.308 Win for Personal Defense?

[VN Vet]

I was in BGF this morning looking to purchase some 308 ammo for my Mannlicher Scout. BGF had a box of Hornady TAP 308 Win, 168gr. ammo. I bought the box, but thinking that 168gr 308 for self defense is likely gross over kill. If I do a head shot, there'd likely be nothing left but a neck stub on a lower body.

Anyone using this or similiar round for personal defense? I'd like to have your comments.

 

[chezuki]

Inadequate penetration. I reccommend .50 BMG at minimum for personal defense.

 

[T-Mann]

Not sure why you'd want to use .308! Don't you know it bounces off of leather?

 

[bcannon]

I have my AR10 w/ 168gr bthp hornys for my personal defense weapon and sleep great -

 

[SERparacord]

Do you live in a concrete bunker?

 

[bcannon]

Yes I have 8" poured walls

 

[The Bubba Effect]

Bears

 

[Steelman]

What are you defending yourself from that has 5.56 outclassed? What distances?

 

[Grelber]

I suspect, but don't know, that the 308 is not as effective as a 12 gauge shotgun with appropriate ammo.
If the goal is to neutralize an armed attacker before they shoot back at you I don't think either option is excessive, or even 100% effective if you don't get reasonably good shot placement.

 

[SaintsNSinners]

Try the German plastic short range ammo for home defense.. No over penetration and lethal to 300 yards

 

[sloughfoot]

The US Military has been using this round for personal defense for decades as well as many foreign countries. It is a very good round.

I have several rifles chambered in this round, including a M1A and several bolt guns.

 

[VN Vet]

I agree with you guys. For inside the home use, I thought the 308 is a bit overkill, but Hornady makes it so there must be a market for it somewhere. However as a Camp Rifle round I can see the 308 being great for self defense, but I guess a grenade in a camp situation is also great.

The 308 Winchester is truely a Jack of all Trades but Master of None. A perfect all-a-round round.

 

[kawtech87]

.308 is a bit much I think. But then again it all depends on where you live and how close your neighbors are. In my case 5.56 is probably a bad choice as my neighbors are right across the street and have small children. I would hate for an ill placed shot to go through thier house. So I stick to 2 3/4" 00 buck. and .45 ACP back up.

 

[bcannon]

I believe in being prepared - you can stop a bear to a truck with a 308 - 1 of those things that you pray you don't have use - but it'd suck if you needed it and all you had was a 556 - jmho -

 

[DocIndy]

I keep a mag for the M1A SOCOM 16 loaded with Hornady 110 gr TAP. It's more of a last ditch if the 12 ga. doesnt get the job done.

 

[bcannon]

I was just informed & I thought I would share the info - I used to use horny 168 JHP for my PDW ammo - the 145 JHP expands and frags closer to POE than the 168 JHP - the 145 starts @ 1" of POE and expands to 6-8" - the 168 has a larger expansion chamber @10" but takes longer to expand @4-6" - I think I'll change to 145-150gr so over penetration issues shrink alil - just some info for ya VNVET

 

[RGR12]

Using .308 for personal protection you have to really be aware of over penetration.

 

[Hookeye]

Just line up bad guys and then shoot.

 

[asquinton]

If your talking about inside your house, I don't think you can beat a 12 gage shot gun with 00 or #4 buckshot. I'd be very worried about what is behind the target if using a .308 for self defense.

 

[SaintsNSinners]

Use the Blue german short range 308 for in the home defense, no over penetration, no dead neighbors only dead bad guys