If you’ve ever shopped for a rifle cartridge, chances are you’ve heard of .308 Winchester. Introduced in the early 1950s by Winchester, this rimless, bottlenecked, centerfire rifle cartridge has become a go-to for hunters, marksmen, and precision shooters. In this section, we’ll cover what the .308 Winchester is, where it came from, and how it compares to its close cousin, the 7.62x51mm NATO, because while they may sound interchangeable, there are important differences to know.
TL;DR: These are our top .308 ammo recommendations. “Because let’s be honest, sometimes we all skip straight to the good stuff.”
Muzzle Energy 2619 ft lbs
Muzzle Energy 2619 ft lbs
Muzzle Energy 2670 ft lbs
Alright friends, I know this guide is loaded with a lot of good stuff (and worth the read), But if you’re the type who just wants the quick answer, here it is: In a nutshell the .308 Winchester is a proven, versatile rifle cartridge that balances power, accuracy, and wide availability, making it a go-to choice for hunting, precision shooting, and tactical roles. Typical loads range from 150 to 180 grains with muzzle velocities around 2,600–2,850 fps and energies.
Pros: Widely available ammo, manageable recoil, proven for medium to large game, works in both bolt-action and semi-auto rifles.
Cons: Not as flat-shooting as 6.5 Creedmoor, more recoil than lighter calibers, overpenetration risk indoors.
Notice: Prices shown are accurate at the time of writing and may change without notice. | Skip To Use-Cases
What is the .308 Winchester Caliber/Ammo?
308 Winchester History & Origins
If you’re exploring rifle cartridges, chances are you’ve come across the .308 Winchester. It’s one of those rounds every serious shooter knows and loves. Launched back in 1952 by Winchester for the civilian market, it was originally developed alongside the U.S. military’s experimental T65 series, which later evolved into the 7.62x51mm NATO.
What makes the .308 Winchester special is its balance: moderate recoil, good power “some might even say ‘good o’l power”, lots of ammo, and firearm options. It’s versatile enough for hunting, precision shooting, and tactical use. The .308 gives you much of what a larger .30-caliber round offers, but in a shorter, more manageable package.
One thing people often wonder: “Is .308 Winchester the same as 7.62x51mm NATO?” The short answer is “no, though they’re very close.” The .308 was introduced commercially in 1952; the 7.62x51mm NATO was standardized by NATO in 1954. While many rifles can chamber either, there are subtle but important differences in pressure, chamber tolerances, and case wall specs. We’ll dig into those more in a later section.
Cartridge Dimensions & Key Specs
Here are the hard numbers and technical specs you’ll want to know, whether you’re comparing rounds, choosing a rifle, or just fascinated by ballistics. These specs matter because they affect what firearms can handle it, cost, performance, etc…
| Specification | Value | Why It Matters / What It Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Higher pressure generally yields higher velocity/energy, but the gun must be built to handle it. | ~ 7.62 mm lands / ~ 7.82 mm grooves (≈ 0.308 in) | Determines compatibility with barrels, accuracy, choice of bullet styles. |
| Case length | ~ 2.015 inches (≈ 51.18 mm) | Determines compatibility with barrels, accuracy, and choice of bullet styles. |
| Overall cartridge length | ≈ 2.810 inches (≈ 71.12 mm) | Affects cartridge fit, action length, and overall rifle design. |
| Case capacity | ~ 56 grains of water (≈ 3.64 mL) | Together with chamber pressure, this influences how much powder can be used, which affects velocity. |
| Maximum Pressure (SAAMI) | ~ 62,000 psi | Important for magazine compatibility and feeding reliability. |
| Maximum Pressure (C.I.P.) | ~ 415 MPa (≈ matches about 60,191–62,000 psi, depending on measurement) | If you’re dealing with firearms made in or for countries following CIP standards, this tells you what to expect. |
| Common twist rate | 1-in-12″ (≈ 305 mm) standard; sometimes 1-in-10″ for heavier bullets or match loads | Twist rate matters for stabilizing different bullet weights. If your bullet is too heavy for the twist, accuracy suffers. |
.308 Downrange Velocities & Energy
.308 Winchester vs 7.62x51mm NATO – What’s the Difference?
