308 Ammo: The Definitive Guide to 308 Winchester Ammo

If you are looking for .308 ammo, you’ll soon see that .308 Winchester is one of the most talked about centerfire rifle ammunition. It is used for target shooting, hunting, and general sporting applications, and ammunition is available in a wide range of bullet weights and designs.

But selecting ammunition is not simply a matter of choosing the cartridge with the highest velocity or the heaviest bullet. We need to consider the rifle type, its intended use, the ammo type, local laws, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

This is a simple guide to 308 Winchester ammo, including 308 bullet size, cartridge dimensions, common bullet types, and what to look for when comparing different loads.

Safety note: Always check the cartridge designation stamped on your firearm and follow the instructions of the firearm and ammunition manufacturer. Only use ammunition in a firearm that is chambered for it.

Understanding 308 Ammo

308 ammo is the common shorthand for the .308 Winchester cartridge, which is a centerfire rifle cartridge that has been standardized by SAAMI.

Despite the name .308, this designation should not be taken to mean that every dimension of the cartridge is exactly 0.308 inches. The current SAAMI spec gives the nominal bullet diameter is approximately .309 inches. The cartridge and chamber have many other standardized dimensions.

The .308 Winchester is a bottleneck cartridge and is available from the manufacturer in various bullet constructions and weights depending on the intended application.

SAAMI publishes standards for cartridges and chambers to promote safety, reliability, and interchangeability of commercially manufactured firearms and ammunition.

What Size Is 308 Ammo?

The name refers to the .308 Winchester cartridge, not just the diameter of the projectile. The SAAMI drawing for current dimensions lists the bullet dimension as about .309 inch, but the rifling and groove dimensions of the chamber are separate measurements.

SAAMI has a maximum overall cartridge length of 2.810 inches and a minimum of 2.490 inches for the standard cartridge. This is why the number “.308” by itself does not tell you the whole size of the cartridge.

Rifle Bullet Size 308

The size of a .308 rifle bullet corresponds nominally to a diameter of about .308 inches. SAAMI’s drawing shows the bullet dimension as .309 -.003 inch. This is a prime example of why you should check the cartridge specs, not just rely on the cartridge name. For all practical purposes shooters refer to these projectiles as .308-caliber bullets.

Comparing .308 Ammo Size

It helps to separate bullet diameter from the overall cartridge dimensions.

These are common dimensions, not a suggestion to reload or alter ammunition. Reloading is a separate technical discipline, and one should only attempt it with the correct published data and equipment.

What Is .308 Good For?

The .308 Winchester has traditionally been used for the following sporting purposes:

• Recreational target shooting
• Legal hunting locations
• Sporting rifles use
• Applications to General Purpose Rifle

The extensive range of commercially produced loads available for many different purposes also contributes to its continued popularity.

But the best choice depends on the specific application. A load for target shooting is not necessarily the same type of ammunition for hunting, and ammunition should always be matched to the firearm manufacturer’s specifications and the applicable regulations.

Various Types of 308 Ammunition

Not every box of 308 Winchester ammo is loaded with the same kind of bullet. The construction of the bullet can influence the way a cartridge behaves and what application it was intended for.

Full Metal Jacket—308 FMJ

308 FMJ ammunition is a mostly jacketed projectile. FMJ ammo is generally used for recreational and target shooting. It is not usually the same design as dedicated hunting ammunition.

If you are comparing ammunition, then it is worth looking at the actual construction of the bullet rather than assuming every .308 cartridge is the same.

Loads for Hunting

Generally, hunting ammunition utilizes projectile designs that are designed to expand in a controlled manner and to perform effectively on legally hunted game.

The right choice is determined by the species of game, local hunting regulations, the firearm, and the specifications of the manufacturer.

Hunters should follow the established guidelines for the specific game and conditions, rather than assuming that the heaviest or fastest projectile is the best choice.

Match or Target Ammunition

Ammunition designed for matches is usually built for consistency and accuracy, not hunting performance.

These loads are beneficial for recreational or competitive target shooting, but their intended purpose should be considered before using them for other applications.

What is the best 308 ammo?

There isn’t one best 308 ammo for all shooters. The right ammunition choice depends on your rifle’s intended use and the manufacturer’s compatibility recommendations.

A good way to accomplish this task is to start by following the recommendations of the rifle maker instead of simply choosing ammunition based on what you see in the advertisements.

What is the best 308 whitetail deer hunting ammo?

For deer hunting, hunters should use ammunition that is appropriate for the game they are hunting, permitted by local laws, and suitable for their firearm.

The construction of projectiles is particularly important for hunting ammunition. Hunting bullets are usually manufactured differently than FMJ projectiles because they behave differently in the game.

Before you go hunting, check:

1. Hunting laws of your state or jurisdiction.
2. The ammunition recommendations of the firearm manufacturer.
3. How the ammo maker is meant to be used.
4. Weight and bullet construction.
5. Limitations on type of projectile.

Instead, the goal should be to select the proper and legal ammunition, not just the hottest cartridge on the market.

Federal 308 168 GR Bullets

The “168 gr” part is the weight of the projectile, which is 168 grains. It alone does not describe the entire cartridge nor promise any specific accuracy.

Since different manufacturers produce .308 ammunition with different bullet weights and construction, the complete product specification is more important than just bullet weight.

