.308 Win vs .223 Rem: An In-Depth Comparison Between These Two
We are going to discuss two different hunting cartridges in this article. When we focus on the features of the two, .308 vs.223, it’s critical to notice that assuming one cartridge is better than the other can only be achieved through their hunting prowess.
That’s our main concern throughout this article. We first begin with a history of the two then proceed to the different dimensions and field application of them.
If we take such an approach, it is easier to tease apart what part either the shooting or hunting these two are best for.
308 vs .223 — A Brief History:
.308 Winchester
It was first introduced in 1952 by Winchester although the predecessor of the cartridge is the 7.62×51 NATO’s civilian version round, which had brief usage in Vietnam prior to getting replaced.
It possesses a larger bullet that has excellent stopping power and range. It is a good medium to an enormous game rifle which is fit for any enormous game animal globally.
.223 Remington
The .223 Remington was first introduced in 1963 to the public. The bullet with a diameter of .224” was initially designed as flat shooting and high-velocity cartridge that has the capability of varmint-taking to a game that is deer sized.
There is plenty of available ammunition options for .308 Win inclusive of different weights and bullet designs. The commonest bullet weights that are available will fall within the range of 55-40 grains though there are heavier and lighter options available.
Recoil
It is an essential cartridge comparison aspect after you’re down to many choices of the cartridge pondering upon lighter recoil will or will not be a considerate topic. It is pretty easy handling a rifle when you can manage the recoil. For younger hunters or new users, the recoil is very important.
Here, what is being measured is the recoil’s actual force that is generated as you fire the cartridges although this isn’t felt recoil technically. Felt recoil involves many other variables that a specific number cannot be tagged on them.
It is still good to be aware of the recoil’s force. This will equip you with a good idea about how you will feel after the kick because more recoil is more kick. As you shoot consecutively, you’ll feel the difference. Let’s now look at the 8 rounds to top it up all.
Ballistics
There are many ballistic categories in order to differentiate these 2 cartridges. Ballistics will not confirm which are the best cartridges in shooting and hunting situations. Let’s have a preview of the trajectory, coefficients, and velocity for the 223 versus the 308 comparisons as we use the data to conclude.
Additionally, it’s essential to say that these categories which are different here and outside here interweave in conjunction instead of standing alone. To get a better overlook, let’s look at each of them individually.
Velocity
It is an essential factor of ballistic when you are shooting or hunting at ranges. The quicker at which the bullet is traveling, the lesser it impacts by gravity and wind. The lesser the influences by these outsiders on a bullet, the more accurate and the truer the flight path is.
Velocity has a finer line as well as stable bullet and your barrel’s twist rate and the round type that you’re using is totally involved in the stability.
Any hot round will be bad as you commence to get odd rotations or flip in the flight of the bullet. Velocity plays a role in the proper expansion of a bullet at impact which is important in hunting rounds.
Trajectory
When you understand the cartridge’s trajectory that you need to use, it will be very simple to stay accurate and line up shots via various ranges.
Bullets only travel via a flight path which is arching, thus it is compulsory to adjust your very own shot placement’s elevation correctly.
Wind could be an increased-distance factor but the 2 cartridges are not used at ranges where the wind will alter any shot unless and otherwise, you’re in winds that are gale-force.
Prior to looking at the long and short range trajectory, let’s look at the 2 cartridges trajectory’s broader picture which permits you to differentiate their flatness easier. If the trajectory is flatter, then adjusting your shot placement will be way easier.
Penetration
A bullet’s penetration is equally an essential stopping power component. There is going to be hunting situations whereas deep penetration is going to be needed, more so for the bigger game. Sometimes deeper penetration won’t be that important.
Sectional density is calculated by the bullet’s diameter and weight. Heavier bullets that have smaller diameters will provide you a sectional density that is higher which consequently means more penetration.
Imagine it in this way, heavier bullets that have smaller diameters that will mean exerting pressure in greater amounts on a much smaller area that will push the bullet way further.
Cost (and Availability)
In the subject of pricing, both of them are affordable especially in comparison to other hunting cartridges that are popular, the .223 is slightly cheaper.
Nonetheless, your cartridge choice has to be other factors based rather than just cheaper prices.
Ammunition Cost
Both the .223 Remington and .308 Winchester are hunting rounds that are popular and readily available in any retail shop that deals with the selling of ammunition. Since the .223’s 5.56 platform is popular, its availability is ready.
The two cartridges come in various designs which permit your ammunition to match and become very effective!
Conclusion – .223 Remington vs .308 Winchester
It is very good example after noticing that both perform and function in a different way and still get invaluable in situations which are right. It won’t make sense in labeling one is better than its competitor, does it to you?
For certain shooting or game competitions, it is understandable that one is better in comparison to the other. Again, it is my hope that the comparison of the cartridge is crystal clear.
Now you know!
