Ep. 344 | Most Versatile Cartridge Ever?

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Pumps, levers, bolt guns, autos, and AR’s. Precision rifles to predators. Big game to biggest game. Military and law enforcement applications - check that box too. The .308 Winchester may not be the best cartridge for everything, but it is certainly the most versatile cartridge for a heck of a lot of things. One rifle to do it all? Look to the good old .308…And yes, it is old, but this thing ages like a fine wine.
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[@jonathanmitchell3733]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@mikekeretzman4757]

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

[@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).

[@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.

[@aaronr.5491]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@Oldhogleg]

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

[@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😂

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@frontlinerejects8029]

Looking forward to a 7.5 Swiss cartridge talk!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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😳

[@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.

[@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.

[@scottyevens3174]

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

[@iangenisig]

Thanx guys so enjoyed this podcast the spirit and humor was delightful. I been hunting with my .308 since 1987 so naturally wholeheartedly agree here. I have taken everything i have needed with it and do respect and love it. 178gr ELDX my petsonal fav. I live in south africa and for african bush hunting just is what it is. Successful. Stay awesome.

[@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 .

[@arniegudgeon570]

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

[@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

[@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

[@MikeJones-vb1me]

I live in Northern BC. I want to build a great do-everything rifle for the hunting here (mule and white tail, black bear, elk, moose, maybe sheep, brown bear is illegal now) I'm thinking the new Ruger American Gen 2 Predator in 270.

[@lesliewinters1301]

A 270 is great, .... read up on the 280 or 280AI. ... the 6.8 western looks real good. Not a thing wrong with the 7mag ot 7 PRC. I'd even include the 6.6 PRC ay this caliber party. Have fun, bud .....

[@BrockOBauma]

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

[@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.

[@chrisabens2915]

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

[@countryjerry52]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@henrygilliam8488]

Excellent 👍🏻 one of your best podcasts…

[@Jeffreyperez-rp6ow]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@ronlowney4700]

🕵️‍♂️ Mark, The 30-06, 280 AI, and the 270 Winchester Are The "Happy Middle Ground" - In-Between The 308 Win. and 300 wsm! 👀

[@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.

[@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.

[@ronniepier8193]

6mm ARC by far the best!

[@dominicteresi3835]

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

[@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.

[@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 😊

[@DripTorch303]

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

[@MrThomass281]

But Ron Spoomer says 7mm-08 is the do all answer over the 308.

[@ronlowney4700]

🕵️‍♂️ For Those of Us Who Reload - The 308 (Which Tops Out at 180 grain Bullets) Has Less Bullet Options Than The 30-06, Not More! 🤥 That Makes The 30-06 "More Versatile"! 😜

[@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?

[@dylanwilmoth8508]

Can you drop a link to the stock you put on your Tikka? I’m looking to upgrade my tikka as well.

[@Sides1160]

It might just be my age talking. But they were saying that the .30-06 was the best cartridge for 60 or 70 years. I wouldn’t say the .308 is better, just different. The .30-06 has been doing it for 50 years longer. Seeing how they shoot the same projectiles, seems like a silly argument. Personally I am impressed by long range shooters. Long range shooting doesn’t make you a good hunter. I would rather be up close and personal. That’s just me.

[@JimmyJusa]

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

[@michaelthrelkeld212]

Speaking of 6.5cm what are your thoughts comparing that cartridge to the 6.5PRC?

[@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.

[@dc2090]

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

[@derekmcmurry]

What are the details on your 300WSM for bear? What rifle, ammo?

[@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

[@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 🤔😳

[@rogerj77]

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

[@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.

[@Mr.Run-n-Gun]

308, 20" medium contour barrel. 1st antelope. 325yrds dropped it DRT. 150 gr bullet.

[@cfoutdoors0624]

I’d love to hear cartridge talk about 358 Winchester. There’s a few AR companies making barrels for it. I’ve been considering

[@Funting3417]

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

[@fruckles]

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?

[@Halcyon1861]

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.

[@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 🤔😳

[@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!

[@dinoquintana4319]

You guys are great .when talking about the only one rifle that can do anything the 308 is totally inadequate. Let come back to reality. 9.3 x57 the 35 Whelan, the 338 06 9 3 x62.the 308 is a great cartridge but to say it's the best. The 3006 is best

[@Zhorzhsandwash]

Just 8х57js

[@edwardabrams4972]

Having owned about upward of 2,500 rifles over the last 60+ years in just about ever cartridge ever made and being a reloader and hunter too I would have to say I think your spot on if there is a thing as the perfect cartridge!

[@BrockOBauma]

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

[@rays.5764]

My dream gun is a full auto M240B. Basically a belt fed 308.

