunt and I was shocked when he told me he's killed most of his elk with 308 within a couple hundred yards even though he's shot many with magnums like 7RM, 300 WSM, 300 Rum etc