308 semi-auto rifles...some things I've learned

[Johnie]

After shooting .308 semi-autos for years, I've noticed a few important things, the ammo you pick really changes how well the gun works, controlling the recoil is super important for quick follow-up shots and your scope setup can either make or break your accuracy, what has worked well for you folks?

 

[Jesse]

Heavier match ammo, a solid shoulder and a scope mounted lower always made my .308 perform great

 

[HD-Ghost]

Every gun is different, thus you have to find the load that works best. I have a heavy barreled M700 in .308 that did not like my 168 HPBTs. I changed over to 180 gr and the group reduced 2/3s. With a heavier bullet, the chamber pressures increase. Thus in a semi-auto, the gas system may need to be opened up. Barrel lengths also affect what a firearm likes to digest.

 

[Silvertip1]

I don't have any experience with .308 semi-autos on a AR Platform, but I do have much experience on the Springfield M-14/M1A rifles. The M14/M1A's shoot well with designated military 7.62 NATO rounds, and with factory .308 Win rounds topped with 147-168gr bullets (with the exception homogeneous metal bullets) . IF you reload for a M-14/M1A you are going to have to pay attention to a myriad of factors, otherwise you will run into significant problems with functioning and/or damage to the firearm.