When people see “.308 Winchester” and “7.62x51mm NATO,” it’s easy to assume they’re totally interchangeable. They look nearly identical. But there are some important technical and safety differences you should know before mixing ammo or buying a rifle.
Key Differences: Pressure, Chamber Specs, and Case Design (.308 Win vs 7.62 NATO)
Here’s a breakdown of what sets the .308 Winchester apart from the 7.62x51mm NATO:
| Feature | .308 Winchester | 7.62x51mm NATO |
|---|---|---|
| Max Pressure (SAAMI / CIP) | Higher. SAAMI maximum average pressure is ~ 62,000 psi. | .308 brass often has thinner walls internally, which can give slightly more case volume; case dimensions are precise to sporting spec. |
| Case / Brass Differences | Sporting .308 Winchester chambers (especially precision/hunting rifles) tend to have tighter tolerances. Headspace gauges and chamber contours tend to favor precision. | NATO-spec brass tends to have thicker case walls (reducing internal volume a bit), made for rugged service durability. |
| Chamber Dimensions / Tolerances & Headspace | Using .308 Winchester ammo in a rifle designed strictly for 7.62x51mm NATO can, in some cases lead to stress if the chamber or firearm isn’t rated for higher pressures. Again, depends a lot on the firearm design. | Military 7.62x51mm chambers are often made with looser tolerances for reliability, hotter cycling under adverse conditions (dirt, less maintenance, varied ammunition). |
| Interchangeability & Safety | Typically safe to fire 7.62x51mm NATO ammo in many .308 Winchester rifles, if the rifle is built to handle the pressures. Always check manufacturer guidance. | Using .308 Winchester ammo in a rifle designed strictly for 7.62x51mm NATO can, in some cases, lead to stress if the chamber or firearm isn’t rated for higher pressures. Again, depends a lot on the firearm design. |
Practical Takeaways & What to Do
Here are actionable tips if you own or are considering a .308 Winchester rifle (or set of rifles).
- Check your rifle’s chamber marking & spec
If your rifle is marked “.308 Winchester” or “.308 Win,” it’s likely made to SAAMI sporting specs. If marked “7.62x51mm NATO” (or both), check the manufacturer’s data for chamber type (how tight/loose), pressure rating, etc. - When using NATO-spec ammo
If you have a .308 Winchester rifle, firing 7.62x51mm NATO ammo is probably safe in most modern rifles. But expect slightly lower velocity and perhaps variation in accuracy due to looser chamber tolerances. Make sure the ammo is from a reputable manufacturer. - When using .308 Winchester in a 7.62 chamber
Less safe unless the firearm is certified or built to handle the higher SAAMI pressure. Older or surplus arms may not tolerate repeated high pressure, so check the manual, manufacturer, or an experienced gunsmith. - Don’t assume identical behavior
Things like recoil, barrel life, accuracy, and case life may differ. Even between loads of the same bullet weight (if one’s a “hotter” .308 load vs standard NATO M80 type), performance will vary.
Knowing the history and basic specs is one thing. To really understand whether .308 Winchester is right for you, we need to dig into what it does: its ballistics. That means bullet weights, muzzle velocity, energy, how it drops over distance, and what barrel and twist rate you’ll want to get the performance you need.
Ballistics & Performance For 308 Win. (Caliber Performance)
If you want to understand what the .308 does, this is the meat of it: how fast the bullets start, how much energy they carry, how they drop and react to wind, and how barrel & bullet choices change everything.
