.308 Winchester question.

[ScouT6a]

If I have a 6.5 Grendel, with the main uses being varmints, Whitetail/Mule deer and Antelope, would you see a real need for a .308?

I have a 7mm Remington magnum for Elk and larger game and a .450 Bushmaster for hogs.

I have an AR10 complete lower and am trying to decide what to top it off with.
I had originally thought 6.5 Creedmore but I think if I take up that caliber, it will be by way of a bolt gun.

Thoughts?

 

[VUPDblue]

In an autoloader like an AR10 I’d say .308. Ammo is much more abundant and cheaper.

 

[Mgderf]

Need is a subjective parameter, but consider these facts.
Though both are .30 caliber, the .308 will carry much more punch for a lot longer distance than the 7.62x39.
Ammo prices for .308 are reasonably cheap to stupid expensive. Take your pick.
The 6.5 Creedmoor, though not really expensive, has nowhere near the selection of available ammo.

Don't get me wrong, I like the "6-1/2" Creedmoor (if you listen to the guy at Walmart selling ammo). I just bought a bolt gun in 6.5, but a semi-auto .30cal should be a staple in everyone's inventory.

 

[croy]

Whenever my wife asks me how many guns "I need" my answer is always one more.

 

[King31]

I don't see a need for it other than having another fun gun! I love the Grendel and think that it is more than capable of anything you are planning on doing in Indiana unless you get into long range shooting.

 

[ScouT6a]

My daughter's boyfriend has an 18" AR10, I'm .308
I shot it a few months ago. (First time shooting one) and I was rather surprised at the amount of felt recoil it had.
I don't know is this could be addressed with a stiffer spring? I know a good muzzle brake would help.

 

[lazarus0213]

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED .243 OR THE 7-08? BOTH GREAT CHOICES AND WORK IN THAT PLATFORM AND WORK WELL!

 

[Mark 1911]

If I had to pick between the 6.5 and the .308, I'd go with the .308 for all around versatility and ammo choices. If you prefer the 6.5, then no, you dont really need a .308 especially if you have a 7mm Remmy. A .243 and .308 combo is hard to beat.

I would add that over the last few years I've taken deer with .270 and 30-06. I really like the 30-06. Seems like a very overlooked cartridge these days. Very versatile, readily available ammo about anywhere. Great hunting cartridge. So far the 30-06 tops the 270 in my experience. But both are awesome deer cartridges.

 

[ScouT6a]

Lazarus0213,
I was seriously considering topping off the lower with a 7mm08 upper but they seem to have disappeared, as of late.

 

[jve153]

.30-06 used to be the go to round for all the high power shooters years ago. .308 came around and everyone kind of thumbed their noses at it at first. a couple guys here and there ran them and those that did, found their scores were a bit higher than when they ran the .30-06. as more and more of the top dogs started running the cartridge, its inherently better ballistics were no longer a thing of legend, but were proven. the .308 is a better cartridge than the .30-06. do not take me wrong, i absolutely love the cartridge and it served its purpose, but anything .30-06 can do, .308 can do better.&nbsp;<br><br>my favorite gun to shoot is a .30-06 US Rifle, caliber .30, M1.

 

[LarryC]

In an autoloader like an AR10 I’d say .308. Ammo is much more abundant and cheaper.

I agree, I have 22LR, 22Mag, 40S&W, 30-06 firearms, .243, 30-30, .308's (LR-308, Winchester lever) AR15's in 6.5 Grendel, and a couple in .556, plus 8mm Mauser, 6.5X55, 7.5 X 55, 7.62 X54R Russian, 7.39 X 39 (several). The .308 ammo is available in almost any configuration you could want and is certainly suitable for any large game in the lower 48, and most in Alaska. It is probably the most available in just about any store that sells ammo and can be bought quite cheap as military surplus, and reasonable priced for Deer, Elk and other dedicated rounds. It is also a great Boar round if you have adequate back stop.

No one including me can really say you or I "need" another round or gun, but I enjoy collecting them!