.223 or .308 for first centerfire rifle?

[anotherinkling]

I have lots of experience with .22 rifles, shotguns and handguns but am looking to buy my first centerfire rifle. I'm intrigued by the "Scout rifle" idea and am tempted to get a compact bolt-action .308 that could serve me in a variety of capacities. Because I don't have any experience with longer-range shooting and "high-powered" rifles, though, I'm wondering if I should get a .223 for starters and just trade-in on something bigger in a year or two. The budget's somewhat limited or I'd just do both. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[Jimmie]

308 will be more versatile and you won't need to trade up ever if you don't want to.

 

[SHOOT1SAM]

If you have a lot of experience with shotguns, and I'm assuming you're referring to 12 gauge shotguns, you should have no problem "handling" a .308

Sam

 

[cola8d8]

I would suggest the 308. Ammo is still cheap enough and you would have a "better" cartridge for deer or hog hunting should you decide to do so in the future...

 

[Thefabulousfink]

The .308 is definitely the more versatile rifle but you said you were on a budget and .308 ammo can break the bank. If you plan on having more money down the line to buy a really good rifle and you just want an entry-level one to get you used to shooting centerfire, I would lean towards a .223.

You will save a lot of money in ammo cost and you can spend more time teaching yourself breathing, positions, scope use, and various other rifle techniques. then when you have the money to buy a good .308 you will be able to shoot it well.

 

[O.F.Fascist]

7.62X39

My first rifle period was an SKS.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I would look at the 7.62x39 that O.F. mentioned. I'm a big fan of surplus guns for a guy who wants to shoot a lot and not go broke.

Or, if you want more knock down power look into the captured k98's that are coming into the country now. Might not make for a good scout set-up. However, there is a lot of that 8mm ammo out there now at about 1/2 the price of 5.56. Or, even look at the Nagants, that ammo is still real available and cheap.

I'm probably going to buy another 8mm just because it is cheap to shoot and when the prices go up I'll let it go.

If you're really down to the 5.56 or .308 then I think I would go 5.56 due to the ammo cost.

 

[Justin]

What do you plan to use the rifle for?

 

[mustanger98]

Justin:

What do you plan to use the rifle for?

anotherinkling: (post #1)

"Scout rifle" idea and am tempted to get a compact bolt-action .308 that could serve me in a variety of capacities.

I guess that answers that.

I'd say you can't go wrong with either of them. Better yet, get both. As was mentioned, if you're after deer and/or hogs, you'll want .308 as it's the more versatile. It also has approximately if not identical ballistics as .30-06 out to 800m if you should need that capability. .223's good for groundhogs though and neither one'll be rocket science to reload.

Funny thing... a lot of guys talk about their SKS's like they're the best thing since they invented the wheel, a lot like the AR guys do, but in this Scout Rifle context, I haven't seen too aweful many SKS scout rifles and there don't seem to be too many 7.62x39 crankbolts out and around despite their being offered by CZ and formerly by Charles Daly.

 

[30-06 lover]

308...it is a mild kicking gun, most are very accurate, the ammo is cheap, and you can kill just about anything with it. The 223 is a great caliber, and most likely my next, but for a first gun I would recommend the 308.

 

[anotherinkling]

Follow-up

The 7.62x39mm has interested me, too, particularly the CZ 527 Carbine. The only downside is ammo availability. I live in Chicago, so I'm pretty limited in what I can own, and I can't get cheap ammo shipped here. The SKS is theoretically legal but only if I bought one without the bayonet or bayonet lug. They're prime confiscation weapons, too, so I'm thinking bolt or lever-action so I don't have to worry about handing it over to the CAGE unit to be melted down if the mayor ever gets his wish.

I shoot (rental) handguns in suburban ranges here but have family in southern IN where I can shoot anything. I'd like a centerfire for target shooting for starters but would also like it for defensive purposes and potentially hunting one day. I guess I'm wondering about the wisdom of going straight to a .308 or if it's better to work my way up. I suppose there are many paths to marksmanship...Did you folks jump from .22LRs to deer rifles or work in the varmint rounds in between?

I'm new to the forum and really appreciate all the input.

 

[kennyboy]

.308. You will be able to shoot virtually all small/medium game with much more lethality than a .223. After a while, you may look into varmint hunting at which time, a .223 should be purchased.

 

[Eat Beef]

I'd say 308, for all the aforementioned reasons.

I jumped straight from a .22 to a .270 at 12 years old and didn't have much trouble.

But what do I know. I've bad mouthed mouse guns all my life and now I'm shopping for one.

 

[hoghunting]

I would also go with the 308. Accurate cartridge, many uses for hunting and target shooting, and inexpensive surplus ammo is available.

 

[rangerruck]

you can get a Saiga, 16 in bbl, in both 308 and 223 for 500-600 bucks.

 

[FLORES425]

308 is great gun. My hunting buddy who is an ex marine will not use anything else. O and for the record he has killed more game then me with that old Rem 700 308 that he bought for 175 bucks for a lady in New Mexico.

 

[beerslurpy]

Take the plunge.

6.5 Grendel.

The recoil of 223 with the long distance hurt of 308. You know you want to.

Wolf Gold line makes the ammo for about 5 bucks a 20 rd box. They make both hunting and combat loadings.

The I really really really think that the Marine Corps is seriously considering the 6.5 grendel for official adoption. If you look at their drum feed requirements for the replacement SAW weapon, it seems clear they are heading towards something that doesnt work well with belts, which might suggest 6.5 Grendel. There is certainly no other intermediate cartridge with the long range accuracy all marines love.

If/when the marines adopt grendel, expect prices to drop in a big way, both for weapons and for ammo. Even if they dont adopt it, the platform is no really any more expensive than doing an AR10 build, and your receiver will probably last longer.

 

[Foxtrot427]

you can get a Saiga, 16 in bbl, in both 308 and 223 for 500-600 bucks.

Saiga 223 for 600 bucks? I see them for $350

 

[anotherinkling]

you can get a Saiga, 16 in bbl, in both 308 and 223 for 500-600 bucks.

I assume you mean for the pair. Yeah, Saigas are verboten here in Chicago. I just try not to dwell on the fun that I can't have.

 

[mustanger98]

anotherinkling, I've been thinking some more about this... personally, I really like my Savage Model 11GL in .243Winchester. With the Model 11G it don't matter whether you're right or left handed because it's available either way (and I know you didn't address it, but mine's left handed). The Model 11G is also available in .308Winchester and the rifle don't cost an arm and a leg while giving really good accuracy. As I recall, just two or three years ago Savage was offering a didicated Scout Rifle in .308 with a ghost ring rear sight and forward scope rail. After I got my Model 11 and got to shooting it, I about wish I'd gotten the Scout .308 too.

As for verboten fun, I've gotten a close look at Saigas and I think they're over-rated. Especially when you've just been interacting with an M1A/M-14.

 

[anotherinkling]

I really like the Savages, the 10FCM Sierra in particular. Apparently that's roughly what the Savage Scout was, only without the forward scope mount and iron sights. From what I've gathered, Savage stopped making the Scout and it's only available through their custom shop. Haven't been able to find one on the auctions. If I found an SS in .308 for a decent price, I'd definitely go that route.

I'm also intrigued by the Mitchell Tanker Mauser in .308 for $500. Not sure how that would shoot with a 17.4" barrel, but I like the size, the reputation of Mauser actions and the iron sights (why don't many manufacturers put backup sights on their rifles anymore?).

 

[Terrierman]

Have you looked at the Ruger Frontiers yet? Scout platform in either caliber you are considering, but no factory open sights if that is a requirement.

 

[akodo]

definately go for 308....or it's equivalent!

there are some 303 'jungle enfields' which would make excellent scout rifles. Something surplus mauser would do well too, new stock and short barrel and you are set (plus keep the old stuff to convert it back some day)