Last updated August 2026 · By Nick Hall, .308 Winchester shooter who has run hunting and target rifles across every budget tier
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- Treat every gun as loaded
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot
- Know your target and what’s beyond
Quick Answer: The Tikka T3x is the best .308 rifle you can buy in 2026 for hunters and shooters who want a single rifle that does everything well. It is sub-MOA out of the box, weighs under 7 pounds, and the action is smoother than rifles costing twice as much.
The best budget .308 is the Savage Axis II at around $460, an honest deer rifle with a decent factory trigger. The best semi-auto .308 is the Springfield M1A SOCOM for shooters who want a battle rifle.
The most common mistake .308 buyers make is sighting in with cheap range ammo and then hunting with premium hunting loads, since the point of impact often shifts 2-4 inches at 100 yards between bullet weights. Always confirm zero with your hunting load. Most of the rifles here were shot for groups at 100 yards before ranking; where a pick is ranked on published specification and review consensus rather than my own range time, it says so in that section.
Torn between a .308 AR-10 and a 5.56 AR-15? Our AR-15 vs AR-10 comparison lays out the trade-offs.
Wondering how the .308 stacks up against the classic .30-06? See our .308 vs .30-06 breakdown.
How we tested: Every pick here is ranked against our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun. Where we have not shot a specific variant ourselves, we say so in that section.
The Winners at a Glance
| Pick | Best For | Street Price | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tikka T3x | Best overall | $900–$1,009 | Price ↓ |
| Smith & Wesson M&P10 | Big-brand AR-10 | $1,511 | Price ↓ |
| Springfield M1A SOCOM | Classic battle rifle | $1,775–$1,930 | Price ↓ |
| Savage Axis II | Best budget bolt gun | $458–$980 | Price ↓ |
| Ruger American Rifle | Best value hunter | $565–$650 | Price ↓ |
| Browning X-Bolt Hells Canyon Speed | Best western hunter | $770–$1,120 | Price ↓ |
| Daniel Defense Delta 5 Pro | Premium precision bolt | Out of stock | Price ↓ |
| Remington 700 ADL | Most aftermarket support | $567 | Price ↓ |
| Palmetto State Armory Gen3 PA10 | Cheapest AR-10 | Out of stock | Price ↓ |
| Mossberg Patriot | Cheapest way in | $368–$434 | Price ↓ |
| Wilson Combat .308 | Premium AR-10 | $2,760–$3,495 | Price ↓ |
| Henry Long Ranger | Best lever action | $950–$1,675 | Price ↓ |
| Ruger Precision Rifle | Best long-range chassis | Out of stock | Price ↓ |
| Kimber Hunter Pro Desolve | Lightest mountain rifle | $1,055 | Price ↓ |
| Ruger SFAR | Lightest .308 AR | $961–$1,194 | Price ↓ |
| Savage 110 | Most rifle per dollar | $610–$748 | Price ↓ |
| Winchester Model 70 Featherweight | The one to hand down | $1,200–$1,614 | Price ↓ |
The 308 Winchester rifle is America’s favorite hunting round and we love taking it to war as well. Snipers use it, foot soldiers too. And hunters pretty much rely on 308 rifles for anything bigger than small game.
The best 308 rifle can handle anything from humane deer hunting through to America’s biggest game.
It has served in the hands of military snipers. It has taken down hundreds of thousands of animals of all shapes and sizes around the world and it has achieved success in the US through to India.
Here are the best 308 rifles on sale in 2026.
Table of Contents
1. Tikka T3x
- Caliber: 308 Winchester
- Barrel length: 22.4 inch
- Weight: 5.9lb
Pros
- Sub-MOA out of the box with factory ammo
- Smoothest action at anywhere near the money
- Under 7 lb, so it carries all day
Cons
- Factory magazine is polymer and feels it
- Stock is plain next to the rifles it outshoots
- Aftermarket is thinner than a Remington 700
For the full hands-on, see our full Tikka T3x Lite review.
You can get a Tikka bolt action rifle in a number of different trims, from a chassis rifle through to a lightweight hunting rifle that is kind of our favorite.
The weight is the truly remarkable part with this 22.4 inch stainless steel barrel. The T3x synthetic stock and recoil pad with a low-angled grip is a classic approach executed to near perfection. And it all ensures this is a lightweight rifle when they’re done.
