in my area there are 2 types of rifle buyers; young folks in 20s and 30s who are all buying a 6.5 CM and old folks (over 40) who are getting the old favorites like 270, 308, 30-06. i visit a very large lgs almost weekly (my cousin is the owner) and look at most rifles. i've seen a tremendous number of 6.5CMs and somewhat less in 270s/308s. i haven't seen a factory 708 in at least 3 years, and same for a 7mmremmag/300winmag. i also haven't seen factory 708 ammo in over 3 years. 6.5CM is in every store in my area. my local walmart has plenty of 6.5CM, 270win, 308, and 30-06 ammo.
i'd say the 708 is still very much alive as long as one reloads. the 708 isn't dead but the 6.5 CM has sent it to the back of the bus and i don't see it moving up in the next 10 years. i repeatedly read that handloaders are greatly outnumbered by those who don't reload and the vast majority of those who hunt buy their ammo from either the local lgs or walmart. if that is true, the 708 is on an uphill climb. the 708 is a fine, capable cartridge but it isn't getting the support it needs to remain popular to the average joe. ymmv.
Last edited by hotsoup; 12/21/22.