Quick snapshot
- Typical factory muzzle velocities for common .308 loads run roughly from ~2,600–2,850 fps depending on bullet weight and the load. For example, Hornady’s 168-gr ELD Match Superformance lists ~2,840 fps muzzle velocity; Federal’s 175-gr Gold Medal Match common factory load lists ~2,600 fps. (Manufacturer ballistics pages.) Hornady+1
- Muzzle energy for those loads typically starts ~2,600–3,000 ft·lbs, then falls as velocity decays downrange. The exact falloff depends on ballistic coefficient (BC), a higher BC keeps energy and velocity longer. Ammo.com
What determines real-world performance
Before we get into the numbers, a free and easy way to explore real-time .308 trajectories is the Ballistics Calculator. It’s a handy tool if you want to plug in your rifle, barrel length, and load to see drop and energy charts customized to your setup.
- Bullet weight & ballistic coefficient (BC): heavier bullets (175–180 gr) carry more momentum and often penetrate better, but they start slower and drop more; bullets with higher BC (streamlined shapes) retain velocity and energy and resist wind drift. Match bullets (Sierra MatchKing, Hornady ELD, Berger) have high BCs and are optimized for long-range accuracy.
- Barrel length & twist rate: longer barrels generally allow slightly higher muzzle velocities (more time for powder to burn and accelerate the bullet), many factory ballistics are quoted for 24″ barrels. Twist rate must stabilize your chosen bullet: a typical .308 twist is 1-in-12″, but 1-in-10″ is common on rifles intended to stabilize heavier 175–180 gr bullets. If your twist is too slow for a heavy bullet you’ll lose accuracy.
- Chamber pressure & load recipe: commercial “hot” loads and match loads often push different pressures and use different powders; this affects muzzle velocity and barrel life. SAAMI and CIP set maximum pressure ratings you should respect.
- Environmental factors: temperature, altitude, and even humidity affect air density; thin air (high altitude) increases your effective range, dense cold air reduces it. Ballistic calculators (or the manufacturer’s ballistics tables) are the best way to translate factory numbers into real-world drop/holdovers for your local conditions.
How to read a ballistics table (quick guide)
- Muzzle Velocity (fps): speed at the muzzle; higher = flatter trajectory initially.
- Velocity @ distance: used to compute kinetic energy and trajectory.
- Energy (ft·lbs): indicative of terminal performance, important for hunting/legal minimums.
- Drop/holdover: how many inches (or MOA/MIL) the bullet falls at a given distance from your zero.
- Wind drift: how much a crosswind will push the bullet (depends on BC and velocity).
Use the manufacturer’s downloadable ballistics charts or a trusted balistics calculator to build load-specific tables for your rifle/barrel/zero.
Use-Cases: When .308 Winchester Shines
The .308 isn’t a one-trick pony. Here’s where it really makes sense, and why so many people pick it as an all-around option.
Hunting – medium to large game (deer, hogs, black bear, many elk scenarios) with .308 Win
- Why it’s good: Solid terminal performance with proper bullet selection, lots of bullet designs to match thin-skinned to heavy-boned game, commonly accepted for many North American game species. Heavier expanding bullets (bonded, partition, or premium polymer tips) are common choices for large game.
- Typical choices: 150–165 gr for deer-sized targets at moderate ranges; 165–180 gr bonded or controlled-expansion bullets for heavier or tougher game.
- Practical note: ethical hunting ranges depend on shot placement, bullet choice, and local rules, many hunters use .308 within ~300–400 yards for comfortable, ethical shots. With match or heavy bullets and excellent optics, you can stretch that, but remember real-world factors (wind, shooter, animal movement).
Hornady 308 Win 165 gr InterLock SP American Whitetail SKU: 80904
Precision & Long-Range Target Shooting
- Why it’s good: Plenty of high-BC match bullets (168 gr ELD, 175 gr SMK, Berger & Sierra offerings) give predictable long-range performance. Many competition classes and F-class shooters use .308 in match form, it’s a mature platform with predictable accuracy.
- Practical note: At the highest levels of extreme long-range competition, some shooters prefer the flatter-shooting 6.5-class cartridges (6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor) for reduced wind drift and slightly better BC/ballistic efficiency, but .308 remains competitive and easier on barrel life and recoil for many shooters.