Tikka is part of the same Beretta Holding Groups as Finnish firearms icons Sako, which makes some of the finest shooters in the world and this bolt action rifle is one of the best.
Long distance shooters actually sent me angry emails to overthrow the result of the Best Sniper Rifles on the market in 2024 result and install the TAC-A1 that gets an honorary mention here too. It’s in a different price range, though.
That technology has trickled down to the Tikka T3x Superlite to create one of the best 308 rifles. The Tikka is great value, it’s super light and seriously accurate.
2. Smith & Wesson M&P10
- Barrel: 16 inch
- Total Length: 34 inch
- Capacity: 20+1
- Weight: 8lb
Pros
- Big-brand warranty on an AR-10
- 20-round magazine standard
- Mid-length gas softens a .308 noticeably
Cons
- Heavy at 8 lb before optics
- Thin on the ground now, prices swing
- Trigger is ordinary
The semi automatic S&W is a solid compromise of price, weight, ease of use and bone-chilling accuracy.
It is an AR-10 that has been slimmed down, though at 8 lb bare it is still a rifle you notice on a long walk. It comes with a mid-length gas system, 5R rifling and a 1:10 twist.
You also get a Picatinny rail up top and a whole host of finishing touches from the legendary S&W Performance Center.
This isn’t a full Performance Center firearm, which is why it comes in at a price tag that we think is pretty phenomenal in this company.
It’s essentially a battlefield workhorse with a detachable box magazine that you can take deer hunting.
3. Springfield M1A SOCOM
- Street price: $1,775–$1,930
- Barrel: 16 inch barrel
- Total: 37.25 inch
- Weight: 8.8lb
- Magazine: 10+1
Pros
- A genuine M14 lineage in a 16 inch package
- Iron sights that actually work
- Built to be beaten
Cons
- Heavy and muzzle-forward
- Scope mounting is a project, not a plan
- Costs more than most AR-10s
Yes it looks like the love child of an M1 Garand and an AR-15. That’s exactly the aesthetic the company was going for with this particular matte black synthetic variant of the almighty Springfield M1A semi auto rifle.
Would SOCOM take this Springfield M1A as a battle rifle? Well no, of course they wouldn’t. Really it’s a futuristic mash-up of the 308 Win rifles of yesteryear and today’s AR-15 semi auto rifles.
It’s a steampunk rifle, not a tactical rifle. But it has character by the bucketful and you have to admit you want one in your home gun safes. A collapsible stock, flip up iron sights, a tiny Picatinny rail and more combine to create one of the weirdest and yet best mash ups here.
Now it pays homage to the legendary M1 Garand battle rifle with a series of modern rifles that offer everything from luxury wood finishes through to this high-tech offering. In some form it deserves its place on the list of the best 308 rifles and we like this semi auto rifle.
The Springfield M1A Loaded is also a great precision rifle for long distance shooting.
4. Savage Axis II
- Barrel: 22 inch
- Weight: 6.5lb
- Capacity: 4+1
Pros
- The cheapest way into a real .308
- AccuTrigger is genuinely adjustable
- Shoots far above its price
Cons
- Stock flexes if you rest it wrong
- Bolt is gritty out of the box
- Plain to look at
Savage Arms keeps finding itself on these lists with a simple recipe of good value firearms that shoot straight. The Savage Axis is one of the best in this price range.
Now Savage Arms makes some of the best 308 hunting rifles for big game hunting with a simple synthetic stock with molded grips in all the key areas and a recoil pad.
You get an AccuTrigger with integral trigger blade safety and a detachable box magazine. More importantly, the Savage Axis get the basics right and the button rifled barrel is supremely accurate.
5. Ruger American Rifle
- Barrel: 18 inch
- Total Length: 43.25 inch
- Weight: 6.2lb
- Capacity: 3+1
Pros
- Power Bedding block gives real accuracy
- 70-degree bolt clears an optic
- Light enough to hunt hard with
Cons
- Rotary magazine is fiddly to load
- Barrel is a sporter, it heats fast
- Trigger needs adjusting before it shines
The Ruger American rifle has won the favor of the American public thanks to the best deals. It doesn’t get much simpler, though, so there’s not a great deal to say here.
