Help me decide on a .308 - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

pitbullcrazyinky · 02-13-2008, 02:19 PM

these are the 2 .308's I'm trying to choose between.

Description
"I have fired virtually every gas operated precision rifle in production and the DPMS Panther 308 is the most accurate "out of the box" gas operated rifle I have ever tested, with accuracy on par with most bolt action precision rifles. The fit and finish of the panther 308 is also first rate. Accuracy, quality construction and reasonable price make the Panther 308 a "best buy" in my opinion." - Charlie Cutshaw, Writer

Barrel:
24" Length
416 Stainless steel bull barrel
6 grooves, right-hand 1x10 twist,
button rifled
Chamber:
.308 Winchester
Method of Operation:
Gas operated rotating bolt
Bolt & Carrier:
8620 steel bolt carrier, heat treated
and plated per Mil Spec
Phosphated steel bolt, heat treated
and plated per Mil Spec
Sights:
None (mounting optics only)
Weight:
Empty - 11.20 lbs.
Length:
43.5"
Upper Receiver:
Thick walled, extruded from 6066-T6 aluminum
Hard coat anodized per Mil Spec and Teflon coated black
No dust cover
Snag free design, smooth side look
No shell deflector
No forward assist
Right hand ejection
Raised Picatinny rail for easy scope mounting
Lower Receiver:
Milled from a solid billet of 6061-T6 aluminum
Hard coat anodized per Mil Spec and Teflon coated black
integral trigger guard
Aluminum magazine release button
Standard AR-15 trigger group
Stock:
Standard A2 Black Zytel Mil Spec w/trap door assembly
Handguards:
Standard length ribbed free float tube.

or

Description
Barrel:
18" Length
4140 Chrome-moly steel bull barrel
6 grooves, right-hand 1x10 twist,
button rifled
Chamber:
.308 Winchester
Method of Operation:
Gas operated rotating bolt
Bolt & Carrier:
8620 steel bolt carrier, heat treated
and plated per Mil Spec
Phosphated steel bolt, heat treated
and plated per Mil Spec
Sights:
None (mounting optics only)
Weight:
Empty - 9.65 lbs.
Length:
37.5"
Upper Receiver:
Thick walled, extruded from 6066-T6 aluminum
Hard coat anodized per Mil Spec and Teflon coated black
No dust cover
Snag free design, smooth side look
No shell deflector
No forward assist
Right hand ejection
Raised Picatinny rail for easy scope mounting
Lower Receiver:
Milled from a solid billet of 6061-T6 aluminum
Hard coat anodized per Mil Spec and Teflon coated black
integral trigger guard
Aluminum magazine release button
Standard AR-15 trigger group
Stock:
Standard A2 Black Zytel Mil Spec w/trap door assembly
Handguards:
Carbine length ribbed free float tube.

pitbullcrazyinky · 02-13-2008, 02:23 PM

my local outdoor range is only 350 yards "knobb creek" I want it for target pratice but might like to try it out hunting. I like the ideal of the lighter 18" barrel but not sure if i should just go ahead and get the 24" if you guys were to choose between "these 2" which one would you get and why?

p.s. I would add a bi-pod and some type of scope not sure which on.

Tomcat088 · 02-13-2008, 10:56 PM

Let me just ask you this question: What kind of distances do you "eventually" want to take this rifle out to? If you want to stay in close, even out to 350, I'd say that you loading up some good quality .223 with some of the heavier bullets will take you out to those distances. Maybe you just need a different upper for your .223 and to start reloading for it. There are people that take the .223 with some of the heavier bullets out to 680 yards. If you want to go with a .308, I would NOT go with an 18" barrel. This is really gonna limit the powders that you can use optimally for this barrel. To be honest, I think most of them still won't completely burn before the end of the barrel. The .308 is already not really a fast round, and when you're cutting it down to an 18" barrel and then on a gas cycled rifle (bleeding off even more), I would say don't even mess with it if you're gonna go with an 18" barrel. Even in a bolt rifle, alot of guys won't go less than a 20" barrel if you plan on taking it long distance. If you plan on taking a 20" barrel out to 800 yards in a bolt rifle, you need 20 moa bases under your rifle scope and the bullet is just falling and doesn't carry too much kinetic energy.

I'm not trying to burst any bubbles, but I'm just trying to be realistic with ya. If you want to stay 350 yards or around there, I think you'd be better off with a heavy barreled .223 upper made to shoot the heavier bullets, and get into reloading. This would save you money on shooting your other AR-15 (which I'm assuming you shoot already), and allow you to push your .223 out further. The .223 is cheaper to shoot than the .308, and especially if you're punching paper, even out to 500, you can get the job done with the .223. You might not like the weight of the longer barrel, but if seriously want to shoot the .308 a little ways, you're gonna need more length than an 18" barrel.

