Help needed to decide entry level .308 purchase

[Matthewec]

Hi all,

I am wanting some help in deciding on the purchase of an entry level .308.

I'm tossing up between 3, the first is the browning A Bolt Composite Stalker, the second is the Remington 700 SPS tacticle and the third is the Remington 783 all are the .308 models.

Most the reviews I read tend to lean towards the 783 but if anyone has any of these firearms or knows anyone that has and how they found them I'd appreciate the help.

If it helps with anyones opinions I'll be mounting a redfield 3-9x40 scope, shortening barrel maybe to 18".

Thanks,

Matt

[Member-Deleted]

Is this your first firearm or first centerfire?

[Matthewec]

Hi Jas,

No I currently have a Remington .308 7600 pump which I am off loading.

[Jessie]

FYI, between the Remington 700 and the 783... The 783 is considered to be the cheaper/lower quality version.

If you subscribe to the SSAA mag there was a write up on this in the November issue this year. It got an ok rating, but not as good as the 700 action. It's cheaper though which helps in reviews of course.

[Lyam]

Big difference between the Browning composite Stalker and Remington SPS tactical.

Light weight sporter vs bench rifle really.

What are you going to be using the rifle for mostly?

[chacka]

Well, Remington 700 SPS tactical would be the most accurate, but also heaviest and not great to lug around.

The other two? Much the same I guess.

If you're going to be shortening the barrel down though, save yourself the trouble and stick with the 700 SPS. Keeps on on the bench really is all?

[on_one_wheel]

Remington 700 SPS all the way IMO.

[Member-Deleted]

If your after a short barrel 308 then the ruger would be the one to get if it suites you. I wouldn't have a crappington if you gave it to me. Couldn't be bothered changing all the parts. I'd just keep the 06 if it's in good nick.

[Techc]

Remington 700 SPS all the way IMO.

Booyah!

[veep]

If your after a short barrel 308 then the ruger would be the one to get if it suites you.

That's the Gunsite Scout you're talking about?

[Member-Deleted]

Yep, I wouldn't bother stuffing around with the others. Just buy something like that & it's done.

[Matthewec]

Hey Lyam,

I'm going to use the rifle for pig shooting, scrub bull etc.

[1290]

Zasty 308 for around 600 would be close to the top in value, what did you want to spend?
Stevens 200 unfortunately no longer imported ( in short action length )was the best value for money, I would personally never consider an axis....
The new ruger has some interesting feature, while the scout in 16.5" would be mighty handy chasing porkers with a few spare mags on hand.....
Dont think for a second Rem is your only option ....

[Lyam]

I'm going to use the rifle for pig shooting, scrub bull etc.

The SPS is pretty heavy.

Heavy target barrel and all that.

I'd go and have a feel of it in the shop before you decide. It's not the kind of thing I'd want to be carrying around...

[headspace]

Have a look at a Howa mate, Great value for money and they shoot well
JD

[Baldrick314]

Hi all,

I am wanting some help in deciding on the purchase of an entry level .308.

I'm tossing up between 3, the first is the browning A Bolt Composite Stalker, the second is the Remington 700 SPS tacticle and the third is the Remington 783 all are the .308 models.

Most the reviews I read tend to lean towards the 783 but if anyone has any of these firearms or knows anyone that has and how they found them I'd appreciate the help.

If it helps with anyones opinions I'll be mounting a redfield 3-9x40 scope, shortening barrel maybe to 18".

Thanks,

Matt

Hey mate. How come you're going to shorten the barrel? It would probably be easier to buy a firearm that already has a short barrel such as a scout rifle.

[VICHunter]

It would probably be easier to buy a firearm that already has a short barrel such as a scout rifle.

Quite a few Ruger Scouts going these days it seems now that the initial buzz has died off.

Prices have come down too. It wasn't too long ago they were selling second hand for above retail due to the demand.

[Member-Deleted]

I really don't know what a short barrel 308 would be good for? To me something in a lever would be more beneficial.

[Baldrick314]

I really don't know what a short barrel 308 would be good for? To me something in a lever would be more beneficial.

The idea is to try and get the best of both worlds, bolt gun accuracy and the speed and pointability of a lever action

[BBJ]

I really don't know what a short barrel 308 would be good for? To me something in a lever would be more beneficial.

Just for improved handling.

A scrub gun is the most common home for them where a longer barrel will constantly be getting knocked or stuck on branches and other junk, and where due to limited visibility most shots are usually in the 50 - 100m range where long range accuracy isn't required.

[laflamme]

Hey Lyam,

I'm going to use the rifle for pig shooting, scrub bull etc.

Then get a 7mm-08. Save your shoulder the recoil. its inherently more accurate, a little cheaper to reload, and eaisly on par with the 308 except the 308 (and or 30-06) require about 20% more recoil to do the same job. And no matter what you get if you are going to spend 1000 on a rifle the best out the box (without a lot of stuffing around) is the tikka. If you want the right to spend more money on your gun by something else would be okay. But for the money you really can't beat a tikka.

Did i mention the fact that most 7mm-08 are lighter than a 308 rifle.

[reddog]

Gee that .62 of mm really makes a big difference 20% less recoil ? , makes the gun lighter ? and is cheaper to reload ?

[laflamme]

Gee that .62 of mm really makes a big difference 20% less recoil ? , makes the gun lighter ? and is cheaper to reload ?

in a word yes, but don't take my word for it look it up. Its a nice round.