You can get all kinds of variants, though, including one with Magpul stock that turns this into a serious tactical sniper. Look here for a full selection of the best 308 hunting rifles, long range target shooting specialists and more.
Gun parts are readily available and you can upgrade these hunting rifles with a new barrel or trigger set pretty easily.
The Ruger American 308 Win bolt action rifle with a Vortex Crossfire scope up top is all that most of us need for a hunting rifle or basic targets.
You can get of Ruger American bolt action rifles in a range of calibers, from Rimfire ammo through to 350 Legend ammo for big game hunting.
6. Browning X-Bolt Hells Canyon Speed
- Barrel: 22 inch barrel
- Total Length: 42.75 inch
- Total Weight: 6.3lb
Pros
- Cerakote and composite shrug off weather
- Integral muzzle brake tames recoil
- Feather trigger is excellent
Cons
- Brake makes it loud beside you
- Costs a lot more than a Ruger American
- Camo will not be to every taste
The X-Bolt has swiftly become a legend in its own lifetime with hunters and target shooters alike.
It’s really a top rated custom rifle for big game hunting and offers a great compromise of portability, accuracy and reliability.
The 22 inch barrel with integral muzzle brake gets a Cerakote finish, as does the bolt. That helps immensely with a smooth action and the bolt speed in this bolt gun.
And the composite stock and recoil pad have proven themselves in the field time and again, as the basis of Browning’s most popular rifle. As a 308 Winchester rifle, it was always going to be a winner.
One update for 2026: Browning has replaced the Hells Canyon Speed with the X-Bolt 2 line, so the prices below are for current X-Bolt 2 rifles. The action, the Feather trigger and the composite stock carry over.
Typically you can buy the Browning X-Bolt in a range of calibers and configurations. There’s a longer barrel, which is inevitably significantly heavier but makes for a popular hunting rifle.
You can also get shorter, lightweight rifles if that’s your priority when you’re hunting big game.
7. Daniel Defense Delta 5 Pro 308
- Street price: $2,722 when in stock
- Barrel: 20 inch
- Weight: 10.8 lb
Pros
- Interchangeable barrel system
- Genuine precision-rifle accuracy
- Chassis-grade rigidity in a hunting shape
Cons
- 10.8 lb is a bench weight, not a hunting one
- Costs four Savage 110s
- Availability is patchy
The Daniel Defense Delta 5 Pro is a stunning 308 Win bolt action rifle that was built to beat a custom rifle and yet come in under the price limit in the PRS Production Class.
So if you want to start competition shooting, this is an excellent option. Obviously there’s an adjustable length of pull, cheek riser, adjustable trigger pull and every component is high quality. That pays off with the bolt speed, smooth action and super fast cycling, as well as accuracy.
Basically if you can’t hit five shot groups in an inch from 50 yards, you’re totally the issue.
The suppressor ready Delta 5 Pro is expensive, but then it’s a great rifle for long range target shooting. And if you need something cheaper, without the high end Cerakote finish, then check out the Sig Sauer Cross bolt gun.
Now you could also look at the Daniel Defense DD5 AR-10, which is an incredible gun for home defense and is beyond military grade hardware. So remember the Daniel Defense DD5 as well when you buy a gun online.
8. Remington 700 ADL
- Barrel: 24 inch
- Rifle Length: 43.5 inch
- Weight: 8.5lb
- Capacity: 4+1
Pros
- The largest aftermarket of any bolt action
- Every gunsmith knows the action
- Cheap way into a platform you can grow
Cons
- ADL has a blind magazine, no floorplate
- Factory stock is the weak link
- Quality control has been uneven since the bankruptcy
The Remington Model 700 short action is the best-selling 308 Win bolt action rifle of all time and has been in production for more than 50 years.
You can get a version with a much shorter barrel or a full military chassis, but the Remington 700 ADL comes with a composite stock and the Remington X-Mark Pro trigger.
This comes with the legendary Remington Three Rings of Steel completely enclosing the cartridge case head. That provides serious strength, and durability in this popular hunting rifle.
The ADL runs a blind internal magazine, so there is no floorplate and no detachable box, and you load through the ejection port. The two-lug bolt lifts 90 degrees, which is the one place a low-mounted scope will fight you.
You can get any flavor of Remington 700 bolt gun you want, up to a 26 inch target champion with the military chassis that is an entirely different animal.
