please school me about .308

**ndmiller** · 07-04-22, 09:45

I recently inherited a number of firearms, including an AR my father and I built together. I've been shooting the heck out of it as a response and he'd be thrilled as age had reduced his ability to shoot it well or frequently.

I also received many many cases of 7.62X39 he had stockpiled, so bought a Ruger american bolt gun in that caliber, shooting it frequently and enjoying the simplicity.

Your Sako .308 inheritance can be a great way to remember where it came from and Sako's brand history and lineage alone is fascinating.

**JiminAZ** · 07-04-22, 20:13

Sako makes nothing but good accurate rifles. Whether a hunting bolt or a TRG-22 you have a great gun.

If you share what model you are inheriting, we may be able to give you additional insights.

I have a 7MM rem mag LR61 bolt gun from the 1960's that is both beautiful and accurate.

And the TRG-22 in 308, which is in a class by itself.

**SteyrAUG** · 07-05-22, 00:28

Originally Posted by markm

I'm mostly talking about XM-180. I haven't shot other ball ammos in years. The bi-metal bullets freak me out because most of our guns are more target oriented instead of battle/combat guns.

OK, get me up to speed. How is "bi metal" any different from things like "steel core", especially since we can't have "steel core" .308 anymore because some asshat manufactured a .308 handgun making it "armor piercing" ammo.

**kerplode** · 07-05-22, 03:45

Originally Posted by SteyrAUG

OK, get me up to speed. How is "bi metal" any different from things like "steel core", especially since we can't have "steel core" .308 anymore because some asshat manufactured a .308 handgun making it "armor piercing" ammo.

There is some concern that the soft, mild steel used in the jacket can accelerate bore wear. Personally, I don’t worry about it too much. Of course, I don’t have anything in 308 that would be considered a precision rifle with a good barrel…Most of my 308s are battle rifles and are, like, 3MOA on a good day, so they’re a good fit for shitty M80-spec ball.

**223to45** · 07-06-22, 13:08

Originally Posted by SteyrAUG

OK, get me up to speed. How is "bi metal" any different from things like "steel core", especially since we can't have "steel core" .308 anymore because some asshat manufactured a .308 handgun making it "armor piercing" ammo.

Bi metal is 2 jackets, soft metal jacket covered by a very thin copper jacket.

Steel core has a hardened steel rod in the lead ,

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**markm** · 07-06-22, 13:16

Originally Posted by kerplode

There is some concern that the soft, mild steel used in the jacket can accelerate bore wear. Personally, I don’t worry about it too much. Of course, I don’t have anything in 308 that would be considered a precision rifle with a good barrel…Most of my 308s are battle rifles and are, like, 3MOA on a good day, so they’re a good fit for shitty M80-spec ball.

Was it that RUAG 5.56 ammo that was wearing out Swedish barrels years back? They dumped a bunch of the ammo on the US commercial market. I just tend to steer away from any bullet that a magnet will grab.

**kerplode** · 07-06-22, 14:08

Originally Posted by markm

Was it that RUAG 5.56 ammo that was wearing out Swedish barrels years back? They dumped a bunch of the ammo on the US commercial market. I just tend to steer away from any bullet that a magnet will grab.

Yeah, I think I remember that. Bi-metal and possibly the jackets were on the thick side, IIRC. It was beautiful ammo otherwise, though.

So I do think it's a legit concern. The copper wash over the steel is super thin so there is likely contact between the steel jacket and the lands. And the steel is soft, but still...

You and PB have nice things, so steering clear of magnetic bullets is a good plan.

If I had a nice, accurate, 308 bolt gun I'd likely not shoot mil ball through it unless I really needed to. Barrel wear not withstanding, it's usually fairly inaccurate stuff anyway.

But for a FAL that's good for 3-4MOA on a good day, sure...Blast that shit.

**markm** · 07-06-22, 15:00

Originally Posted by kerplode

If I had a nice, accurate, 308 bolt gun I'd likely not shoot mil ball through it unless I really needed to. Barrel wear not withstanding, it's usually fairly inaccurate stuff anyway.

But for a FAL that's good for 3-4MOA on a good day, sure...Blast that shit.

Pappabear is nuts. He'll shoot anything through is nice barrels. I don't even like shooting ball ammo in my chrome lined ARs.