Remington 788 in .308 winchester

[tyson22250]

As title says, I a have a chance to make a gun swap plus some cash.I have a parker hale 22-250 that a person wants to swap me for a remington 788 in 308 winchester with the 22" barrel. Never really looked much at this cal, as i liked flatter, faster cartridges. I have a few 700's already in 22-250's so im not worried about looseing the gun or cal. All of my reloading manauls after studying the 308 indicate that the 308 is not that far behind in speed from the old reliable 30-06. What are your thoughts of a remington 788 in 308? And is it possible to achieve CLOSE to 30-06 velocitys with safe to moderate pressures, and decent accuaracy? probably be using a 150gr or 165gr bullet.

 

[Elkman]

The .308 has been the go to caliber rifle for military and police snipers for the past 40 years. It is a tremendously popular cartridge. It isn't an 06 and won't ever be but its not far behind it and is a great meduim game cartridge and will work for elk at decent ranges with good shots. I think best accuracy is achieved with 168 gr. Match bullets. The 165 gr bullet is probably the best for hunting deer and similar sized game, but the 180 gr. would be more desireable for elk, moose. The 788 is a good quality rifle with a good trigger and "should" produce hunting accuracy or better with the right handloads, and a good quality scope. I don't know what the value of a Parker Hale 22-250 is but a nice 788 runs about $350-$450. I would look it over real close and check to make sure everything works. Thats my .02 I am sure that several people here have one or more.

 

[DrMike]

Take the deal and run. You'll enjoy the 308. It can be a very accurate cartridge. The 788 ain't bad. A hunter could do a whole lot worse than having a 308.

 

[FOTIS]

Jump on it or give me his tel#.....

 

[BK]

Well, first off, a 788 ain't a 700. Totally separate rifles. The 788 was a lower cost rifle, poorer finish, hardwood stock, a horrible detachable magazine that sticks out the bottom of the stock, has a different trigger than a 700 that a lot of 'smiths won't touch and as far as I can tell, only Canjar makes/has made replacements. The 788 has 6 or 9 (I can't remember which) locking lugs at the REAR of the bolt, not the twin lugs at the front, so theoretically, the receiver has the potential to flex more upon firing. And she'll be a heavy beast, also.

However, they are usually fantastically accurate. My 788 in 6mm will, with the first load I tried, throw 70gr. Ballistic Tips into ~1/2" groups. No load tuning, tweaking seating depth/powder charge/primer type. With a crappy Bushnell scope and a horrible 10+ lb. trigger. And no, I'm not getting rid of it. It was my grandfather's rifle, and that means an awful lot to me.

Maybe I'll start a lite version of Guy's thread about reviving Gramp's rifle... although all I really need to do is find a Canjar, put on a better scope, and maybe some swivel studs.

 

[JD338]

The 788 is not a fancy rifle, it is a hunting rifle. Any usually they are very accurate hunting rifles!
The 308 Win is an accurate round, loaded with 165 gr bullets, it is a work horse running about 100 fps behind the 30-06.
I can't really help you on the values.

JD338

 

[FOTIS]

With the fastest lock time ever............

 

[JD338]

With the fastest lock time ever............

Yup, I forgot to mention that.

JD338

 

[PJGunner]

The 788 doesn't take to really hot loads very well. get one that locks up the action and there is a good chance you will bust off the bolt handle. I worked with a gunsmith for a little over three years before he passed away and in those three years, I lost count on how many 788's ame in to have the bolt handles put back on. I'd hate to be hunting with tht rifle and have a load stick when I needed a fast second shot on deer, or any animal,especially if it was one that might want to gnaw on my bones.
The .308 is an excellent cartridge though and is one I like very much.
Paul B.

 

[SJB358]

The 308 is the step child of my safe. I like the round alot and it really does alot of things well, but it sits the bench unless the wife is hunting. It is easily one of the easiest rounds to load for, burns very little powder and has little recoil. Plus, it will push 150's into the 2900 range and 165's in the upper 2700 range. It is a good cartridge and if you like the rifle, you will probably do very well on your trade. Looks like Pop would take it off your hands if you didn't like it! Scotty

 

[rick smith]

Think Timney has triggers for them. I have loaded for a number of them in various calibers and they were all good shooters. I have one of the short barreled versions in 7/08, bedded it in a Ramline stock, replaced the trigger and it shoots just about any load less than an inch. Get a bore scope to look at the rifling, any rifle in a military chambering may have had too many cheap surplus rounds down the tube.Rick.

 

[BK]

Thanks, Rick! I think I see what one of my first post-Christmas purchases will be!

 

[FOTIS]

There you go!

 

[elkeater2]

If a guy wants to, you can doll them up pretty well. I need to post a finished article pic, but the rifle is at my daughter's. We'll take a pic over Christmas. I think I mentioned this one to Scotty before: Standard length barrel, refinished and stained the stock, then completely checkered it with the forend pattern going clear 'round. Added a recoil pad, and duracoated the barrel and action in a matte black with only a hint of blue in it. There are tweaks that can be done to the factory trigger, but you or the smith better know what they are doing. The poundage can be down to about 3, and smoother with a cleaner break.

 

[cloverleaf]

As BK said the 788 was the real "sleeper" in the remmington line. When I was a kid we bemoaned the fact that my practical uncle bought the 788 rather than a 700ADL. That 243 still drives tacks with good ole "green box" off the shelf. I dont know anything about busted bolt handles or locking up. Im sure its possible, no experience with that. I know there is a cult following for the 788 and prices have gone through the roof. If you can get one for a good price I would do it. but thats cause I've seen my uncle's (and a couple others shoot).
Elkeater, that is a pretty rifle, period. CL

 

[SJB358]

Elkeater, that is some very sharp checkering! I like that alot. Looks like a REALLY nice rifle. Scotty

 

[BK]

I can't believe I am going to say this, but that's gonna be a fine looking 788.