Federal loads the 308 Winchester for almost every job: cheap range days, deer season, elk trips and match shooting. The catch is that the names can blur together. Power-Shok, Fusion, Terminal Ascent, Gold Medal… which one do you want? This guide walks through the Federal 308 ammo we carry, line by line, with the maker’s published numbers and a plain take on what each load is for.
Federal 308 Ammo at a Glance
Here is the lineup in one table. Numbers are Federal’s published muzzle figures. Click any load to see the product page.
| Load | Bullet | Grain | Muzzle velocity (fps) | Muzzle energy (ft-lbs) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal American Eagle 308 150 Grain FMJ | Full Metal Jacket | 150 | 2,820 | 2,648 | 20-round box |
| Federal Power Shok 308 150 Grain Soft Point | Jacketed Soft Point | 150 | 2,820 | 2,648 | 200 rounds (10 boxes of 20) |
| Federal Power Shok 308 180 Grain Soft Point | Jacketed Soft Point | 180 | 2,620 | 2,743 | 200 rounds (10 boxes of 20) |
| Federal Power Shok Copper 308 150 Grain Lead-Free | Copper Solid Hollow Point (lead-free) | 150 | 2,820 | 2,648 | 20-round box |
| Federal Fusion 308 150 Grain Bonded Soft Point | Bonded Jacketed Soft Point | 150 | 2,820 | 2,650 | 20-round box |
| Federal Fusion 308 165 Grain Bonded | Bonded Round Nose | 165 | 2,700 | 2,670 | 20-round box |
| Federal Fusion Tipped 308 180 Grain Bonded Tip | Bonded Polymer Tip | 180 | 2,600 | 2,702 | 20-round box |
| Federal Trophy Bonded Tip 308 165 Grain | Trophy Bonded Tip Bonded Polymer Tip | 165 | 2,700 | 2,671 | 20-round box |
| Federal Trophy Copper 308 150 Grain Lead-Free | Federal Trophy Copper Polymer Tip (lead-free) | 150 | 2,820 | 2,648 | 20-round box |
| Federal 308 150 Barnes TSX Lead-Free | Barnes Triple-Shock X Solid Hollow Point (lead-free) | 150 | 2,820 | 2,648 | 20-round box |
| 308 Terminal Ascent Federal 175 Grain Bonded Tip | Terminal Ascent Bonded Polymer Tip | 175 | 2,600 | 2,626 | 20-round box |
| Federal Berger Hybrid Hunter 308 168 Grain | Berger Hybrid Hunter Jacketed Hollow Point | 168 | 2,700 | 2,719 | 20-round box |
| Federal Premium 308 ELD-X 178 Grain | Hornady ELD-X Polymer Tip | 178 | 2,610 | 2,692 | 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) |
| Federal Gold Medal Centerstrike 308 168 Grain OTM | Open Tip Match Jacketed Hollow Point | 168 | 2,650 | 2,619 | 20-round box |
| Federal Gold Medal 308 Juggernaut 185 Grain | Berger Match Juggernaut Target Jacketed Hollow Point | 185 | 2,600 | 2,777 | 20-round box |
Notice how close many of the numbers are. Most 150-grain Federal loads list 2,820 fps and about 2,648 ft-lbs. The difference between them is the bullet, not the speed. That is the key to choosing.
Range and Practice: American Eagle
American Eagle is Federal’s range line. The American Eagle 150 grain FMJ lists 2,820 fps and 2,648 ft-lbs. A full metal jacket bullet does not expand, so it is for paper, steel and practice only. Don’t use FMJ for hunting. Many states ban it for big game anyway.
Shooting an AR-10 or a bolt gun for practice? FMJ is a low-cost way to build skill before you switch to your hunting load to confirm zero.
Deer Hunting: Power-Shok and Fusion
Power-Shok
Power-Shok is the classic cup-and-core soft point. It opens fast and works well on whitetail at normal ranges. The Power-Shok 150 grain soft point lists 2,820 fps and 2,648 ft-lbs. The Power-Shok 180 grain soft point lists 2,620 fps and 2,743 ft-lbs and suits bigger deer and black bear. Both come in 200-round packs, handy for hunters who shoot a lot.