You can spend thousands on a custom Remington 700 short action rifle with a more refined and suppressor ready cold hammer forged barrel. But these are some of the best hunting rifles in a variety of specs.
9. Palmetto State Armory Gen3 PA10
- Barrel: 18 inch
- Rifle Length: 36 inch
- Weight: 8lb
- Capacity: 20+1
Pros
- Cheapest route into an AR-10
- Stainless barrel on the mid-length
- PSA lifetime warranty
Cons
- Heavier than an SFAR for the same job
- Magazine pattern compatibility is a minefield
- Stock and grip are the first things you will change
We’re always going to have the Palmetto State Armory debate and they divide people like politics, but I’m just gonna say this.
If this spec sheet was attached to a $3,000 semi automatic rifle, people would be queuing round the block to throw the money at them.
This is the range-topping Palmetto State Armory Gen3 semi auto rifles with the 416R stainless steel barrel. The lower and upper receivers are forged 7075-T6 Aluminum and you can upgrade pretty much all the gun parts over time.
The bolt carrier group is Nitride-coated 8620 steel and the bolt is 9310 with more Nitride coating, while the two-stage trigger is coated in Nickel Teflon. Apart from a billet lower receiver, which would be a pipe dream at this price point, the spec is pretty hot.
PSA guns are best sellers for a reason and customers tend to go back for more. So if you’re hunting big game or protecting your home, this is an excellent choice.
10. Mossberg Patriot
- Barrel: 22 inch
- Rifle Length: 42.75 inch
- Capacity: 5+1
- Weight: 7lb
Pros
- Under $400 for a complete .308
- Fluted barrel and spiral bolt look far dearer
- LBA trigger adjusts down to 2 lb
Cons
- Magazine is the cheapest part of it
- Recoil pad is thin
- Finish marks easily
There are some truly clever guns on this list that all have one thing in common. One way or another, the designers have engineered around the inherent limitations of the round.
Mossberg simply embraces them, doesn’t try to get too smart and the end result is a light, cheap 308 rifle that might be the best budget rifle on the market.
That’s all some people want in their centerfire rifles. The Mossberg Patriot 308 Win does everything they need in a hunting rifle. And that’s why these are best sellers.
The great thing about this gun is that it’s so cheap you could effectively pair it with a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle for extreme shooting. You could buy one of each of those hunting rifles and still have a huge pile of change left over if you go this route.
Two Rifles to Cover Your Needs
But if it was my money sat there on the table and I could either have the best 308 Win or a combo deal, I would take the Mossberg and then place my order for a proper sniper rifle.
This is a 7 lb bolt gun with a detachable box magazine. It is heavier than the Tikka or the Model 70, but it costs a third of either and it will not give you any real surprises.
And it is really limited to about 500 yards, unless you’re the best long range shooting specialist.
Stay in its comfort zone, though, and these will serve you well and keep this hard hitting round on target. What more can you really ask from a gun that costs a fraction of its supposed betters here?
11. Wilson Combat Tactical Hunter
- Barrel: 16 inch
- Rifle length: 32.5-37.75 inch
- Weight: 8lb
Pros
- Hand-fitted to a standard nothing here matches
- Match barrel and a genuinely good trigger
- Wilson will look after it forever
Cons
- Three thousand dollars
- Long lead times direct from Wilson
- Overkill for a deer rifle
Wilson Combat are perennial winners with semi auto rifles. But this 308 Win rifle class is a hard one indeed and even this company can’t expect a walk in the park here.
This is a relatively lightweight rifle at 8lb and combines the Wilson Combat Tactical Hunter match grade threaded and fluted barrel with the lightweight receiver set. Of course, that’s machined from billet and this semi automatic rifle comes with a mid-length gas system.
The Ranger barrel is Wilson Combat’s lightest profile barrel that still retains match accuracy as it gets hot. It’s high price, high spec. But you know that with these top rated semi automatic rifles.
That’s a nice touch at the shooting range, and one of the many reasons why some people won’t entrust their personal defense to any other brand. Wilson Combat can become an expensive addiction, but there are more expensive options here for 308 rifles.
You could even argue that the Wilson Combat is value for money.
