WonderMonkey

That is true.

As I learn more about this topic in general I'm going to have to start paying attention to when to use what grain. Though I've been hunting for years I've just been purchasing the same round all the time. Nobody ever brought up the discussion. Now that I'm trying to make more informed purchases many things that are have been right in front of me I've never given more than a passing thought to. And that's why I like forums like this.

Do you feel the .338 is "too much" for whitetail?

Agreed! I use a .308 now and it certainly does the job. However if I am going to purchase an AR style hunting rifle I'd like to get one that is "the best" for me. Some say the .338 is overkill for whitetail, great for larger game. Others think it is fine.

Is the .338 somewhat equivalent to the 7mm? I'm trying to find a comparison on this to get my head wrapped around it. It is possible I'll draw an elk tag so if I can get a rifle that serves both purposes without doing harm to the other then I'd like to purchase the versatile rifle.

I hunt deer mostly, is there a significant gain in going with the .338? I know the .308 has plenty of punch, more than is really needed for most whitetail shots but if the .338 gives a great deal more range or ... something.... then I'd consider saving up a few more pennies and going with it.

The link was very interesting. The biggest thing I took away from it was that if the powder finished burning (or enough anyway) before leaving the barrel the round could actually slow down. Makes perfect sense but I had just never considered it.

Great read.

Thanks for the link, I'll read that for sure. I would think that 500 yards would do it. Right now I hunt in hilly country with some fields. Obviously I want the most versatile gun I can get without being too generic. The nice thing about the short barrel is carrying it through the brush... not as much snagging. Again thanks for the replies, and I'll read that link.

Great read! I hope you don't mind that I laughed at your misfortune.

How much accuracy do you feel you lose with the short barrel (18"?) Oracle versus the 24" barrel? Also, thanks for the replies.

I used the AR-15 body while in the military and basically like the look and feel of it. I'm looking for a new hunting rifle and thought I'd give a .308 in the AR body style a chance. I hope I can wade through all the options and get one within my budget.

I'm ex military and am fond of the AR body style. I know I could get a fine rifle and scope for cheaper than an AR body style but I want one. Simple as that. However I'd like to price out a good rifle for a fair price and then see if I can talk myself into it financially. I like the looks of the Remington R-25 as well as the one in the banner up there... (look up!). Obviously looks don't bring down game but if I can get what I want AND have it look nifty then why not? Edit: I didn't notice that the banners 'up there' rotated. There is an image of one in desert color... tan-ish. So.... a .308 in the AR body style, can I get one to my door for $1000? If I have to replace a part or two over a few years I'm willing to do that but I have to start with something that is "good enough". I'll pick out a scope after get the rifle unless there is a package deal that I can't pass up. Any suggestions?

I'm going to have to make another username, aren't I?

Oh I'm not worth it, that's for certain. Chances are I'll cause my trouble than I'm worth and in a few days I'll be kicked out. All for posting pictures of me posting in my Scooby-Doo Under-roos.