308 Winchester Ammo Ballistic Performance and Specifications

• Bullet Diameter: .308 inches (7.62 mm)

• Typical Bullet Weights: 110 to 185 grains, with common hunting weights between 147 and 175 grains

• Muzzle Velocity: Generally ranges from 2,600 to 2,800 feet per second (fps) depending on bullet weight and load

• Muzzle Energy: Typically between 2,500 and 3,000 foot-pounds (ft-lbs), providing strong impact energy for ethical hunting

• Effective Range: Accurate and effective for shots up to 800 yards or more, depending on shooter skill and bullet selection

• Cartridge Length: Approximately 2.81 inches (71.12 mm)

• Case Capacity: About 56 grains of water (3.64 mL)

The cartridge’s rifling twist rate is commonly 1 in 12 inches, optimizing stability for a wide range of bullet weights.

Hunting Applications

The .308 Winchester is highly regarded for its versatility in hunting North American game:

• Deer and Medium Game: The cartridge excels at ethical harvesting of whitetail, mule deer, and similar-sized animals at typical hunting distances.

• Elk and Moose: With heavier bullets (165–180 grains), the .308 delivers sufficient penetration and energy for larger game.

• Black Bear: Its combination of power and manageable recoil makes it a popular choice for black bear hunting.

• Other Game: The .308 is also used internationally for a variety of game, including antelope and even larger species in some regions.

At 400 yards, a 175-grain .308 bullet can still deliver over 1,500 ft-lbs of energy, which is ample for most North American big game.

Terminal Ballistics and Bullet Types

Winchester .308 ammo and other premium brands offer a variety of bullet designs to suit different hunting needs:

• Soft Point (SP) and Jacketed Soft Point (JSP): Designed for controlled expansion and deep penetration, ideal for deer and similar game.

• Polymer Tip (Ballistic Tip): Enhances aerodynamics and initiates rapid expansion for quick incapacitation.

• Boat Tail Hollow Point (BTHP): Provides excellent accuracy and consistent expansion, favored for precision hunting and long-range shooting.

• Bonded Bullets: Maintain weight and integrity upon impact for reliable penetration on tougher game.

The choice of bullet weight and type can affect trajectory, expansion, and penetration, allowing hunters to tailor their ammunition to specific game and conditions.

Recoil and Shootability of the 308 Winchester Ammo

The .308 Winchester generates moderate recoil that is manageable for most shooters, especially when fired from rifles weighing around 7 to 8 pounds. For example, a 7.5-pound rifle firing a 150-grain bullet at 2,800 fps produces approximately 15.8 ft-lbs of recoil energy, which is comparable to the milder 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. This balance of power and recoil makes the .308 a favorite among hunters and target shooters alike.

Comparison to Other Cartridges

While newer cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor offer flatter trajectories and higher ballistic coefficients, the .308 Winchester remains a proven all-around performer. It is less powerful than magnum cartridges like the .300 Winchester Magnum but offers lower recoil and excellent accuracy in a wide range of rifles. Its widespread availability and broad caliber support make it a versatile choice for many shooters.

Popular Calibers and Loads

Common bullet weights for .308 Winchester include: