The 'ideal' sniper rifle... whoda thunk?

[GunTech]

It's not bullet weight, it's BC (within a certain range). The primary reason for using heavy bullets was to obtain a high BC, but there are plenty of modern bullet design that are both light and have a high BC. A lighter bullet can be driven at a higher initial velocity, and if it has a higher BC will still have superior velocity and energy at long range.

Consider for example the 155gn 0.308 Lapua Scenar versus the gold standard M118LR with its 175 SMK. Both have the same BC of 0.505, but the Scenar can be driven about 200 fps faster at the same pressure. It will have less drop and drift at range than the heavier bullet, and more energy too.

The advantage of 338 Lapua is not just the heavier bullets, but the very hich BC bullets that are available for this caliber. the reason 6.5mm is popular for long range shooting is that you get a higher BC for comparable bullet weight compared to 0.308 caliber.

Bigger (heavier) is not necessarily better.

 

[alsaqr]

"You may have to compromise a little"

Yes, like the military did when when it bought the M40A3. Caliber 7.62mm and weighs 16.5 pounds.

 

[swabjocky]

The Marines and Seals use the .308, the Britts use the .338. I think the Army uses .308 also, but I may be mistaken. All seem to swear by their caliber.

 

[kennedy]

where in the sticks of minn are you at? I grew up there, I am building a .308 rem 700 with 26 in varmit barrel, so far results look great

 

[Pigspitter]

here's my "sniper rifle" [ . 308 Remmy 700ltr with 22in fluted bull barrel, hs precision stock, free floating barrel, burris tactical scope mounts and rings, harris bipod, 2lb trigger, 1/8MOA and top that off with Federal Gold Match Grade bullets.

 

[U.S.SFC_RET]

Blackfork Quoted:

If you can't read wind, there is no point in shooting at something over 300 yards

I agree to a certain point. You can get lucky with a 300 winchester Mag, 7mm Remington Magnum but you will be extremely lucky with a .223 mousegun.
You need to read the wind. You have to know how the wind deflects a .223 vs a .308 vs anything else to get a feel for it. I have shot targets with a .223 and missed them very wide from the wind.

 

[GunTech]

308 DMRs like the M110 will easily take you to 1000 yards. If you need to go long - as in 1500, 2000, etc, 338 Lapua is your catridge. Unless you go really big and don't have to carry it. 338L seems to be the next thing. The Brits have adopted it, several NATO counties are looking at it, and it's even being tested in Iraq by US forces according to some reports.

 

[Snipe315]

All services, agencies, and contries use what works for that particular mission.

The standard for the U.S. Military is the .308/7.62x51mm round but they will use whatever works. The 338LM, 300WM, 338LM, and 50cal have and are being used where needed.

The 338LM offers superior ballistics to all but the 50cal in a much littler package.

 

[jpwilly]

I think many people often overlook the fact that a good sniper doesn't need a miracle bullet. 308, 30-06, 300wm are good enough and very consistant etc. By training and learning how to make a shot they are effective.