[Norton]

Gee that .62 of mm really makes a big difference 20% less recoil ? , makes the gun lighter ? and is cheaper to reload ?

I dunno about 20%, but in a round about way yes.

The 7mm-08 looses less velocity over distance, so when impacting at equal ranges the 7mm-08 gives more performance for less recoil.

How much of each... Who can say exactly.

[laflamme]

Gee that .62 of mm really makes a big difference 20% less recoil ? , makes the gun lighter ? and is cheaper to reload ?

The 7mm-08 looses less velocity over distance, so when impacting at equal ranges the 7mm-08 gives more performance for less recoil.

How much of each... Who can say exactly.

Thank you sir for stating it better then me. I stand corrected what he said.

[chacka]

Thank you sir for stating it better then me. I stand corrected what he said.

Yours was just the short, short version

[reddog]

But he allready has a 308 so he may well be set up to reload for that , but obviously someone has a favourite calibre and likes their Tikkas

[Chronos]

Hey Lyam,

I'm going to use the rifle for pig shooting, scrub bull etc.

Then get a 7mm-08. Save your shoulder the recoil. its inherently more accurate, a little cheaper to reload, and eaisly on par with the 308 except the 308 (and or 30-06) require about 20% more recoil to do the same job. And no matter what you get if you are going to spend 1000 on a rifle the best out the box (without a lot of stuffing around) is the tikka. If you want the right to spend more money on your gun by something else would be okay. But for the money you really can't beat a tikka.

Did i mention the fact that most 7mm-08 are lighter than a 308 rifle.

i'm sorry but you are wrong on several counts.

the 7-08 does not recoil 20% less than a .308, there are some recoil reductions to be had but only by using lighter bullets and retaining the long range energy due to better ballistics, irrelevant at ranges under 300m. a 140gr 7mm bullet instead of a 150gr .30 cal for example

the 7-08 is not "more accurate" than the .308, the case id the same and by far the thing that has the biggest affect of accuracy is not the diameter of the bore

the 7-08 is MORE expensive than a .308 to reload, cases, primers and powders are the same but 7mm bullets are ALWAYS more expensive than .30 cal bullets, that's a fact

and a 7-08 rifle is not lighter than a .308, if anything i'd say the opposite, a barrel blank drilled to 7mm will be heavier than the same blank drilled to 7.62mm

i'm not sure how to take your post, if you'd like to explain your claims i'd be happy to apologize but i doubt you can

Chronos

[laflamme]

the 7-08 does not recoil 20% less than a .308, there are some recoil reductions to be had but only by using lighter bullets and retaining the long range energy due to better ballistics, irrelevant at ranges under 300m. a 140gr 7mm bullet instead of a 150gr .30 cal for example

the 7-08 is not "more accurate" than the .308, the case id the same and by far the thing that has the biggest affect of accuracy is not the diameter of the bore

the 7-08 is MORE expensive than a .308 to reload, cases, primers and powders are the same but 7mm bullets are ALWAYS more expensive than .30 cal bullets, that's a fact

and a 7-08 rifle is not lighter than a .308, if anything i'd say the opposite, a barrel blank drilled to 7mm will be heavier than the same blank drilled to 7.62mm

i'm not sure how to take your post, if you'd like to explain your claims i'd be happy to apologize but i doubt you can

Chronos

I'm not sure how to take your post. because I know that all those things I said were true. The recoil is less, the ballistics are better than or equal to a 308. its a better round and the projectiles I have seen are the same small savings on brass and powder. You save only a little on reloading the 7-08, but its not more expensive.

the 7-08 is a better round for the reasons stated. I am just stating a known fact anyone who looks up the ballistics can see. I see your point that it is only slightly better or just as good as a 308 under 300m, but it is that for quite a bit of reduced recoil (to get the most of a 308 you have to add a lot of recoil. The 7-08 can do the same job with a 20% recoil savings that my friend is true.) The ballistics show this. If your pet round is the 308 go for it. It has a lot more factory rounds for it being a NATO round for decades, and if you don't mind the recoil it shoots well. My son won't shot a gun that does not have a lot of recoil. But the 308 is a slight ballistic looser to the 7-08, and if you don't like recoil that's a double looser. Some would argue not by much, but that is just semantics. Weather by and inch or a yard its still a winner.

And just for fun here is what wiki (not ALWAYS the best source but the available one) has to say

The 7mm-08 Remington works in most hunting environments, including dense forest areas and large open fields. It has a flatter trajectory than the .308 Win. and .30-06 Springfield at similar bullet weights because the slightly smaller-diameter 7mm bullet generally has a better ballistic coefficient (BC), and is thus less affected by drag and crosswind while in flight. Its trajectory is comparable to the .270 Winchester.[3]

Its recoil is a bit more than a .243 Win. and less than most loads in a .308 Win. This mild recoil makes it suitable for youth and adults who are new shooters; however, the cartridge serves experienced shooters and hunters equally well.

[Warrigul]

If you like the handiness of a lever and for something left of field go in to a Tikka stockist and have a hold of a Tikka T3 Battue or even a Battue lite I have seen them for about $1100, in .308 or even better .338 Federal.(but .308 will do most things that .338 can do and the ammo is cheaper and more readily available)

Top bush rifle, especially in .338

Good no nonsense accurate out of the box rifle, I have tried one in .338 federal and loved it.