12. Henry Long Ranger
- Barrel: 20 inch
- Total length: 39.5 inch
- Weight: 7.3lb
Pros
- A lever gun that shoots like a bolt gun
- Geared action is smooth and fast
- Detachable box magazine takes spitzer bullets
Cons
- No side loading gate on the base model
- Heavier than it looks
- Optic mounting needs the drilled-and-tapped version
The top rated Henry Long Ranger 308 win rifle is something different, even though it’s technically not the best rifle here.
It’s a lever action rifle, which is just fun to have in your life. And it’s a perfectly competent deer hunting rifle, too, but mainly they’re just fun lever action rifles for shits and giggles. Don’t be thinking about five shot groups with this one.
That is enough to make Henry rifles best sellers in almost every caliber.
You could opt for the Henry Single Shot Rifle, too, if you want hunting rifles that are even weirder than a lever gun.
13. Ruger Precision Rifle
- Barrel: 20 inch
- Capacity: 10+1
- Weight: 10.7 lb
Pros
- Chassis, folding stock and AR ergonomics as standard
- Takes AICS and SR-25 pattern magazines
- Adjustable everything
Cons
- Heavy before you add glass
- Not a rifle you carry up a hill
- Currently hard to find in .308
The Ruger Precision rifle is a legend and a cheap way into serious distance shooting.
Essentially this is the best budget precision rifle aimed at sport shooters who want affordable & accurate long range shooting.
You get an almost infinitely adjustable stock, adjustable trigger, a cold hammer forged barrel with a threaded muzzle and a 1000-yard gun in the right hands. Of course you can spend a lot more money on a little more precision and engineering excellence.
But the Ruger Precision is most of the rifle, for a fraction of the cash.
14. Kimber Hunter Pro Desolve
- Caliber: .308 Winchester
- Barrel: 22 inch stainless
- Action: Kimber 84M short action
- Capacity: 3+1
- Stock: Desolve Blak camo polymer
The Kimber Hunter Pro Desolve is a lightweight, hard hitting hunting rifle that is surprisingly affordable for a Kimber.
You get a fiber reinforced polymer stock, a stainless steel barrel and a range of finishes from Black through to digital camo. And that’s about it.
The Kimber Hunter Pro Desolve gets a Kimber 84M action, a simple polymer stock and not much else. It is designed for mountain hunts and the outdoor life.
Pros
- Genuinely light for a mountain hunt
- Kimber 84M action is a joy
- Sub-MOA guarantee
Cons
- Polymer stock on a rifle at this price
- Three-round magazine
- Kimber quality control divides opinion
15. Ruger SFAR
- Caliber: .308 Winchester / 7.62 NATO
- Barrel: 16.10 inch heavy contour, 5R rifling
- Twist: 1:10 RH
- Weight: 6.8 lb
- Overall length: 34–37.25 inch
- Capacity: 20+1
Pros
- A .308 that weighs what an AR-15 weighs
- 7075-T6 receivers and a 5/8×24 threaded muzzle
- Handles like a carbine, hits like a battle rifle
Cons
- Proprietary-ish sizing means fewer drop-in parts
- Recoil is brisk for the weight
- State-compliant versions cost the same for less rifle
![RUGER SFAR [DSCC]](https://www.usa-gun-shop.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=ugs_pc_img&src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.guns.com%2Fprod%2F2025%2F11%2F25%2F6925f04f98d1d0ee804db11057a820e8fe3e660cb652b.jpg%3Fimpolicy%3Dthumb)
Ruger did the thing everyone said could not be done and got a full-power .308 down to 6.8 lb. The SFAR is built on a shrunken AR-10 footprint that sits much closer to an AR-15 in the hand, which is the entire point of it.
It is the rifle to buy if you want one gun that will shoot deer at 300 yards and still be pleasant to carry to the stand. The 16.1 inch heavy-contour barrel with 5R rifling is specced to shoot better than the weight suggests it should, and our full SFAR review covers how it held up.
The trade is parts. It is not a standard AR-10 pattern throughout, so the aftermarket is thinner than a DPMS or Armalite footprint rifle. Buy it if you want AR-15 handling with .308 terminal performance, and buy your spares when you see them.