Federal 308 Win 168 gr Gold Medal Sierra MatchKing BT-HP SKU: GM308M
Tactical, Law Enforcement & Duty Use
- Why it’s good: Balance of power, magazine compatibility with many service rifles and designated marksman platforms, and a mature supply chain for ammunition. The .308 gives good barrier performance and is common in designated marksman rifles (DMR) and semi-auto platforms (AR-10/matching chassis).
Speer 308 Win 168 gr Gold Dot Law Enforcement SP SKU: 24458
Home Defense, when it’s not ideal
- Why be cautious: Overpenetration is a real concern with full-power rifle cartridges in a home environment. While .308 has the power to stop threats, in typical defensive scenarios inside homes or vehicles, it may penetrate internal walls more than handgun calibers, which risks bystanders. If you consider a rifle for home defense, assess bullet selection (barrier performance/expansion), shot placement likelihood, and environment. Many defensive shooters favor shorter-range cartridges or specialty rounds, depending on the use case.
Hunting vs Target vs Duty – how to choose the load
- Hunting: Choose controlled-expansion hunting bullets matched to game (bonded tips, partition, premium polymer bullets). Prioritize penetration + controlled expansion.
- Target / Match: Match bullets (Sierra MatchKing, Hornady ELD, Berger) with high BCs for stability and less wind drift. Keep to match grade primers/powder to reduce shot dispersion.
- Duty / Barrier: Select bullets tested for barrier performance (some bonded or solid copper bullets are meant to keep weight through intermediate barriers).
Here are some addtional .308 Winchester ammo options to take advantage of…
Federal 308 Win 150 gr American Eagle FMJ SKU: AE308D
Hornady 308 Win 165 gr Superformance Super Shock Tip SKU: 80983
Pros, Cons, & Trade-Offs (.308 Winchester)
Advantages of .308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester is one of the most versatile and battle-tested .30 caliber cartridges available. It gives you a solid balance of power and shootability that appeals to hunters, precision shooters, and duty users alike. Many hunters and shooters pick .308 because it delivers effective terminal performance on medium and many large game species while keeping recoil manageable for most shooters.
Match and premium bullets in .308 are plentiful. That means if you want to chase sub-MOA groups or load match ammo for competition, the parts and factory loads are there to support you. Manufacturers like Hornady and Federal offer purpose-built match loads that push consistent velocities and high ballistic coefficients for long-range work. Having a wide selection of loads also makes it easier to find ammo that your rifle prefers.
From a platform perspective, .308 fits a large selection of rifles. You can find high-accuracy bolt actions, semi-automatic AR-10 style rifles, and dedicated precision chassis rifles chambered for .308. The platform maturity also means accessories, barrels, and reloading components are widely available.
Limitations & What to Be Careful About
.308 is not the lightest or flattest shooting .30 caliber cartridge. Compared with more modern, high-BC cartridges such as 6.5 Creedmoor, the .308 typically has more wind drift and a bit more recoil at long ranges. For extreme long-range competition or where every inch of wind drift matters beyond 600 meters, some shooters prefer smaller-diameter, higher-BC cartridges. If your primary goal is long-range performance with minimal recoil, compare .308 to modern alternatives before you commit.
Barrel life and recoil are real considerations. Hot match or magnum loads will shorten barrel life more quickly than moderate hunting loads, and heavier bullets will increase felt recoil. If you plan high-volume practice, factor the cost of ammo and potential barrel replacement into your long-term budget. Recoil and barrel wear trade off against the cartridge’s durability and proven capability.
Overpenetration can be a concern in certain environments. Because .308 is a full-power rifle cartridge, in close quarters such as inside homes or in urban environments, it is more likely to penetrate walls or obstacles than many pistol calibers. If you are considering a rifle for defensive use, choose bullet types and shot placement strategies accordingly and be mindful of legal and safety issues in your area.
