AR-10 Platform 308 winchester vs 338 Federal?

[Cantstop]

I want to get a new Semi-Auto Rifle in the AR-10 platform. I hope to be using this rifles for hunting purposes in North America assuming times permits. My brother has a few 308 winchester in DPMS. I know of a few rifles chambered in 338 federal, but dont know if its worth the jump in ammo prices and limited rifles selections if choosing the 338 Federal.

Will the 308 winchester be sufficient for most hunting expeditions here in the states?

 

[opshin556]

Re: AR-10 Platform 308 winchester vs 338 Federal?

Before you get flamed, let me just say welcome to the hide.
.308 with the correct bullets, soft point or solid hunting bullets, is capable of taking down any game in north america with proper shot placement.
Check your local hunting regs in regards to magazine capacity for hunting large game, most states have a 5 round limit when hunting.
The cost of factory ammunition gives the .308 a huge advantage only if you plan of shooting the weapon a lot.
If you just zero it then carry it around and only hunt with it, the cost of a box of twenty rounds shouldnt matter that much.
hope that helps.
have fun.

 

[338Federal]

Re: AR-10 Platform 308 winchester vs 338 Federal?

Its really a wash between the two. If you want tons of options for barrel length, ammo types, BCG, etc. Go with the 308, it will work just fine with good optics and shots. The 338 has been a bit of work to track down a barrel, and i think only DPMS and Armalite make full rifles, and one barrel length each.

The .338 carries a bit more energy for the info I've seen (300 yard data). In the end its about options, you'll have far more in .308, unless you plan to custom build your .338. Even then, you'll be limited by barrels unless you get one custom turned. For an off the shelf hunter, go 308.

 

[KillShot]

Re: AR-10 Platform 308 winchester vs 338 Federal?

As the guy above me stated, the .308 is sufficient to take any game you'll find in North America with proper shot placement, much cheaper to shoot and reload, and many more options available.

If you're wanting a .338 in an AR platform, take a look at the Bad News Lapua from onlylongrange.com. The rifle itself will set you back $5,000 and then you have to factor in what it's going to cost for a decent optic.

http://onlylongrange.com/badnews.asp

 

[macthknife]

Re: AR-10 Platform 308 winchester vs 338 Federal?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KillShot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As the guy above me stated, the .308 is sufficient to take any game you'll find in North America with proper shot placement, much cheaper to shoot and reload, and many more options available.

If you're wanting a .338 in an AR platform, take a look at the Bad News Lapua from onlylongrange.com. The rifle itself will set you back $5,000 and then you have to factor in what it's going to cost for a decent optic.

http://onlylongrange.com/badnews.asp</div></div> Damn! That is a beast!

 

[tylerw02]

Re: AR-10 Platform 308 winchester vs 338 Federal?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KillShot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As the guy above me stated, the .308 is sufficient to take any game you'll find in North America with proper shot placement, much cheaper to shoot and reload, and many more options available.

If you're wanting a .338 in an AR platform, take a look at the Bad News Lapua from onlylongrange.com. The rifle itself will set you back $5,000 and then you have to factor in what it's going to cost for a decent optic.

http://onlylongrange.com/badnews.asp </div></div>


He's talking about a .338 Federal. Its a .308 Win necked up to .338". Its a fudd/hunting round. I believe DPMS and a few others chamber it. Its not a .338 Lapua.

 

[BCP]

Re: AR-10 Platform 308 winchester vs 338 Federal?

308 is fine for pigs and deer but it's lacking for larger game. I know some locals in empty square states use it on Elk but I think that's pushing it. As far as hunting with a 308 AR if you get a carbine and a lighter scope it should be around 10-11 lbs loaded so if you feel fine carrying that then have at it.

 

[Casey Simpson]

Re: AR-10 Platform 308 winchester vs 338 Federal?

Let me suggest 260Lr.
Lapua makes powerful, 160 grain hunting bullets for 6.5, but any 260 bullet over 140 grains is better than many 308 Winchester rounds. You'll need an adjustable gas block to run hot rounds out of your 10, or not but it won't last as long.

Barnes loads a Cor Bon 120 TSX.

Black Hills runs .260 ammo.

ChadTrg can load any bullet you want.

http://shakeypete.blogspot.com/2010/07/260-remington-remington-reinvents.html

308 is like black and white televisions and single action revolvers: limiting.