For example, two 168-grain rounds may have different projectile designs and intended uses.

Why Does the Weight of a Bullet Matter?

The 168-grain projectile is not the same load as the 150-grain projectile. Both loads are compatible with the broader range of ammunition. 308 Winchester ammunition family when specified for the firearm and properly manufactured.

Bullet weight can affect things like trajectory and recoil. That’s why you need to look at the whole ammunition specs, not just one number.

What rifle takes 308 ammo?

A .308 Winchester rifle can shoot. 308 Winchester ammo as long as the ammo is within the right specifications. What matters is the chamber designation used by the maker of the firearm.

Just because two cartridges look alike or have similar measurements doesn’t mean they are interchangeable ammunition. Check the exact chambering of your firearm before loading ammunition.

Always consult the firearm manufacturer’s documentation, or a qualified firearms professional, when in doubt.

308 Ammo Compared to Other Rifle Ammo

Many cartridges have similar bullet diameters or overlapping applications. The .308 Winchester is sometimes compared with other rifle cartridges. But the same bullet diameter does not mean the cartridges are interchangeable.

Is Faster 308 Ammo Always Better?

Speed can vary according to:

• Bullet weight (grains)
• Length of barrel
• Design of ammunition
• Test conditions
• Characteristics of rifles

A cartridge advertised at a certain velocity does not always shoot that exact velocity in every rifle. For a practical shooting, consistency and suitability for the job may be more important than simply choosing the highest published velocity.

308 Ammo Common User Experience

One thing that experienced .308 users often notice is that ammunition will perform differently from rifle to rifle.

Even if the cartridge designations are the same, ammo construction, bullet weight, barrel characteristics, and individual rifle preferences can all differ between two boxes of ammo. And this can lead to noticeably different results in a particular firearm.

A second common observation is that people sometimes pay too much attention to the cartridge name and not enough attention to the complete ammunition spec.

Someone shopping for a 308 rifle bullet size may initially assume all .308 ammunition is pretty much the same because it has the same basic designation. In practice, bullet construction and intended use can be just as important as the caliber designation.

These are general user observations and not a guarantee of performance of any particular ammunition or firearm.

308 Ammo Cost

The price of .308 Winchester ammunition can vary widely depending on the manufacturer, bullet construction, bullet weight, packaging, market conditions, and location. Ammunition prices fluctuate, so it’s not right to set one price and use it as the standard forever.

Cost per round is usually the most useful comparison for consumers trying to compare ammo, as well as the intended application and specs. Purchase and possess ammunition only where legal and through proper channels.

How to Select 308 Ammo for Your Rifle

1. Check the rifle’s chambering: Verify the firearm markings and owner’s manual. The ammunition designation must match the firearm’s chambering.

2. Identify Intended Uses: Find out if the ammunition is for:

* Shooting at targets

* Training

* Hunt

* Sport

Different applications require different projectile designs.

3. Review the Full Specification: Don’t use only the 308 or the weight of the projectile. A full description of the cartridge and projectile can be found in the manufacturer’s specifications.

4. Observe Local Rules: Hunting Ammunition May vary depending on location and species. Regulations should be checked before purchasing or using ammunition for the purpose of hunting.

5. Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions for Firearms: The owner’s manual is an important source of ammunition compatibility and safe operation.

Final Thoughts

308 ammo remains a very popular category of rifle ammunition because of its widespread use in sporting applications and the range of loads available.

First, what does the cartridge mean? 308 Winchester ammo is a standardized centerfire rifle cartridge. The bullet is nominally around .308-.309 inches in diameter, but the complete cartridge dimensions go well beyond the number in its name.

So when you hear people talking about “best” or “fastest 308 ammo,” don’t just look at the ammunition. Look at the firearm’s chambering, intended use, projectile construction, bullet weight, manufacturer specs, and laws that apply.

Having these basic facts gives you a much more useful starting point versus just choosing a cartridge based on one specification if you are researching 308 bullet size, 308 rifle bullet size, 308 FMJ, federal 308 168-grain ammunition, or 308 ammo size comparison.

FAQs

Is 308 the same as 308 Winchester?

When people talk about common ammunition, “308” usually refers to .308 Winchester. The official designation for the cartridge is .308 Winchester.

What size bullet does 308 use?

The .308 Winchester has a nominal bullet diameter of about .308 to .309 inches. SAAMI’s current specification lists the bullet dimension at .309 -.003 inch.

What is 308 ammo used for?

It is often used for sporting purposes, such as target shooting and legal hunting. Ammo depends on the gun and what you plan to use it for.

Will any 308 round fit in any 308 rifle?

Ammunition must be used only when it is chambered for the firearm and meets the manufacturer’s requirements.

FMJ 308 for hunting?

FMJ ammunition is usually associated with target and practice rather than purpose-designed hunting ammunition. Hunting regulations may also limit the types of projectiles.

Does heavier 308 ammo do better?

No. Bullet weight is just one of the characteristics. Other important specifications are projectile construction, intended application, firearm compatibility, etc.

308 Ammo: What Is The Fastest 308 Ammo?

Not so, sir. Published velocity is only a single specification and can vary between rifles and ammunition.

Why are there so many different types of 308 ammo?

The .308 Winchester is used for many sporting purposes. Manufacturers make different bullet weights and projectile constructions for different purposes.