Practical buying tip: test the exact combination of rifle and load before you rely on it. Some rifles prefer particular brands or bullet profiles. Trying a few factory loads at the range will save you money and frustration later on competition days or hunting trips.
.308 Win. Ammunition Options & Variants
Match / Premium vs Budget Loads
There are essentially two broad performance bands for .308 ammo: premium/match and budget/practice.
• Premium and match loads are built for consistency, high accuracy, and optimized ballistic coefficient. These loads typically use high-quality bullets such as Sierra MatchKing, Hornady ELD Match, or Berger match bullets. Expect very low extreme spread and superior shot-to-shot consistency, which is why competition shooters, precision hunters, and long-range marksmen choose them. Examples include Hornady’s 168 gr ELD Match and Federal’s Gold Medal 175 gr SMK.
• Budget and range loads are made for practice and general plinking. They usually use FMJ or cheaper hunting bullets and are loaded to lower tolerances to keep costs down. These are great for high-round count training, but they will generally not give the same precision as premium loads. Many shooters buy a mix: practice with budget ammo and use premium loads for hunting or matches. Retailers and bulk suppliers stock economy .308 widely, so availability for practice rounds is strong.
Transactional Tip: If accuracy matters, start with a small box of a premium factory load to test your rifle. If the rifle shoots it well, you can either buy more factory match ammo or start handloading to approximate that performance at a lower recurring cost.
Bullet Types (FMJ, BTHP, Polymer-Tipped, Expanding, Bonded, etc.)
Different bullet constructions are designed for different outcomes on impact. Choose the right construction for your intended use.
• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): Good for range practice and training. FMJ does not expand on impact, so it is not recommended for hunting. Use only where FMJ is legal and appropriate.
• Boat Tail Hollow Point / Boat Tail Hollow Point (BTHP) and Match Bullets: Designed for accuracy and high BC. These are the go-to for target shooting and many long-range applications. They can be used for hunting in match-legal contexts, but match bullets are not always optimized for rapid expansion.
• Polymer-Tipped and Ballistic-Tip Bullets: These combine aerodynamic efficiency with controlled expansion. Polymer tip designs help retain a high BC and initiate reliable expansion at hunting velocities. Good choice for hunters who want flat trajectories and controlled terminal performance.
• Expanding Hunting Bullets (Soft Point, Bonded, Partition): Designed to expand and retain weight, maximizing energy transfer and penetration on game. Bonded bullets and Partition designs help prevent bullet breakup and are often recommended for larger or tougher game. Choose bullet weight and construction to match the game you plan to hunt.
• Solid and Monolithic Bullets: Used where deep penetration and weight retention are required, for barrier or specialty applications. These are less common for general hunting but have specific duty or penetration roles.
Buying note: Always match bullet construction and weight to the intended target and local regulations. For hunting, a properly constructed expanding bullet in the correct weight range is usually the ethical and legal choice.
308 Winchester Ammo Availability & Cost per Round
.308 is widely produced, so stock and choices are broad. You can find economy practice ammo, mid-range hunting loads, and premium match ammo from multiple reputable manufacturers. Target Sports USA offers bulk ammo with free shipping and steady inventory for common factory loads.
Cost per round varies with bullet construction and brand. Expect premium match and bonded hunting loads to cost significantly more per round than basic FMJ practice ammo. Prices fluctuate with market demand and supply conditions, so buying in bulk for practice or choosing reloading as a long-term strategy can reduce costs for high-volume shooters. For precise current pricing, check major retailers and bulk suppliers.
Transactional Tip: If you plan a lot of range time, buy practice ammo in bulk and reserve premium loads for testing and hunting. If you are trying to match an exact factory load for best accuracy, order a small sample box and test for group size before committing to larger purchases.
Rifles & Barrel Considerations
308 Winchester Bolt Action vs Semi-Auto Platforms
Bolt-action rifles tend to offer greater accuracy potential. Manufacturers can make tighter tolerances in the chamber, better bedding, and simpler mechanisms. For long-range target or hunting work where first-shot precision matters, many shooters favor bolt actions in .308.