Fusion
Fusion is built for deer. The jacket is electro-chemically bonded to the core, so the bullet holds together better than a basic soft point. The Fusion 150 grain bonded soft point lists 2,820 fps and 2,650 ft-lbs. The Fusion Tipped 180 grain adds a polymer tip and lists 2,600 fps and 2,702 ft-lbs.
Big Game and Long Range: Premium Bullets
Terminal Ascent
Terminal Ascent is a bonded, polymer-tipped bullet with a sleek shape. It is meant to open at long range and still hold together up close. The Terminal Ascent 175 grain lists 2,600 fps and 2,626 ft-lbs.
Trophy Bonded Tip
This one is built for tough game. The Trophy Bonded Tip 165 grain lists 2,700 fps and 2,671 ft-lbs. A bonded front and solid shank help it drive deep on elk and moose.
Partner bullets: Berger and Hornady
Federal also loads other makers’ bullets. The Federal Berger Hybrid Hunter 168 grain lists 2,700 fps and 2,719 ft-lbs and favors long shots. The Federal Premium ELD-X 178 grain lists 2,610 fps and 2,692 ft-lbs.
Lead-Free Federal 308 Loads
Some areas require lead-free bullets for hunting. Federal offers three copper options in 308. The Trophy Copper 150 grain uses a polymer tip and lists 2,820 fps and 2,648 ft-lbs. The Federal Premium Barnes TSX 150 grain lists 2,820 fps and 2,648 ft-lbs. The Power-Shok Copper 150 grain is the budget choice and lists the same speed.
Copper bullets keep most of their weight and penetrate deep. Laws on lead vary, so check your state’s rules before you hunt.
Match Shooting: Gold Medal
Gold Medal is Federal’s match line. It uses premium bullets and tight quality control for accuracy. The Gold Medal 168 grain Sierra MatchKing lists 2,650 fps and 2,619 ft-lbs. The 175-grain version holds speed a little better at distance. The Gold Medal Juggernaut 185 grain lists 2,600 fps and 2,777 ft-lbs and uses a Berger bullet with a high ballistic coefficient.
Gold Medal Centerstrike is a newer match option with open-tip bullets. The Centerstrike 168 grain OTM lists 2,650 fps and 2,619 ft-lbs. Match bullets are not built for hunting, so keep them on the range.
How to Choose Your Federal 308 Ammo
- Practice: American Eagle FMJ.
- Whitetail on a budget: Power-Shok 150 grain.
- Deer with a tougher bullet: Fusion or Fusion Tipped.
- Elk, moose and mixed ranges: Terminal Ascent or Trophy Bonded Tip.
- Lead-free areas: Trophy Copper, Barnes TSX or Power-Shok Copper.
- Targets and competition: Gold Medal.
Buy a few boxes and test them in your own rifle. Every barrel has its favorites. For a deeper look at velocity and energy, read our 308 Winchester ballistics guide. Want to compare brands? See our Hornady 308 ammo guide.
Shop Federal 308 Ammo
Browse the full Federal 308 ammo collection, or see every brand in our 308 ammo category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Federal 308 ammo for deer?
For most whitetail hunts, Power-Shok 150 grain or Fusion 150 grain are simple, effective picks. Fusion’s bonded bullet holds together better on close shots. For long shots, look at Terminal Ascent. Test a few in your rifle and check your state’s hunting rules.
What 308 ammo does the military use?
The military uses 7.62x51mm NATO, which shares its dimensions with the 308 Winchester but is loaded to its own specs. Most modern 308 rifles are fine with both, but check your rifle maker’s guidance first. For hunting, use expanding bullets, not military FMJ.
What is 308 ammo good for?
The 308 Winchester suits deer, black bear, hogs and, with tough bullets, elk. It is also a common target and match round. Federal covers each use with separate lines, from American Eagle FMJ for practice to Gold Medal for competition and Terminal Ascent for big game.
Is Federal Gold Medal good for hunting?
No. Gold Medal uses match bullets built for accuracy, not for controlled expansion on game. They may not open reliably or may break up. For hunting, use a Federal line made for it, such as Fusion, Terminal Ascent or Trophy Copper.
