Why Is 308 Called That?

This article may contain affiliate links. For details, visit our Affiliate Disclosure page.

“Introduction

The term “308” is often used in the firearms community to refer to a particular type of rifle. This rifle is one of the most popular in the world, and is known for its accuracy, reliability, and versatility. But why is it called 308? What is the origin of this name? In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of the 308 rifle and how it got its name.

Why Is 308 Called That?

The History of the 308

The 308 rifle is a type of rifle that is based on the classic 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, which was developed in the 1950s. The cartridge was designed to replace the .30-06 Springfield cartridge, which had been used in the military since the early 1900s. The 308 rifle was developed to take advantage of the new cartridge and its superior accuracy and power.

The 308 rifle is a popular choice for hunters, target shooters, and law enforcement personnel. It is known for its accuracy and reliability, which makes it a great choice for all types of shooting. The 308 is also popular among competitive shooters, as it is capable of delivering consistent and accurate shots at long ranges.

The Origin of the Name

There are a few theories as to why the 308 rifle is called the 308. The most popular theory is that the name comes from the fact that the rifle is chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, which is also referred to as the “308 Winchester”. The “308” refers to the diameter of the cartridge, which is .308 inches.

Another theory is that the name comes from the fact that the rifle was developed in the 1950s, which was the 308th year of the Gregorian calendar. This theory is less likely, however, as there is no evidence to support it.

The Third Theory

The third theory as to why the 308 is called the 308 is that the name comes from the fact that the rifle was designed to replace the .30-06 Springfield cartridge, which was used in the military since the early 1900s. The “308” refers to the diameter of the cartridge, which is .308 inches. This theory is more likely, as the .30-06 Springfield cartridge is still referred to as the “308 Winchester” today.

The 308 Rifle Today

Today, the 308 rifle is one of the most popular rifles in the world. It is used by hunters, target shooters, law enforcement personnel, and competitive shooters. The rifle is known for its accuracy, reliability, and versatility, which makes it a great choice for all types of shooting.

Conclusion

The 308 rifle is one of the most popular rifles in the world and is known for its accuracy, reliability, and versatility. The origin of the name “308” is still unclear, but the most popular theory is that it comes from the fact that the rifle is chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, which is also referred to as the “308 Winchester”. Another theory is that the name comes from the fact that the rifle was developed in the 1950s, which was the 308th year of the Gregorian calendar. The third theory is that the name comes from the fact that the rifle was designed to replace the .30-06 Springfield cartridge, which was used in the military since the early 1900s. No matter the origin, the 308 rifle is still one of the most popular rifles in the world today.”

Why Is 308 Called That?
Scroll to top