Semi-auto platforms chambered in .308 (or 7.62×51 NATO compatible) offer faster follow-up shots and more tactical flexibility. However, semi-autos often have looser chambers to ensure reliability under varied conditions. Accuracy may suffer slightly compared to bolt-action rifles, especially under stress or with longer bullets. If you choose a semi-auto for .308, ensure the rifle is well built (good barrel, good gas system) and that the ammunition is reliable.
Barrel Length & Twist Rate Choices
Barrel length has a strong impact on muzzle velocity, kinetic energy, and shot drop. Longer barrels generally allow the powder more time to burn and accelerate the bullet, usually yielding higher velocity. If your rifle barrel is short (e.g., 16-20 in), you will lose velocity compared to a 24-inch or longer barrel. That drop in velocity affects energy downrange, bullet stability, and sometimes accuracy.
Twist rate refers to how quickly the rifling in the barrel spins the bullet. For .308, common twist rates are 1-in-12″. That works well for many 150- to 168-grain bullets. If you want to shoot heavier bullets (175-180 grain or match grade), especially with high ballistic coefficient shapes, faster twist rates like 1-in-10″ often help with stability. Always match the bullet weight/profile you plan to use with a barrel twist rate known to stabilize it.
308 Winchester Magazine & Platform Compatibility
Platform compatibility includes magazine types, action length, bolt face, feeding geometry, and other physical tolerances. Because .308 Winchester is a short-action cartridge, it fits in many shorter, lighter bolt-action rifles. It is also compatible with semi-auto AR-10 style rifles and some designated marksman rifles.
Magpul PMAG Gen M3 LR-308, GII, SR-25 308 Winchester Magazine 10 Rounds SKU: MAG290-BLK
Magpul PMAG D-50 LR/SR Gen M3 308 Winchester 50 Round Drum SKU: MAG993-BLK
If you use an AR-style platform, make sure magazines feed correctly with the bullet profile and overall cartridge length you plan to run. Some premium long bullets may require longer overall length; this can affect magazine fit and bolt closure safety. Also check the rifle’s bolt face, extractor design, and chamber spec (especially if the rifle is listed as “NATO” or “Commercial .308”) to avoid feeding or pressure issues.
308 Caliber Alternatives & Comparisons
.308 vs 6.5 Creedmoor
- 6.5 Creedmoor tends to have a flatter trajectory, less recoil, and better wind resistance at longer ranges. Shooters often report ~25-30 percent less recoil with 6.5 Creedmoor compared to .308 Winchester for similar bullet weights.
- .308 offers more energy in the short to medium range with heavier bullets, especially inside of 300-400 yards. If your use case is hunting medium or large game to moderate distances, the energy advantage of .308 may matter more.
- 6.5 Creedmoor is getting more popular for long-range target work. If you want less felt recoil and good ballistic performance out to extended distances (>500 yards), 6.5 Creedmoor is often superior. But .308 remains more widely available in ammunition load types and rifles.
.308 vs .30-06 Springfield
- .30-06 Springfield has a longer case and generally greater case capacity compared to .308. That means in many loads, .30-06 will yield higher velocities (especially with heavier bullets) and slightly more energy downrange.
- On the flip side, .308 has an advantage in lighter recoiling rifles (short-action), often lighter weight, and somewhat more compact action lengths. If you prefer a shorter bolt throw, quicker follow-ups, and lighter rifles, .308 may be more comfortable.
- For many hunting use cases, especially where the game is at a moderate range, the difference is less dramatic. Both cartridges are capable and proven. If you push to longer distances or need heavier bullets (deep penetration, larger game), .30-06 gives more margin.
.308 vs Magnum .30 Calibers (e.g. .300 Win Mag)
- Magnum .30 cartridges like the .300 Winchester Magnum deliver significantly greater muzzle velocity and retained energy at long range. For example, .300 Win Mag can push a 180-grain bullet to ~2,960 fps in some loads, a substantial increase over typical .308 loads.
