Is the .308 Win Still a Popular Caliber for Bolt Action Rifles in Canada?

In the world of firearms, new cartridges are constantly introduced, promising flatter trajectories, better ballistics, and superior performance. The .308 Winchester, however, stands as a testament to the fact that some designs are so fundamentally sound they never go out of style. Despite the rise of calibers like the 6.5 Creedmoor, the .308 Winchester remains one of the most popular and relevant cartridges for bolt-action rifles in Canada, and for very good reasons.

The Enduring Advantages of the .308 Winchester

The .308’s continued popularity is not based on nostalgia but on its exceptional practicality and proven performance. It occupies a unique sweet spot that makes it an ideal choice for a vast range of shooting disciplines.

Exceptional Versatility: The .308 Winchester is a true all-purpose cartridge. It is highly effective for hunting medium-to-large game, from whitetail deer to moose and black bear. Its performance is also more than adequate for target shooting, with a long history of success in military and civilian competitions at ranges out to 800-1000 yards. This versatility means a shooter can own a single rifle that can do it all.
Abundant and Affordable Ammunition: As a NATO standard (7.62x51mm NATO), the .308 Winchester has been in widespread production for decades. This means ammunition is globally available and often more affordable than newer, more specialized cartridges. Being able to find a wide variety of ammunition, from inexpensive plinking rounds to high-end hunting and match loads, makes it a very practical choice for regular practice and different uses.
Excellent Barrel Life: The .308 Winchester operates at moderate pressures and velocities, which is far less aggressive on a rifle’s barrel. It’s not uncommon for a well-cared-for .308 barrel to last for 5,000-10,000 rounds or more, which is significantly longer than the typical lifespan of a high-pressure caliber like the 6.5 Creedmoor. For shooters who plan to put a high volume of rounds downrange, this is a major long-term cost benefit.

How It Compares in the Modern Era

While the 6.5 Creedmoor offers better ballistics for long-range shooting with less recoil and wind drift, it doesn’t make the .308 obsolete. The two calibers excel in different areas, and the choice between them often comes down to personal priorities.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is a superb long-range target cartridge, but the .308 Winchester is often considered a more potent and reliable hunting cartridge for larger game.
The .308 Winchester is a fantastic learning platform for new shooters. Its more pronounced bullet drop and wind sensitivity at longer ranges teach valuable skills in reading conditions—skills that transfer directly to more advanced shooting.

Conclusion: A Caliber That Will Never Fade

The .308 Winchester is far from a relic of the past. Its proven track record, combined with its unparalleled versatility, affordability, and barrel life, ensures that it remains a relevant and popular choice for bolt-action rifles for hunters and sport shooters alike in Canada. It may not be the flattest shooting or most low-recoiling caliber, but it is a reliable, hard-hitting, and highly practical workhorse that will continue to be a staple of the shooting community for generations to come.

Ready to explore the enduring legacy of the .308 Winchester? Visit us at Rangeview Sports in Newmarket, Ontario. Our knowledgeable team can help you find a rifle and ammunition that are perfect for your needs.