The .303 British and .308 Winchester cartridges are very similar in many respects.
Both are rimmed, bottlenecked rifle cartridges that were developed in the late 19th century.The .303 British was developed in 1887 for the Lee-Metford rifle, while the .308 Winchester was developed in 1952 for the Winchester Model 70.Both cartridges are popular for hunting and target shooting.
The .303 British has a slightly larger case than the .308 Winchester, and it is also a bit more powerful.The .303 British is typically loaded with a 150 grain bullet, while the .308 Winchester is typically loaded with a 168 grain bullet.The .303 British has a muzzle velocity of about 2,700 feet per second, while the .308 Winchester has a muzzle velocity of about 2,800 feet per second.
The .303 British is a bit more accurate than the .308 Winchester, due to its slightly higher muzzle velocity.However, the difference in accuracy is not significant, and both cartridges are more than accurate enough for most hunting and target shooting applications.
Difference Between .303 British and .308 Winchester vs
Cartridge Design
They are both rimmed, bottlenecked centerfire cartridges used primarily for hunting and target shooting.The .303 British was developed in 1888 and is used widely in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.It is a rimmed, bottlenecked cartridge with a rim diameter of .473 inches and a case length of 2.14 inches.
It is loaded with a .311-inch diameter bullet and is available in a variety of bullet weights and types.The .308 Winchester was introduced in 1952 and is one of the most popular cartridges in the United States.It is a rimmed, bottlenecked cartridge with a rim diameter of .473 inches and a case length of 2.015 inches.
It is loaded with a .308-inch diameter bullet and is available in a variety of bullet weights and types.Both the .303 British and .308 Winchester cartridges have a variety of uses.They are both suitable for hunting and target shooting, although the .308 Winchester is more popular for target shooting due to its higher velocity and flat trajectory.
They are also both suitable for military use, although the .303 British is more popular in the Commonwealth countries due to its long history of use in the British military.
Ballistics
Both cartridges have been used for many years, and have earned a reputation for accuracy and dependability.When it comes to ballistics, the .303 British and .308 Winchester are very similar.Both cartridges have a similar bullet diameter of .308 inches, and both have a similar bullet weight of 150 grains.
The .303 British has a slightly higher muzzle velocity of 2,440 feet per second, while the .308 Winchester has a muzzle velocity of 2,400 feet per second.The .303 British has a slightly flatter trajectory than the .308 Winchester, making it slightly more accurate at long range.The .308 Winchester has a slightly higher energy level, making it slightly better for hunting larger game.
Both cartridges are suitable for hunting and target shooting, and both have a reputation for accuracy and dependability.Ultimately, the choice between the two cartridges will come down to personal preference.
Ammunition Types
.303 British
The .303 British is a rimmed, bottlenecked rifle cartridge developed in Britain in 1888 for use in the Lee-Metford and Lee-Enfield rifles.It is one of the most popular and widely used military cartridges in the world, having been used by the British Empire and Commonwealth for over 60 years.It is also commonly used for hunting and target shooting.
The .303 British is a powerful and accurate round that is capable of taking down large game such as deer, elk, and moose.
.308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester is a rimless, bottlenecked rifle cartridge developed in the United States in 1952.
It is based on the .308/7.62mm NATO round and is commonly used for hunting and target shooting.The .308 Winchester is a versatile round that is capable of taking down medium-sized game such as deer and pronghorn.It is also used by law enforcement and military forces around the world.
The .308 Winchester is a powerful and accurate round that is capable of shooting accurately at long ranges.
Maintenance and Care
1. Cleaning: Both the .303 British and the .308 Winchester require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure reliable and accurate performance.
Cleaning should be done after every use, or at least every few uses.Cleaning supplies should include a cleaning rod, patches, bore cleaner, lubricating oil, and gun grease.
2. Storage: When not in use, rifles should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.It is also important to store ammunition separately from the rifle.