**chad_quixote** · 02-16-2008, 08:08 AM

don't get me wrong, i love the ar platform; however if my choice for the 7.62NATO/.308 platform would have to be the Springfield Loaded M1A

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=46

it is easier to maintain, easier to CLEAN, and is scope ready. this rifle is a tack driver out to 500yds.

to me, it seems a littlre more balanced over all. when youre humping this out in the field in s*** all heat and humidty, you can feel the difference. Plus, it's easier to clean.

Another aspect, it's range presence is much more significant than the ar-10 platform. when you slide the M1A out of it's sleeve, all eyes immediately snap to it's graceful lines and vicious poise.

This is the Rifle that Wins Wars.
The M14 has been in service longer than the M16, so that should say something..

but thats just my humle opinion.

**TMP** · 02-16-2008, 08:16 AM

I would love to have one of those Springfields!!!!!!!!!!

WOOT!!!!!!!!

vikz · 02-16-2008, 10:52 AM

well i have the 24" in 308 and i like it a lot, i shot it yesterday at a 100yds and got good results..here she is: i already replace the scope rings to a higher one..

Sharkbait · 02-16-2008, 07:19 PM

[quote=pitbullcrazyinky;914170]these are the 2 .308's I'm trying to choose between.

or

Apples and oranges.

One is designed for long range work and the other is a CQB/intermediate range rifle. I have my opinions on both but will reserve until you give us a clearer idea of what application you want the rifle for ie CQB/intermediate or deticated long range work. They are both fine platforms and you are on the right track, you just need to decide whether you want an apple or an orange.

panther308 · 02-17-2008, 07:31 AM

Buy a SA M1A and be done, JMHO

f4tweet · 02-19-2008, 12:35 AM

If the Marine Corps thought the M-14 was good enough to issue to me, then that's what I'll stick with.

GURR · 02-19-2008, 02:37 AM

Where can a guy get a SA M14 that you don't have to put a second mortgage on your house

02-13-2008, 02:19 PM	#1
pitbullcrazyinky XDTalk Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 78	Help me decide on a .308 these are the 2 .308's I'm trying to choose between. Description "I have fired virtually every gas operated precision rifle in production and the DPMS Panther 308 is the most accurate "out of the box" gas operated rifle I have ever tested, with accuracy on par with most bolt action precision rifles. The fit and finish of the panther 308 is also first rate. Accuracy, quality construction and reasonable price make the Panther 308 a "best buy" in my opinion." - Charlie Cutshaw, Writer Barrel: 24" Length 416 Stainless steel bull barrel 6 grooves, right-hand 1x10 twist, button rifled Chamber: .308 Winchester Method of Operation: Gas operated rotating bolt Bolt & Carrier: 8620 steel bolt carrier, heat treated and plated per Mil Spec Phosphated steel bolt, heat treated and plated per Mil Spec Sights: None (mounting optics only) Weight: Empty - 11.20 lbs. Length: 43.5" Upper Receiver: Thick walled, extruded from 6066-T6 aluminum Hard coat anodized per Mil Spec and Teflon coated black No dust cover Snag free design, smooth side look No shell deflector No forward assist Right hand ejection Raised Picatinny rail for easy scope mounting Lower Receiver: Milled from a solid billet of 6061-T6 aluminum Hard coat anodized per Mil Spec and Teflon coated black integral trigger guard Aluminum magazine release button Standard AR-15 trigger group Stock: Standard A2 Black Zytel Mil Spec w/trap door assembly Handguards: Standard length ribbed free float tube. or Description Barrel: 18" Length 4140 Chrome-moly steel bull barrel 6 grooves, right-hand 1x10 twist, button rifled Chamber: .308 Winchester Method of Operation: Gas operated rotating bolt Bolt & Carrier: 8620 steel bolt carrier, heat treated and plated per Mil Spec Phosphated steel bolt, heat treated and plated per Mil Spec Sights: None (mounting optics only) Weight: Empty - 9.65 lbs. Length: 37.5" Upper Receiver: Thick walled, extruded from 6066-T6 aluminum Hard coat anodized per Mil Spec and Teflon coated black No dust cover Snag free design, smooth side look No shell deflector No forward assist Right hand ejection Raised Picatinny rail for easy scope mounting Lower Receiver: Milled from a solid billet of 6061-T6 aluminum Hard coat anodized per Mil Spec and Teflon coated black integral trigger guard Aluminum magazine release button Standard AR-15 trigger group Stock: Standard A2 Black Zytel Mil Spec w/trap door assembly Handguards: Carbine length ribbed free float tube. Last edited by pitbullcrazyinky : 02-13-2008 at 02:22 PM.

