The 308 Winchester can do a bit of everything. It hunts deer and elk, wins matches, and runs in bolt guns and AR-10s alike. Because it does so much, 308 ballistics cover a wide band. A 110-grain copper bullet and a 200-grain subsonic round share almost nothing but the case. This guide pulls the published numbers from across our 308 shelves, explains how to read them, and helps you match bullet weight to the job.
308 Winchester Basics
Winchester introduced the 308 in 1952. It is a short-action cartridge that fires a .308-inch bullet. The military version, 7.62x51mm NATO, was adopted soon after. The two share outside dimensions but are loaded to their own specs. Most modern 308 rifles are fine with both, but check your rifle maker’s guidance before you mix them.
The 308 is the parent of several hunting rounds. The 243 Winchester and 7mm-08 Remington are both 308 cases necked down. See our 7mm-08 Remington ballistic data guide for one of its children.
308 Ballistics by Bullet Weight
This table runs from light to heavy across the loads we carry, across brands. All numbers are maker-published muzzle data.
| Load | Bullet | Grain | Muzzle velocity (fps) | Muzzle energy (ft-lbs) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnes Reduced Recoil 308 110 Grain TTSX | Barnes Tipped Triple-Shock X (TTSX) Polymer Tip | 110 | 2,910 | 2,069 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Custom Lite 308 125 Grain SST | Hornady SST Polymer Tip | 125 | 2,675 | 1,986 | 20-round box |
| Barnes Vortex 308 130 Grain TTSX Lead-Free | Barnes Tipped Triple-Shock X (TTSX) Polymer Tip | 130 | 3,125 | 2,818 | 20-round box |
| Federal American Eagle 308 150 Grain FMJ | Full Metal Jacket | 150 | 2,820 | 2,648 | 20-round box |
| Remington Core-Lokt 308 150 Grain Soft Point | Core-Lokt Jacketed Soft Point | 150 | 2,820 | 2,648 | 200 rounds (10 boxes of 20) |
| Hornady Superformance 308 150 Grain SST | Hornady SST Polymer Tip | 150 | 3,000 | 2,997 | 20-round box |
| Hornady CX 308 150 Grain Superformance Lead-Free | Hornady CX Polymer Tip (monolithic copper) | 150 | 2,900 | 2,801 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Critical Defense 308 155 Grain FTX | Hornady FTX Polymer Tip | 155 | 2,785 | 2,669 | 20-round box |
| Hornady 308 165 SST Superformance | Hornady SST Polymer Tip | 165 | 2,840 | 2,955 | 20-round box |
| Federal Trophy Bonded Tip 308 165 Grain | Trophy Bonded Tip Bonded Polymer Tip | 165 | 2,700 | 2,671 | 20-round box |
| Hornady 308 168 ELD Match | Hornady ELD Match Polymer Tip | 168 | 2,700 | 2,719 | 20-round box |
| Federal Gold Medal Match 308 168 Grain SMK | Sierra MatchKing Jacketed Hollow Point | 168 | 2,650 | 2,619 | 200 rounds (10 boxes of 20) |
| 308 Terminal Ascent Federal 175 Grain Bonded Tip | Terminal Ascent Bonded Polymer Tip | 175 | 2,600 | 2,626 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Precision Hunter 308 178 Grain ELD-X | Hornady ELD-X Polymer Tip | 178 | 2,600 | 2,672 | 20-round box |
| Federal Power Shok 308 180 Grain Soft Point | Jacketed Soft Point | 180 | 2,620 | 2,743 | 200 rounds (10 boxes of 20) |
| Federal Gold Medal 308 Juggernaut 185 Grain | Berger Match Juggernaut Target Jacketed Hollow Point | 185 | 2,600 | 2,777 | 20-round box |
| Lapua Subsonic 308 200 Grain FMJ | Full Metal Jacket | 200 | 1,066 | 506 | 20-round box |
Notice the spread. The Barnes VOR-TX 130 grain TTSX lists 3,125 fps and 2,818 ft-lbs. The Federal Power-Shok 180 grain lists 2,620 fps and 2,743 ft-lbs. At the far end, the Lapua subsonic 200 grain FMJ lists 1,066 fps and 506 ft-lbs.
How to Read 308 Ballistics
Muzzle velocity is the bullet’s speed at the barrel in feet per second. Muzzle energy is its work capacity in foot-pounds. The math squares the speed, so a faster load gains energy quickly.