16. Savage 110
- Caliber: .308 Winchester
- Barrel: 20–22 inch depending on variant
- Capacity: 4+1 detachable box
- Trigger: user-adjustable AccuTrigger
- Stock: AccuFit with adjustable comb and length of pull
Pros
- AccuTrigger and AccuFit at a price nothing else matches
- Enormous range of .308 variants, from about $610 up
- Consistently sub-MOA with decent ammo
Cons
- Stock aesthetics are functional at best
- Bolt lift is heavier than a Tikka
- So many variants that choosing one is a job
The Savage 110 is not one rifle, it is a family that runs from the $610 Trail Blazer to tactical chassis guns, all on the same action. That action, with the AccuTrigger and the AccuFit stock system, is why Savage keeps winning value comparisons.
The AccuTrigger is the headline. It is a genuinely user-adjustable trigger with a blade safety, and it breaks cleanly at weights other makers charge extra to reach. AccuFit then lets you set comb height and length of pull with supplied inserts rather than a gunsmith.
This is the rifle for the shooter who wants the most gun per dollar and does not care what it looks like. Ranked here on published specification and long-standing review consensus rather than my own range time with this specific variant.
17. Winchester Model 70 Featherweight
- Caliber: .308 Winchester
- Barrel: 22 inch free-floating featherweight profile
- Capacity: 5
- Action: Pre-64 style controlled-round feed with claw extractor
- Trigger: M.O.A. three-lever system
- Weight: 6 lb 12 oz
Pros
- Controlled-round feed, the classic dangerous-game action
- Walnut and steel in a market full of plastic
- M.O.A. trigger is excellent from the factory
Cons
- Twice the price of a Savage that shoots as well
- Heavier than a Tikka T3x
- Blued steel and walnut need looking after
The Model 70 is the rifle every other bolt action gets measured against, and the Featherweight is the one to own. Pre-64 style controlled-round feed means the cartridge is under the extractor claw from the moment it leaves the magazine, which is why this action went to Africa and stayed there.
The M.O.A. trigger is a three-lever design with zero take-up and zero creep, and Winchester ships it properly set. Paired with the 22 inch free-floating featherweight barrel and a forged steel receiver, it shoots to the standard the badge implies.
This is the one you buy to hand down rather than trade in. Ranked here on published specification and review consensus rather than my own range time with this chambering.
Honorable Mentions
With a composite stock, the lightweight carbon fiber stock Springfield Waypoint is a sniper rifle and a high-quality hunting rifle. It’s seriously good for long range shooting and they come with carbon fiber barrels, too.
Now we’ve got lots of other bolt action rifles on this list, but on another day the Springfield Waypoint would have made the cut.
We could have included the Nosler 21 and Winchester XPR as well. But we have to make choices here, so if you love the Nosler 21 and WInchester XPR, we get you.
Best places to buy .308 Winchester Ammo
If you buy ammo at your local gun store, wow you are losing money…
Try these direct links to the 308 ammo section of our favorite online gun stores. See how much you can save when you buy ammo in bulk for your rifle or concealed carry pistol, especially if you need to stock up on ammo in a crisis.
- Firearms Depot – Best selling 308 Winchester ammunition in stock. Buy ammo online & hunting gear, from a 308 through to a 9mm concealed carry.
- Sportsman’s Guide – Wide variety of 308 Win ammo. Buy in bulk.
- Lucky Gunner – Deals on ammo, including 308 Win for hunting big game and deer hunting.
- USA Gun Shop – The Best 308 ammo for hunting, self defense and the range
Related: For complete precision rifle picks, see the best sniper rifles you can actually buy.
Scopes vs Red Dot Sights for an AR-10
The best 308 hunting rifles on this list feel right with scopes, but you might be happier with red dot sights on your AR-10 upper receiver. simple magnifier turns the system into a long range optic and you don’t have to get stuck with scopes.
See a wide variety, organize the price low to high, and buy yours here at Palmetto State Armory.
Check out micro red dots for a concealed carry too.
On a tight budget for a .308? The scoped Axis II XP is the value pick. See our full Savage Axis II review.
For the classic M14 option, see our full Springfield M1A review.
More .308 Reading
Related: Looking at a budget .308 AR-10? Read our hands-on PSA PA-10 .308 review after 800 rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a flatter-shooting western big-game cartridge alternative, see our best .270 Winchester rifles roundup covering the Tikka T3x Lite, Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed LR, Winchester Model 70 Featherweight, and 6 more.