02-16-2008, 08:08 AM	#4
chad_quixote XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 734	don't get me wrong, i love the ar platform; however if my choice for the 7.62NATO/.308 platform would have to be the Springfield Loaded M1A http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=46 it is easier to maintain, easier to CLEAN, and is scope ready. this rifle is a tack driver out to 500yds. to me, it seems a littlre more balanced over all. when youre humping this out in the field in s*** all heat and humidty, you can feel the difference. Plus, it's easier to clean. Another aspect, it's range presence is much more significant than the ar-10 platform. when you slide the M1A out of it's sleeve, all eyes immediately snap to it's graceful lines and vicious poise. This is the Rifle that Wins Wars. The M14 has been in service longer than the M16, so that should say something.. but thats just my humle opinion. Last edited by chad_quixote : 02-16-2008 at 08:10 AM.

02-16-2008, 08:16 AM	#5
TMP XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,001	I would love to have one of those Springfields!!!!!!!!!! WOOT!!!!!!!! __________________ ______________________ XD45 Tactical XD9 subcompact Wilson Border Patrol 870 Ruger 10/22 Beretta U22 Neos 6.0 INOX "Laws that forbid the carrying of arms. . . disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes. . . Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man." -- Jefferson`s "Commonplace Book," 1774-1776

02-16-2008, 07:19 PM	#7
Sharkbait XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 436	[quote=pitbullcrazyinky;914170]these are the 2 .308's I'm trying to choose between. or Apples and oranges. One is designed for long range work and the other is a CQB/intermediate range rifle. I have my opinions on both but will reserve until you give us a clearer idea of what application you want the rifle for ie CQB/intermediate or deticated long range work. They are both fine platforms and you are on the right track, you just need to decide whether you want an apple or an orange. __________________ Jim Broussard for President.

02-17-2008, 07:31 AM	#8
panther308 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 474	Buy a SA M1A and be done, JMHO __________________ panther308 Always Remember: A firearm is only an instrument. It contains no evil, no conscience, and no ability. It is strictly the intent, competence, and character of its user that decide the outcome of any and all actions taken with it.

02-13-2008, 02:23 PM	#2
pitbullcrazyinky XDTalk Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 78	my local outdoor range is only 350 yards "knobb creek" I want it for target pratice but might like to try it out hunting. I like the ideal of the lighter 18" barrel but not sure if i should just go ahead and get the 24" if you guys were to choose between "these 2" which one would you get and why? p.s. I would add a bi-pod and some type of scope not sure which on.

02-13-2008, 10:56 PM	#3
Tomcat088 XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lubbock, Tx Posts: 688	Let me just ask you this question: What kind of distances do you "eventually" want to take this rifle out to? If you want to stay in close, even out to 350, I'd say that you loading up some good quality .223 with some of the heavier bullets will take you out to those distances. Maybe you just need a different upper for your .223 and to start reloading for it. There are people that take the .223 with some of the heavier bullets out to 680 yards. If you want to go with a .308, I would NOT go with an 18" barrel. This is really gonna limit the powders that you can use optimally for this barrel. To be honest, I think most of them still won't completely burn before the end of the barrel. The .308 is already not really a fast round, and when you're cutting it down to an 18" barrel and then on a gas cycled rifle (bleeding off even more), I would say don't even mess with it if you're gonna go with an 18" barrel. Even in a bolt rifle, alot of guys won't go less than a 20" barrel if you plan on taking it long distance. If you plan on taking a 20" barrel out to 800 yards in a bolt rifle, you need 20 moa bases under your rifle scope and the bullet is just falling and doesn't carry too much kinetic energy. I'm not trying to burst any bubbles, but I'm just trying to be realistic with ya. If you want to stay 350 yards or around there, I think you'd be better off with a heavy barreled .223 upper made to shoot the heavier bullets, and get into reloading. This would save you money on shooting your other AR-15 (which I'm assuming you shoot already), and allow you to push your .223 out further. The .223 is cheaper to shoot than the .308, and especially if you're punching paper, even out to 500, you can get the job done with the .223. You might not like the weight of the longer barrel, but if seriously want to shoot the .308 a little ways, you're gonna need more length than an 18" barrel.

02-16-2008, 10:52 AM	#6
vikz XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 700	well i have the 24" in 308 and i like it a lot, i shot it yesterday at a 100yds and got good results..here she is: i already replace the scope rings to a higher one..

02-19-2008, 12:35 AM	#9
f4tweet XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Southern Kalifornia Posts: 145	Help me decide on a .308 If the Marine Corps thought the M-14 was good enough to issue to me, then that's what I'll stick with. __________________ We're surrounded, that simplifies our problem. Chesty Puller

02-19-2008, 02:37 AM	#10
GURR XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: MINNESOTA Posts: 162	Where can a guy get a SA M14 that you don't have to put a second mortgage on your house

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