3. Lubrication: It is important to lubricate the rifle before and after every use.
Lubrication should be done with a light gun oil, such as Rem Oil or Break Free CLP.
4.Inspections: Regular inspections should be conducted to ensure that the rifle is in good working order.Inspections should include checking for any signs of wear or damage, as well as ensuring that all parts are functioning properly.
Shooting Tips
1. Use a quality scope: A quality scope is essential for shooting accurately with .303 British and .308 Winchester rifles.Look for scopes with adjustable parallax, adjustable turrets, and a wide field of view.
2. Choose the right ammunition: The .303 British and .308 Winchester both require different types of ammunition.The .303 British is best used with lighter-weight, full-metal jacket bullets, while the .308 Winchester prefers heavier, full-metal jacket bullets.
3. Clean your rifle regularly: Cleaning your rifle is essential for accuracy and reliability.Make sure to clean and lubricate your rifle after every shooting session.
4. Sight in your rifle before shooting: Sighting in your rifle is necessary for accurate shooting.Make sure to adjust the sights and scope before shooting to ensure the best accuracy.
5. Practice: Practice makes perfect.Spend time at the range to become familiar with your rifle and the ammunition you are using.This will help you become a more accurate shooter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major differences between the .303 British and the .308 Winchester?
The major differences between the .303 British and the .308 Winchester are: -The .303 British is a rimmed cartridge with a bullet diameter of .311 inches, while the .308 Winchester is a rimless cartridge with a bullet diameter of .308 inches.-The .303 British has a case length of 2.2 inches, while the .308 Winchester has a case length of 2.015 inches.
-The .303 British has a muzzle velocity of 2,440 feet per second, while the .308 Winchester has a muzzle velocity of 2,800 feet per second.-The .303 British has a maximum effective range of 600 yards, while the .308 Winchester has a maximum effective range of 800 yards.-The .303 British has a maximum pressure of 50,000 psi, while the .308 Winchester has a maximum pressure of 62,000 psi.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the .303 British and the .308 Winchester for hunting?
Advantages of .303 British:
1. It has a long history of use in hunting, and is a well-known and reliable cartridge.
2. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to find.
3. It is a powerful cartridge with a good range and accuracy.
4. It is suitable for hunting medium-sized game, such as deer and wild boar.
Disadvantages of .303 British:
1. It is not suitable for hunting large game, such as elk and moose.
2. It is not as accurate as some other cartridges, such as the .308 Winchester.
3. It is not as powerful as some other cartridges, such as the .308 Winchester.
Advantages of .308 Winchester:
1. It is a powerful cartridge with a good range and accuracy.
2. It is suitable for hunting large game, such as elk and moose.
3. It is more accurate than the .303 British.
4. It is more powerful than the .303 British.
Disadvantages of .308 Winchester:
1. It is more expensive than the .303 British.
2. It is not as widely available as the .303 British.
3. It is not suitable for hunting small game, such as rabbits and squirrels.
How does the accuracy of the .303 British and the .308 Winchester compare?
The .303 British is a rimmed, bottlenecked cartridge that was developed in 1888 and is still used today.It is known for its accuracy and reliability, and is capable of producing groups of 1-2 MOA (minute of angle) at 100 yards.
The .308 Winchester is a rimless, bottlenecked cartridge that was developed in 1952 and is also still used today.It is known for its accuracy and reliability, and is capable of producing groups of 1/2 MOA at 100 yards.Overall, the .308 Winchester is generally considered to be more accurate than the .303 British, but the difference is not huge.
Final Word for .303 British and .308 Winchester
Though they are similar in many ways, they also have some important differences.The .303 British is a bit more powerful than the .308 Winchester, and it is also better suited for long-range shooting.The .308 Winchester, on the other hand, is a bit more versatile and can be used for both hunting and target shooting.
Whichever cartridge you choose, you are sure to have a great time at the range.