[@chipsterb4946]

I listened to this all the way through in 3 sittings. It might be the best podcast you guys have done yet, and you haven’t produced a bad one yet. Around the 40 minute mark Ryan is comparing 6.5 Creedmoor to .270 Winchester. I understand the appeal of the 6.5 CM. However, out to 400 yards the .270 Winchester outperforms it by virtually every ballistic measure. Recoil is the only downside. (Not saying .270 is as versatile as .308 - it’s not, but it is a “fine cartridge” to borrow Ryan’s phrase.)

[@Bluegrassshooting]

Other than load data what kind of books do you and Ryan enjoy reading?

[@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

[@Greyzonecompliant]

Were the 308 win shines is a short suppressed hunter. With 130 grain Barnes ttsx or hornady cx to speed up the copper. But someone has made me itch for a 300wsm 🤔

[@msquared9605]

Your comment is literally me lol Christmas and birthday this past December and April I got the 16” 308 sig cross and my first suppressor. Planning on hunting with the 130 grain Barnes thanks to Ryan and this channel. But mark has got me wanting a 300wsm for the magnum to fill out my arsenal. I’ll throw a bone to Jim as well cause he’s got me wanting an AK

[@Greyzonecompliant]

@@msquared9605 Living in the free world must be nice. I have a cap on how many hunting rifles i can own in Sweden. But at least suppressors are no hassel. 18 inch barrel is the shortest I can legally go. But with the suppressor it becomes more about the balance anyway, and 18-20 is usually perfect. a 150 grain Barnes in a 300 Wsm. With a load tuned for a shorter barrel. 😉 Cheers from Sweden 🇸🇪 🍻

[@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.

[@wesr1490]

The 30-06 you can go anywhere from as low as 110gr bullets all the way up to 220 gr. How can you get any more versatile than that?

[@Ratkill9000]

Yeah I'd take .308 over most modern offerings. Decent barrel life compared to 6.5 Creedmoor. Plenty of ammo choices. Readily found out in the sticks. Though I have recently stopped using ammoseek, they now require an account to go past page 1. It's an aggregate for God's sake shouldn't need an account to use it.

[@jordanreid29]

versatile definition : able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.

[@adamament1675]

I just wanna know how much paper you used on this episode! 😂😂 enjoy the content!

[@pim1234]

7x64 is very versatile too !

[@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

[@mot0rhe4d40]

Took my 1400+ lb Buffalo with a bonded Hornady 308 150gr load. One to start the process. And a second to anchor. Both shots were pass through shots. "308 wounding elk" boy, seems to know some inaccurate hunters. Caliber be damned.

[@jeffreyadams5017]

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

[@rockchalk06]

.308 Love is in the air!

[@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.

[@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!

[@user-uj9sn7sj1l]

Very versatile and everywhere.

[@charleshapner5071]

I've always liked the .308 and a couple years ago lucked into a good deal on an FNH model FNAL in 7.62x51 and it has the metallurgy to handle .308 as well and since it's primary design consideration was to be a sniper rifle if you can't hit something with it then you need to step back to the Daisy Redrider and retrain your shooting skills and work up!

[@grayman7208]

9:50 LOL "ball bearings" )))

[@ronlowney4700]

🤭 Isn't It Ironic That The Man (Ryan) That Memorized The Entire "Cartridges of the World" Book Would Choose the 308 Winchester as His Favorite? 🤪 Randy Newberg Would Be Proud! 😜

[@edwardabrams4972]

Ya what do US old guys know anyway Ron🤔😳 Spomer is good at knowing things except for his undying love for his and my 7 rem mag🤔🤣

[@seanyoung6010]

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

[@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.

[@davidhawkins847]

My first question on the wounded elk with 308 would be what distance are they shooting at. Are they expecting 300 win mag performance and distance from a 308? I find 308 to be the most versatile if you can only afford 1 or two rifles. Plenty of loads available and available just about anywhere you can get ammo. Next up would be it's parent, the 30-06. The only other cartridge used more is probably the 30-30 as a brush gun.

[@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

[@markofmckinney941]

I'm not a hunter, but I enjoy your hunter-related content. It sounds like some if not all calibers may have a more optimal hunting round for shorter (inside 100 yards) versus longer distances. Is there a case or is it customary to have two different rounds in the magazine? The first round would be better suited for short distances for a scenario where you may walk up on something close and the second round for animals spotted further away where you may have a chance/need to get in a better shooting position and can cycle the bolt in the process? I hope this may be an interesting concept for a video... I know I'd be interested in hearing this, including the less optimal aspects of certain rounds that would make this approach more valued. Thanks for considering...

[@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

[@CharlesHuyck-cf6yz]

Title to goes to 30-06 with unlike you I select the right loads.

[@HazardousRob]

😂😂😂😂

[@masone4589]

I don’t believe in cartridge versatility. I believe in buying more guns