The choice between a .277 Fury and a .308 Winchester often arises for hunters and shooters seeking a powerful and versatile cartridge. Both offer excellent accuracy and stopping power, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This in-depth comparison explores the key differences to help you decide which cartridge best suits your requirements.
Ballistics and Performance: Unpacking the Key Differences
The most significant difference between the .277 Fury and the .308 Winchester lies in their ballistics. The .277 Fury, a relatively newer cartridge, is designed for high velocity and flat trajectory. The .308 Winchester, a long-established standard, prioritizes a balance of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil.
Velocity and Energy
| Cartridge | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| .277 Fury | ~3000+ | ~2800+ |
| .308 Winchester | ~2700 | ~2500 |
Note: These figures are approximate and can vary based on specific ammunition and barrel length.
As the table shows, the .277 Fury boasts a significantly higher muzzle velocity and energy. This translates to a flatter trajectory, meaning less bullet drop at longer ranges. This advantage is crucial for long-range shooting where precise bullet placement is essential.
Recoil
The increased velocity of the .277 Fury also means a sharper recoil. While manageable for experienced shooters, the recoil might be more challenging for beginners or those sensitive to recoil. The .308 Winchester, with its lower velocity, produces noticeably less recoil, making it a more comfortable option for extended shooting sessions.
Range and Accuracy
Both cartridges are capable of impressive accuracy, but the .277 Fury’s higher velocity gives it a considerable edge in long-range applications. Its flatter trajectory allows for precise shots at distances beyond the effective range of a typical .308 Winchester load. However, the .308’s proven accuracy and wider range of available ammunition make it a strong contender at moderate ranges.
Applications: Hunting and Target Shooting
The best cartridge choice depends greatly on its intended use.
Hunting
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.277 Fury: Ideal for hunting medium-to-large game at longer distances. Its high velocity and flat trajectory make it effective on animals like deer, elk, and even some larger game, depending on shot placement and bullet selection. The higher energy transfer can result in cleaner kills at longer ranges.
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.308 Winchester: A versatile hunting cartridge suitable for a wider variety of game. It's popular for deer hunting and is also effective on medium-sized game at shorter to moderate ranges. The lower recoil makes it a good choice for hunters who prefer a more manageable shooting experience.
Target Shooting
Both cartridges can be used effectively for target shooting. The .277 Fury's flatter trajectory makes it more suitable for long-range precision shooting competitions. The .308 Winchester, however, remains a popular choice for target shooting at shorter to medium ranges due to its readily available ammunition and lower cost.
Ammunition Availability and Cost
Ammunition availability for the .308 Winchester is significantly wider and typically cheaper than for the .277 Fury. The .308 Winchester has been around for decades, resulting in a vast selection of ammunition from various manufacturers. The .277 Fury, being a newer cartridge, has a smaller but still growing selection. The price per round for .277 Fury tends to be higher than .308 Winchester.
Rifle Availability and Cost
Rifles chambered in .308 Winchester are widely available, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end models. This large market selection ensures greater accessibility and competitive pricing. Rifles chambered in .277 Fury are less prevalent, although their availability is increasing as the cartridge gains popularity. This limited availability can sometimes lead to higher prices for rifles chambered in .277 Fury.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cartridge
The choice between the .277 Fury and the .308 Winchester hinges on individual needs and priorities. The .277 Fury excels in long-range precision and hunting due to its high velocity and flat trajectory. However, it comes with higher recoil, potentially higher ammunition costs, and less readily available ammunition and rifles.
The .308 Winchester, on the other hand, offers a balanced combination of power, accuracy, manageable recoil, readily available ammunition, and a vast selection of rifles at various price points. This makes it a versatile and reliable choice for a wide range of shooting applications, particularly at moderate ranges. Ultimately, carefully considering your intended use, experience level, budget, and personal preferences will help you decide which cartridge is the right fit for you.