For the magnum-class step up, see our best .300 Win Mag rifles roundup covering the Tikka T3x Lite, Bergara B-14 HMR, Winchester Model 70 Super Grade, Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed, and 5 more.
For premium bolt-action specifics in the .300 Win Mag class, see our best .300 Win Mag bolt action rifles roundup covering the Sako S20 Hunter, Nosler Model 21, Bergara B-14 HMR, and 6 more.
For the lower-recoil deer-and-varmint cartridge alternative, see our best .243 Winchester rifles roundup covering the Tikka T3x Lite, Browning X-Bolt 2 Micro for youth, Winchester Model 70 Featherweight, and 6 more.
For the full 7.62×39 platform spectrum spanning AK, AR, bolt action, SKS, and Mini-30 picks, see our best 7.62×39 rifles roundup covering the PSA AK-47 GF5, Zastava ZPAP M70, Ruger Mini-30, CMMG Mk47, and 5 more.
For the 7mm magnum middle-ground between the .270 and the .300 Win Mag, see our best 7mm Remington Magnum rifles roundup covering the Tikka T3x Lite, Sako 85 Finnlight II, Bergara B-14 Hunter, and 6 more.
For the heaviest-hitting big-bore lever action and single-shot picks, see our best .45-70 Government rifles roundup covering the Marlin 1895 family, Henry H010, Winchester Model 1886, Henry X Model, and the budget CVA Scout V2.
For Midwest deer hunters in straight-wall states such as Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan, see our best .350 Legend rifles roundup covering the Winchester XPR, Ruger American Ranch with AR magazine compatibility, Mossberg Patriot Predator, Bergara B-14 Ridge, CMMG Resolute Mk4 AR-15 platform, and 4 more.
For Midwest hunters who want the heaviest-hitting straight-wall cartridge with AR-15 and bolt action picks, see our best .450 Bushmaster rifles roundup covering the Bushmaster XM-15, Ruger American Ranch, Mossberg Patriot, Bergara B-14 Ridge, Franchi Momentum Elite, CVA Cascade, and 3 more.
For the recoil-friendly 7mm hunting cartridge that women and youth shooters love, see our best 7mm-08 Remington rifles roundup covering the Tikka T3x Lite, Kimber Hunter at 5.5 lb, Winchester Model 70 Featherweight, Bergara B-14 Hunter, Savage 110 Hunter, and 4 more.
For the long-range hunting upgrade with magnum-class velocity and high-BC 6.5mm bullets, see our best 6.5 PRC rifles roundup covering the Tikka T3x Lite, Bergara B-14 HMR, Sako S20 Hunter, Christensen Mesa, Nosler M21, and 4 more.
Is .308 Winchester good for deer hunting?
.308 Winchester is the proven all-around American deer cartridge. With 150 or 165 grain bullets it handles every deer species at any reasonable hunting distance with manageable recoil and the broadest factory ammo selection of any modern cartridge. For most American deer hunters .308 remains a smart pick.
How accurate are factory .308 rifles?
Modern factory .308 rifles like the Tikka T3x, Bergara B-14, Browning X-Bolt, and Christensen Mesa deliver sub-MOA accuracy with quality factory ammunition straight from the box. Budget rifles like the Ruger American Generation II and Savage 110 Hunter deliver MOA accuracy with the same ammunition. Premium rifles in the Tier-1 list shoot 0.5 to 0.7 MOA with handloads.
What is the effective range of .308 Winchester?
For deer-sized game with quality 150 or 165 grain bullets, ethical effective range extends to 400 yards in skilled hands with practiced wind reading. The cartridge falls behind 6.5 Creedmoor in wind drift past 400 yards but hits with more terminal energy inside that distance. The shooter, not the cartridge, is almost always the limiting factor.
Is .308 better than 6.5 Creedmoor?
For shots inside 300 yards .308 hits with more terminal energy and offers broader bullet selection across 150 to 200 grain weights. For shots past 400 yards 6.5 Creedmoor has flatter trajectory and better wind drift. Most American whitetail is shot inside 200 yards where the cartridges perform equivalently in field practice.
Can I use .308 for elk?
