Is it common for hunters to use .308 for both deer and feral hogs?

Choosing the Right Cartridge

The .308 Winchester is a versatile cartridge suitable for hunting a variety of game, including whitetail deer and feral hogs. Its effective range is typically between 200-400 yards, which is ample for most hunting situations. When hunting feral hogs, the .308’s flat trajectory and moderate recoil make it an excellent choice, allowing hunters to quickly and accurately place shots.

Ballistic Performance

The .308 Winchester has a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,650 feet per second (fps) with a 150-grain bullet, which results in a moderate drop of around 10 inches at 300 yards. This is relatively flat compared to other cartridges of similar caliber, making it an excellent choice for hunting in open terrain. In comparison, the 6.5 Creedmoor has a slightly flatter trajectory but with a slower muzzle velocity.

Real-World Hunting Applications

In real-world hunting applications, the .308 Winchester has proven itself to be a reliable and effective cartridge for taking down both deer and feral hogs. Many experienced hunters swear by the .308 due to its simplicity, affordability, and versatility. For example, a .308 rifle with a 3-9x40mm scope can effectively take down a deer at ranges of up to 400 yards.