.308 Win/7.62 Ammo

Ballistics Overview

A 168-grain .308 load exits a 24-inch bolt-action barrel at approximately 2,650 fps with 2,620 ft-lbs of energy. A 175-grain match load runs 2,600 fps and retains excellent accuracy past 1,000 yards. A lighter 150-grain hunting load pushes 2,820 fps for a flatter trajectory at moderate range. Recoil in a 9-pound rifle runs 12–18 ft-lbs — manageable for most shooters. The .308 remains supersonic to approximately 1,200 yards from a full-length barrel, covering most practical long-range shooting applications.

Hunting Loads: Deer, Elk, and Big Game

For deer, elk, and bear hunting, look for controlled-expansion loads in 150–180 grain: Federal Trophy Bonded Tip, Hornady CX, Nosler AccuBond, and Winchester Copper Impact are among the most consistent performers. The 165-grain weight is a popular all-around hunting bullet — balancing velocity and energy for shots inside 400 yards. For elk and larger game, step up to 180-grain bonded or partition bullets that provide adequate penetration on heavy bone. The .308 is fully capable on any North American big game with the right load selection. For shots past 400 yards, consider a higher-BC bullet in the 175–185 grain range to maintain velocity downrange.

Match and Precision Loads

For long-range precision and competition, the 168-grain Sierra MatchKing and 175-grain Sierra MatchKing are the benchmark loads — Federal Gold Medal Match and Black Hills are the most common factory offerings using these bullets. Hornady ELD-M in 168 and 178 grain and Berger Hybrid loads offer similar performance with improved ballistic coefficients. For precision work past 600 yards, the 175-grain load is the standard choice due to its superior BC and better transonic stability compared to the 168-grain. The 308 Win's capability to 1,000+ yards makes it the most common cartridge for long-range precision rifle competitions (PRS Gas Gun division).

Practice Loads

For high-volume practice, FMJ loads from Federal American Eagle, PMC Bronze, and Winchester USA are reliable and cost-effective. Steel-case .308 from Tula and Wolf is available at lower cost and suitable for semi-automatic practice where brass recovery isn't a priority. The difference in point of impact between your practice and match loads should be confirmed at actual shooting distances before a competition or hunt — heavier match bullets typically strike higher at 100 yards than lighter FMJ practice rounds from the same zero.

.308 Winchester vs. 7.62x51mm NATO

Like .223 vs. 5.56, there are chamber pressure differences between commercial .308 Winchester and military 7.62x51mm NATO. Commercial .308 runs at higher SAAMI pressure than 7.62x51mm. Most modern rifles are chambered to accept both safely — bolt-action hunting rifles marked .308 Win handle military surplus 7.62x51mm without issue in practice. Semi-automatic battle rifles like the FN SCAR 17, Springfield M1A, and AR-10-pattern rifles are generally chambered in .308 Win or 7.62x51mm NATO and handle commercial loads safely. When in doubt, commercial .308 Win ammunition is safe in any rifle marked for .308 Win or 7.62x51mm.

.308 vs. 6.5 Creedmoor

The 6.5 Creedmoor has largely replaced .308 for pure long-range precision work due to higher BC bullets and better performance past 600 yards. The .308 retains clear advantages in energy at medium range (more ft-lbs on target inside 500 yards from heavier bullets), dramatically wider platform availability, greater historical load data for handloaders, and ammunition availability everywhere in the country. For hunting inside 400 yards, the .308 is equal or better. For competitive long-range shooting past 600 yards, 6.5 Creedmoor has a meaningful advantage. Many serious precision shooters keep both — .308 for hunting and general use, 6.5 CM for competition. See our 6.5 Creedmoor ammo page for comparison.

Semi-Auto Considerations: AR-10 and Battle Rifles

Semi-automatic .308 platforms including AR-10 rifles and battle rifles like the Springfield M1A and FN SCAR 17 run .308 Win reliably with commercial loads. Semi-auto platforms are more sensitive to ammunition pressure and velocity variation than bolt guns — if your semi-auto .308 is having cycling issues, check that you're using standard-pressure loads (not reduced-recoil or subsonic) and that the gas system is clean. Most reliability issues with AR-10-pattern rifles trace back to gas system maintenance rather than ammunition selection.

Shop .308 Win Ammo at Impact Guns

Browse the full .308 Winchester ammunition selection at Impact Guns. For .308 rifles, see our AR-10 rifles and bolt-action rifles pages. For related precision calibers, see 6.5 Creedmoor and .338 Lapua. For other rifle ammo, see our rifle ammo page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is .308 Win good for deer hunting?
Yes — .308 Winchester is one of the most proven deer cartridges ever made. It delivers more than adequate energy and terminal performance on whitetail, mule deer, and elk at typical hunting distances. Federal Trophy Bonded Tip, Hornady Precision Hunter ELD-X, and Winchester Copper Impact are all excellent .308 deer loads. The cartridge is effective on deer-sized game to 400+ yards with quality ammunition and a suitable rifle.

What is the difference between .308 Winchester and 7.62x51 NATO?
They are nearly identical but not exactly the same. Commercial .308 Win runs at slightly higher SAAMI pressure than military 7.62x51mm NATO. In practice, modern rifles marked .308 Win safely handle both cartridges. Never fire .308 Win in a rifle marked only for 7.62x51mm unless the manufacturer confirms compatibility — when in doubt, commercial .308 is the safe choice in any .308-marked rifle.

What rifles are chambered in .308 Winchester?
.308 Win is available in virtually every bolt-action hunting rifle platform — Tikka T3x, Remington 700, Winchester Model 70, Savage 110, and more. It is also a primary caliber for AR-10 semi-automatic rifles and the Springfield M1A. It is one of the most widely supported cartridges in the world with the broadest selection of factory rifles and ammunition available.

Does Impact Guns carry .308 Winchester ammunition?
Yes. Impact Guns carries .308 Win in hunting, match, and practice configurations from Federal, Hornady, Winchester, and more at our Ogden and Boise stores and ships nationwide. See our AR-10 rifles and bolt-action rifles pages for compatible platforms.