Compare two Hornady loads. The Custom Lite 125 grain SST lists 2,675 fps and 1,986 ft-lbs. The Superformance 150 grain SST lists 3,000 fps and 2,997 ft-lbs. The second load is heavier and faster, so it posts far more energy.
Muzzle numbers are only the start. Bullets with a high ballistic coefficient, like ELD-X, Terminal Ascent and Berger designs, hold speed better as they fly. Check the maker’s chart for downrange speed and energy before a long shot.
Short barrels, cold days and high country
The 308 often runs in short barrels, from 16-inch AR-10s to 18 and 20-inch scout and hunting rifles. Factory numbers usually come from longer test barrels, often 24 inches, so expect less speed from a short gun. Cold weather slows the powder burn. Thin air at altitude means less drag. Chronograph your own rifle to learn its real numbers.
Bullet Weight by Use
110 to 130 grains: light recoil and fast deer loads
The Barnes Reduced Recoil 110 grain TTSX lists 2,910 fps and 2,069 ft-lbs. It is easy on young shooters. Light, fast bullets also suit hogs and coyotes.
150 grains: the deer standard
The Remington Core-Lokt 150 grain lists 2,820 fps and 2,648 ft-lbs. Most 150-grain hunting loads land close to that figure. Pick the bullet type to match your game and range.
165 to 168 grains: deer, elk and match
This weight works for hunting and for targets. For elk, the Federal Trophy Bonded Tip 165 grain lists 2,700 fps and 2,671 ft-lbs. For matches, the Federal Gold Medal 168 grain lists 2,650 fps and 2,619 ft-lbs.
175 to 185 grains: big game and long range
The Hornady Precision Hunter 178 grain ELD-X lists 2,600 fps and 2,672 ft-lbs. The Federal Gold Medal Juggernaut 185 grain lists 2,600 fps and 2,777 ft-lbs for long-range targets.
Subsonic: 175 to 200 grains
Subsonic loads trade speed for low noise with a suppressor. Read our subsonic 308 ammo guide before you buy.
Hunting rules on caliber, bullet type and lead vary by state. Check your state’s rules before the season.
Can a 308 Match 30-06 Ballistics?
Not fully, since the 30-06 has a bigger case. But modern powders close the gap. The 308 Hornady Superformance 165 grain SST lists 2,840 fps and 2,955 ft-lbs. The 30-06 Remington Core-Lokt 165 grain lists 2,800 fps and 2,872 ft-lbs. With heavy bullets, the 30-06 still pulls ahead. Our 30-06 Springfield ballistic data guide has the full picture.
308 vs 270 and 30-30
Which has better ballistics, the 308 or the 270? The 270 fires a lighter, smaller bullet faster from a long action, so it shoots a bit flatter. The 308 gives you heavier bullets and a short action. For deer, both are fine.
The 30-30 is a different class. It fires the same diameter bullet at lower speed with blunt tips for tube magazines. The 308 runs far faster and uses pointed bullets.
Shop 308 Ammo
Browse every brand and bullet in our 308 ammo category, from FMJ range loads to copper hunting rounds and match ammo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ballistics of a 308?
It depends on the load. Among the 308 loads we carry, published muzzle speeds run from 1,000 fps for the Sellier & Bellot 200 grain subsonic to 3,125 fps for the Barnes VOR-TX 130 grain TTSX. Most 150-grain hunting loads list about 2,820 fps.
Which has better ballistics, 308 or 30-06?
The 30-06 has a larger case, so it pushes heavy bullets faster. With modern loads the gap narrows: the 308 Superformance 165 grain SST lists 2,840 fps, while the 30-06 Core-Lokt 165 grain lists 2,800 fps. The 308 fits a short action.
What has better ballistics, 308 or 270?
The 270 fires a lighter, smaller bullet faster, so it usually shoots a little flatter. The 308 offers heavier bullets, a short action and a deeper choice of match and range ammo. For deer at normal ranges, either one works well.
What is the difference between 30-30 and 308 ballistics?
The 308 runs at higher pressure and much higher speed. In our stock, the 308 Core-Lokt 150 grain lists 2,820 fps, while the 30-30 Core-Lokt 150 grain lists 2,390 fps. The 30-30 also uses flat or soft-tip bullets for tube magazines.
Is 308 the same as 7.62×51 NATO?
They share outside dimensions but are loaded to different specs. Many 308 rifles can fire both, but some makers advise against it. Check your rifle’s manual or ask the maker before you mix them. Never fire either in a rifle not chambered for it.
