Best .308 Rifle in Australia: Picks for Pigs, Deer and More

G'day. The best .308 rifle in Australia comes down to what you hunt and how far you carry it. Deer in timber, pigs in open country, or a rifle that does a bit of both all suit different set-ups. Here are the in-stock picks we'd point you at today.

Prices below are as at 18 October 2026. If a pick has sold out, have a look through our .308 rifles or ask us what is coming in.

Shop the picks

• Franchi Horizon (.308 Win) — from $1,049.99. The value pick. A straightforward hunting rifle that gets you into .308 without overspending.
• Tikka T3x Lite (.308 Win) — from $1,799. The carry rifle most hunters end up with. Light enough to walk with, and easy to shoot well.
• Bergara B14 HMR (.308 Win) — from $2,295. A heavier, steadier set-up that suits shooting from a rest and range work as well as hunting.
• Tikka T3x ACE Game (.308 Win) — from $3,399. The step-up pick if you want an adjustable rifle that can hunt and shoot targets without feeling like a compromise.

Why .308?

It's the do-most-things centrefire. Ammo is easy to find in a wide range of hunting and target loads, recoil is manageable for most shooters, and it suits pigs and deer in Australian conditions. If you want one centrefire rifle to cover a lot of hunting, .308 is the sensible place to start.

Light hunter or heavier rifle?

A light rifle is easier to carry all morning, but .308 in a light rifle lets you know about it. A heavier rifle is softer to shoot and steadier from a rest, but you'll feel the weight on a climb. Think about where you hunt. Steep, thick country rewards a lighter rifle. Open country and shooting from a vehicle reward the steadier one.

If you're new to centrefire, there's no shame in picking the softer-shooting set-up. A rifle you enjoy practising with is a rifle you'll shoot straight when it counts.

Rifle only, or package?

A bare rifle suits you if you already own glass you trust. If you're starting from scratch, budget for a scope, mounts, a sling and ammo as well as the rifle. Don't spend everything on the rifle and then put a scope on it that lets the whole set-up down.

Ammo and getting comfortable

.308 ammo comes in plenty of hunting and target loads, and rifles can show a clear preference. Try a couple of suitable loads, shoot proper groups, and hunt with the one your rifle shoots well and that suits your game. Keep the paperwork side sorted too. You'll need the right licence and permit for your state, and safe storage at home.

Then practise from real hunting positions, not just off a bench. Shoot prone, sitting and off a rest you'd actually carry. A .308 rewards good technique, and a few steady range sessions will tell you more about your set-up than any spec sheet. If the rifle starts to feel like hard work, tell us. A different stock fit, a brake, or a change in load can turn a rifle you tolerate into one you trust.

FAQ

What is the best .308 rifle for deer? For most hunters, the Tikka T3x Lite if you walk a fair bit, or the Bergara B14 HMR if you mostly shoot from a rest. Both are honest, easy rifles to live with.

Is .308 good for pigs? Yep, it's a popular pick for pigs. Pair it with a suitable hunting load and sensible shot placement.

Is .308 too much for a new shooter? It kicks more than a .223, but plenty of people start here. A heavier rifle or a brake can soften it. If you're unsure, compare our best .223 guide too.

More guides

Also weighing up other calibres? Have a look at our guides to the best air rifles, the best .223 rifles and the best .22 rimfire rifles. Or browse the full .308 range and tell us what you're after. We'll tell you straight which one suits.