- That extra performance comes with greater recoil, more muzzle blast, more weight, and reduced barrel life. They require heavier rifles and more robust components.
- For someone who only occasionally needs extreme range or high-velocity performance, .308 might be more practical. Magnum rifles are more expensive, ammo is more expensive, and logistics (weight, noise, recoil) are tougher.
Safety, Legal & Practical Tips
Knowing Your Chamber & Pressure Ratings
Always check the markings on your rifle (or the manufacturer’s specification) to see whether it is rated for .308 Winchester and/or 7.62×51 NATO. Even though many rifles can handle both, chamber dimensions, headspace, and throat geometry (and often barrel strength) affect safety and performance. Do not assume interchangeability without verification.
Know the SAAMI or CIP pressure ratings for .308 Winchester loads. If you load or shoot high-pressure match or hot factory loads, ensure the rifle and barrel are built to handle those pressures. Pressure or poor headspace out of spec can damage equipment or cause safety failures.
Bullet Selection for Safety & Overpenetration
Choose the right bullet type for your intended use. FMJ bullets tend to over-penetrate; expanding bullets (hollow point, bonded, polymer tipped) help with energy transfer and reducing projectile pass-through. For home or close-quarters use, barrier performance (how bullet behaves after passing through wood, drywall, metal) becomes important.
Shot placement and bullet behavior matter more than raw energy in many cases. A properly constructed expanding bullet with good matching of weight to game or target will be safer, more ethical, and more effective than choosing a heavy bullet just to “have more stopping power.”
Legal Restrictions / Hunting Laws
Hunting laws vary by jurisdiction. Many states or countries have minimum caliber, bullet weight, or construction requirements for certain game (for example, large game may require bullets that expand). Some areas restrict or disallow certain bullet types (e.g. non-expanding, full metal jacket for hunting). Always check your local game laws and regulations before selecting ammo or planning a hunt.
If transporting ammunition or rifles across borders or states, check for legal restrictions. There may be restrictions on magazine capacity or rifle type if your .308 rifle is semi-auto. Also check federal, state, and local regulations concerning rifle calibers, safety devices, and storage.
FAQs: .308 Winchester
Most hunters and shooters consider .308 reliable out to 400–600 yards for ethical shots on medium game. With match ammo, skilled shooters can push the cartridge beyond 800–1,000 yards for target work, though drop and wind drift become significant.
Yes, in most modern rifles, but always check your manufacturer’s guidelines. .308 Winchester is generally loaded to higher pressures, so firing .308 in a 7.62 NATO-only rifle can be riskier.
Yes, with the right bullet and shot placement. Heavier loads in the 165–180 grain range are preferred to ensure deep penetration and energy transfer.
6.5 Creedmoor has less recoil and a flatter trajectory at long range, making it popular for precision shooters. .308 offers more short-range punch and has wider ammo availability.
A 1:12 twist is common and works well for 150–168 grain bullets. For heavier 175–180 grain bullets, a 1:10 twist is often better for stability.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Ballistics, performance, and safety can vary based on firearm, ammunition, and conditions. Always follow your firearm manufacturer’s recommendations, adhere to local laws and regulations, and practice safe handling at all times. Target Sports USA does not assume liability for misuse of the information provided.
Kailon Kirby is a digital marketer working alongside a dedicated team at Target Sports USA. Equal parts data nerd and creative thinker, he’s passionate about crafting content that actually hits the mark, whether you're a longtime gun owner, weekend range-goer, or just starting to explore the world of ammunition.
He blends SEO smarts with real industry insight to make sure readers find what they’re looking for, and enjoy the journey along the way. When he’s not working on major projects or geeking out over SEO traffic trends, he’s probably researching the next big thing in shooting sports.
- Kailon Kirbyhttps://blog.targetsportsusa.com/author/kailonkirby/
