Walk into any deer camp and you will find a box of green-and-yellow Core-Lokt. Remington’s soft point has been around since 1939, and for many hunters it is simply “deer ammo.” But Remington 308 ammo now goes well past Core-Lokt. There are polymer tips, copper bullets, a bonded premium load and match rounds too. Here is how the lines we carry compare, with Remington’s published numbers and the job each one does best.
Remington 308 Lineup With Best Uses
All figures are Remington’s published muzzle data. Click a load to open its product page.
| Load | Bullet | Grain | Muzzle velocity (fps) | Muzzle energy (ft-lbs) | Pack | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remington UMC 308 150 Grain FMJ | Full Metal Jacket | 150 | 2,820 | 2,648 | 40-round box | Practice, steel, paper |
| Remington Core-Lokt 308 150 Grain Soft Point | Core-Lokt Jacketed Soft Point | 150 | 2,820 | 2,648 | 200 rounds (10 boxes of 20) | Whitetail, bulk buyers |
| Remington Core-Lokt 308 180 Grain Soft Point | Core-Lokt Jacketed Soft Point | 180 | 2,620 | 2,743 | 20-round box | Bigger deer, black bear |
| Remington Core-Lokt 308 180 PSP | Core-Lokt Pointed Soft Point | 180 | 2,620 | 2,743 | 200 rounds (10 boxes of 20) | Bigger deer, bulk buyers |
| Remington Core-Lokt Tipped 308 150 Grain | Polymer Tip | 150 | 2,840 | 2,686 | 20-round box | Deer at longer range |
| Remington Core-Lokt Tipped 308 165 Grain | Polymer Tip | 165 | 2,700 | 2,671 | 20-round box | Deer, hogs |
| Remington Core-Lokt Tipped 308 180 Grain | Polymer Tip | 180 | 2,640 | 2,785 | 20-round box | Elk, larger game |
| Remington Core-Lokt Copper 308 150 Grain | Copper Solid Hollow Point (lead-free) | 150 | 2,820 | 2,648 | 20-round box | Lead-free areas |
| Remington Premier CuT 308 165 Grain Copper | Copper Polymer Tip (lead-free) | 165 | 2,700 | 2,671 | 20-round box | Lead-free, bigger game |
| Remington Premier 308 Scirocco II 165 Grain | Swift Scirocco II Bonded Polymer Tip | 165 | 2,700 | 2,670 | 20-round box | Elk, long shots |
| Remington Premier Match 308 168 Grain SMK | Sierra MatchKing Jacketed Hollow Point | 168 | 2,680 | 2,679 | 20-round box | Match, targets |
| Remington Premier Match 308 175 Grain SMK | Sierra MatchKing Jacketed Hollow Point | 175 | 2,609 | 2,644 | 20-round box | Match, longer range |
Core-Lokt: The Old Standby
The Core-Lokt bullet has a jacket that is thicker at the base. That helps lock the lead core in place as the bullet mushrooms. The result is steady, predictable expansion on deer.
The Core-Lokt 150 grain soft point lists 2,820 fps and 2,648 ft-lbs and comes in a 200-round pack. That makes it easy to zero, practice and hunt with the same load all season. For bigger deer and black bear, the Core-Lokt 180 grain soft point lists 2,620 fps and 2,743 ft-lbs. A pointed version, the Core-Lokt 180 grain PSP, also comes in a 200-round pack.
Core-Lokt Tipped: A Sleeker Shape
Core-Lokt Tipped adds a polymer tip and a bonded core. The tip improves the shape in flight and starts expansion. The bond helps the bullet hold together.
Look at the 150-grain loads side by side. The Core-Lokt soft point lists 2,820 fps. The Core-Lokt Tipped 150 grain lists 2,840 fps and 2,686 ft-lbs. The real gain shows downrange, where the tipped bullet holds speed better. For elk, the Core-Lokt Tipped 180 grain lists 2,640 fps and 2,785 ft-lbs.
Lead-Free Options: Core-Lokt Copper and Premier CuT
Some states and areas require lead-free bullets. Remington offers two copper choices in 308.
- The Core-Lokt Copper 150 grain uses a solid copper hollow point. It lists 2,820 fps and 2,648 ft-lbs.
- The Premier CuT 165 grain uses a copper bullet with a polymer tip. It lists 2,700 fps and 2,671 ft-lbs.
Copper bullets keep most of their weight, so they tend to penetrate deep. They are longer than lead bullets of the same weight, so check that your rifle groups them well. Laws vary, so check your state’s hunting rules.
Premier Scirocco II: The Long-Range Hunter
The Premier Scirocco II 165 grain uses a Swift Scirocco II bullet. It has a bonded core, a polymer tip and a boat tail. It lists 2,700 fps and 2,670 ft-lbs. It is a good pick for elk, mule deer and open-country hunts where shots may be long.
Practice and Match: UMC and Premier Match
UMC
UMC is Remington’s range line. The UMC 150 grain FMJ comes in a 40-round box and lists 2,820 fps and 2,648 ft-lbs. Use it for practice only. FMJ bullets don’t expand and are not legal for big game in many states.
Premier Match
Premier Match uses Sierra MatchKing bullets. The Premier Match 168 grain lists 2,680 fps and 2,679 ft-lbs. The Premier Match 175 grain lists 2,609 fps and 2,644 ft-lbs and holds speed a bit better at distance. Keep match bullets on the range, since they are not built for game.
How to Choose Remington 308 Ammo
Ask three questions:
- What are you shooting? Deer, elk, paper or steel decides the bullet type.
- How far? Tipped and bonded bullets hold up better at longer range.
- Do you need lead-free? If so, pick Core-Lokt Copper or Premier CuT.
Then try a box or two in your rifle. A load that groups well in one barrel may not in another. For a deeper look at the numbers, read our 308 Winchester ballistics guide. Want to see how Remington compares with another maker? Our Federal 308 ammo guide covers Power-Shok and Fusion.
Shop Remington 308 Ammo
See every load in our Remington 308 ammo collection, or browse all brands in the 308 ammo category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Remington Core-Lokt good for deer?
Yes. Core-Lokt soft points have a long record on whitetail and mule deer. The jacket is thicker at the base to help the core stay put as the bullet opens. In our stock, the Core-Lokt 150 grain lists 2,820 fps. Check your state’s hunting rules.
What is the difference between Core-Lokt and Core-Lokt Tipped?
Core-Lokt is a classic soft point. Core-Lokt Tipped adds a polymer tip and a bonded core. The tip gives a sleeker shape that holds speed better downrange, and the bond helps the bullet hold together. Tipped loads suit longer shots.
What grain 308 is best for deer?
A 150-grain bullet is the common deer choice in the 308. It shoots flat and opens well on thin-skinned game. Use 165 to 180 grains for bigger deer, black bear or elk. Pick bullet construction to match the game and follow local laws.
Is Remington UMC 308 good for hunting?
No. UMC uses full metal jacket bullets made for practice. They don’t expand, and many states ban them for big game. For hunting, use Core-Lokt, Core-Lokt Tipped, Premier Scirocco II or a copper load like Premier CuT.
Is a Remington 700 308 a short action?
Yes. The 308 Winchester is a short-action cartridge, so a Remington 700 in 308 uses a short action. The same action length fits the 243 and 7mm-08. Always fire only ammo that matches the chambering stamped on your barrel.