Yes, with appropriate bullet selection. 165 or 180 grain controlled-expansion bullets like Federal Premium Trophy Bonded or Nosler Partition handle elk at moderate distances. The cartridge gives up downrange energy to magnums like .300 Winchester Magnum past 300 yards. For inside 300 yard elk hunting .308 is a credible choice with the right bullet.
What is the best .308 rifle under $1,000?
The Ruger American Generation II, Savage 110 Hunter, and Howa 1500 Walnut Hunter are the strongest sub-$1,000 picks for .308. Ruger American delivers MOA accuracy at the lowest price point. Savage 110 offers the best factory trigger with the AccuTrigger and adjustable AccuFit stock. Howa 1500 offers the best wood-stock value with the premium HACT two-stage trigger.
Does .308 have less recoil than .30-06?
Yes, meaningfully so. .308 Winchester generates roughly 17 ft-lbs of felt recoil from an 8-pound rifle. .30-06 Springfield generates roughly 20 ft-lbs from the same rifle weight. The 3 ft-lb difference matters across long range sessions and for recoil-sensitive shooters. For deer-only hunting .308 offers very similar terminal performance with noticeably less recoil.
What scope should I put on a .308 deer rifle?
A 3-9x40 or 2-7x33 scope handles most .308 deer hunting scenarios. The Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40, Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50, and Sig Sauer Sierra3 BDX 3.5-10x42 are common picks across price tiers. For long-range capability the Vortex Razor LHT or Nightforce SHV cover 600+ yard precision work.
Related: Our 10 best deer hunting rifles roundup covers the broader bolt-action + lever-action picks across every budget tier.
Caliber pillar: Our 10 best deer hunting cartridges roundup ranks this cartridge against the broader deer-hunting field.
For .308 power in an AR-15 size, read our Ruger SFAR review.
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Would like to see a review of the Roam R-10’s in .308 Win. They state some very light weights due to use of magnesium instead of aluminum. Only videos I can find are on YouTube Texas JAGD – hog hunting channel.
He was shooting with a Roam Red River Ultralight showing a 5 pound 10 ounce weight out of the box.
We’ll try and get round to it asap. Covid has left us running like crazy to stand still. Just checking stocks and links is a full time job. But as soon as it calms down, we’ll see what we can do! I’ll add it to the job list.
I have a Henry Long Ranger in 308 and i think you might want to take a look. It’s the best brush gun I own and that includes the 30-30 and 30-06. It’s a never miss out to around 300yds for me and that’s with old eyes.
I own a Sig 716 G2 and was surprised it didn’t even crack the list :-/
I’m looking for a 308 rifle for hunting. What are some good ones to buy?
For a quick get you started rifle then the Mossberg or Remington are great choices. Simple bolt action rifles are just easy and do what they’re supposed to at the critical moment. So yeah to get going hunting with a 308, I’d go with simplicity most days.
Great roundup of .308 rifles! I appreciate the thorough reviews and insights on each one. It’s really helpful for choosing my next rifle. Looking forward to more updates in the future!
Great roundup of .308 rifles! I appreciate the detailed comparisons and insights on each model. It really helps in making an informed decision for both hunting and target shooting. Can’t wait to see which one I’ll end up picking!
Great roundup! I appreciate the detailed analysis of each rifle and the pros and cons listed. The variety in options really gives a solid view for anyone considering a .308 rifle. Excited to see which ones make the top list for 2024!
Great rundown of the top .308 rifles for 2024! I appreciate the detailed reviews and comparisons. It really helps in making an informed choice. Looking forward to seeing which ones stand out in the field!
Great insights! I found your selection of .308 rifles really impressive. It’s great to see options for different budgets and needs. I’m particularly interested in how the Ruger American stacks up against the others for long-range accuracy. Thanks for the thorough analysis!
Great roundup! I’m particularly interested in the versatility of the Ruger AR-10. It seems like a solid choice for both long-range shooting and hunting. Has anyone had any experience with its accuracy at longer distances?
Great roundup of .308 rifles! It’s helpful to see comparisons in features and pricing. Looking into a few of these for my next purchase!
Great list! I like the Ruger and the Springfield models you’ve highlighted. It’s helpful to have such detailed comparisons in one place. Looking forward to trying out some of these rifles!
It’s so helpful to see the pros and cons laid out, especially for someone looking to invest in a .308 rifle for the first time. Any particular picks for long-distance accuracy?