"Up to .308" meaning

**3176312** · 05-11-16, 07:32

Sorry for the newbie question, but I can't seem to find an answer. I see many ranges say that they will allow rifle up to ".308 Carbine", but no list of what calibers are allowed. I know this is an easy question, but if the range says "up to .308", what list of calibers are allowed? I'm assuming 5.56x45 would be allowed, but what are the others?

Thanks in advanced.

**HeruMew** · 05-11-16, 07:37

.17 Hornet
.223 Remington
5.56x45 NATO
.30 Carbine
.300 AAC Blackout (7.62×35mm)
.308 Winchester

List progresses from smaller to larger.

Courtesy of Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_rifle_cartridges YMMV.

This list, on the Wiki, also did not include 5.56, etc, so it's incomplete. But to give you an idea, the range allows all calibers, as long as it is not larger than .308.

ETA: It also appears the wording is "Carbines" so, maybe you could use bolt actions larger than .308, but for an actual carbine based weapon, like an Armalite Rifle, they want .308 (AR10) or under (like a standard 5.56 AR15).

Oh, and welcome to M4C.

**3176312** · 05-11-16, 07:59

Ah, thank you very much!!!

I found a few pictures ranging from smallest caliber to largest, but nothing that included .308 and 5.56. Thanks for posting and confirming the 5.56 allowance.

**HeruMew** · 05-11-16, 08:06

Originally Posted by 3176312

Ah, thank you very much!!!

I found a few pictures ranging from smallest caliber to largest, but nothing that included .308 and 5.56. Thanks for posting and confirming the 5.56 allowance.

Hope this helps.

ETA: This one is nice too:

**Ryno12** · 05-11-16, 08:18

I assume they mean, "ballistically up to 308" in which case that list would be incorrect. I could be wrong though.
For example... 300 Weatherby, which is a belted magnum round, is listed before 308 Win.

**Failure2Stop** · 05-11-16, 08:22

Originally Posted by 3176312

Sorry for the newbie question, but I can't seem to find an answer. I see many ranges say that they will allow rifle up to ".308 Carbine", but no list of what calibers are allowed. I know this is an easy question, but if the range says "up to .308", what list of calibers are allowed? I'm assuming 5.56x45 would be allowed, but what are the others?

Thanks in advanced.

It's a ridiculous restriction, as it effectively means nothing.
Their restriction really should be based on performance, such as penetration/max distance/energy/etc.

Most 5.56 will pit steel worse than most .308, and a 45-70 rifle will be crushed by .308 in most pertinent aspects.

A more knowledgeable staff and customer base would necessitate a revision of those prohibitions.

**HeruMew** · 05-11-16, 08:26

Originally Posted by Ryno12

I assume they mean, "ballistically up to 308" in which case that list would be incorrect. I could be wrong though.
For example... 300 Weatherby, which is a belted magnum round, is listed before 308 Win.

That list wasn't 100% accurate, as mentioned. It seems their range has specific carbine caliber listings.

The list was meant to be an example of different rounds "allowed" it appears I have caused some confusion.

I will edit that out considering it was directed towards "carbines" anyways.

ETA: Thanks for pointing out the Ballistics portion of that. As it was quite flawed in that motion.

**HeruMew** · 05-11-16, 08:28

Originally Posted by Failure2Stop

It's a ridiculous restriction, as it effectively means nothing.
Their restriction really should be based on performance, such as penetration/max distance/energy/etc.

Most 5.56 will pit steel worse than most .308, and a 45-70 rifle will be crushed by .308 in most pertinent aspects.

A more knowledgeable staff and customer base would necessitate a revision of those prohibitions.

I was under that impression as well, but I have seen some ranges have even more restrictive rules before. So, who really knows why they do it. Haha.

**markm** · 05-11-16, 16:55

A restriction written by someone who knows really nothing about actual cartridge performance. There are several rounds "under" .308 that do more backstop/armor damage than .308. (I'm assuming that's the concern)

**CleverNickname** · 05-11-16, 19:37

Originally Posted by markm

A restriction written by someone who knows really nothing about actual cartridge performance. There are several rounds "under" .308 that do more backstop/armor damage than .308. (I'm assuming that's the concern)

You think that's ridiculous? I can top that easy. There's an indoor range in town that bans shooting magnum cartridges. What's a magnum cartridge? One that literally has "Magnum" in the name. .327 Federal Magnum, no. .50 AE, go right ahead.