Hornady makes its own bullets, and that shows in its 308 lineup. SST, ELD-X, ELD Match, CX, InterLock, A-Max and FTX all come out of the same shop. That gives you a lot of choice, and maybe too much. This guide sorts the Hornady 308 ammo we stock by what you plan to do with it, with Hornady’s published speed and energy for each load.
The Full Hornady 308 Lineup
All numbers below are Hornady’s published muzzle figures. Each load links to its product page.
| Load | Bullet | Grain | Muzzle velocity (fps) | Muzzle energy (ft-lbs) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady American Gunner 308 155 Grain JHP | Jacketed Hollow Point | 155 | 2,700 | 2,509 | 50-round box |
| Hornady Black 308 155 Grain A-Max | Hornady A-Max Polymer Tip | 155 | 2,850 | 2,795 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Black 308 168 Grain A-Max | Hornady A-Max Polymer Tip | 168 | 2,700 | 2,719 | 20-round box |
| Hornady 308 168 ELD Match | Hornady ELD Match Polymer Tip | 168 | 2,700 | 2,719 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Match 308 168 Grain BTHP | Jacketed Hollow Point | 168 | 2,700 | 2,719 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Match 308 178 Grain BTHP | Jacketed Hollow Point | 178 | 2,600 | 2,672 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Superformance Match 308 168 Grain ELD Match | Hornady ELD Match Polymer Tip | 168 | 2,840 | 3,008 | 20-round box |
| Hornady American Whitetail 308 150 Grain InterLock SP | Hornady InterLock Jacketed Soft Point | 150 | 2,820 | 2,649 | 20-round box |
| Hornady American Whitetail 308 165 Grain InterLock SP | Hornady InterLock Jacketed Soft Point | 165 | 2,700 | 2,670 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Custom 308 150 Grain SST | Hornady SST Polymer Tip | 150 | 2,820 | 2,648 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Custom Lite 308 125 Grain SST | Hornady SST Polymer Tip | 125 | 2,675 | 1,986 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Superformance 308 150 Grain SST | Hornady SST Polymer Tip | 150 | 3,000 | 2,997 | 20-round box |
| Hornady 308 165 SST Superformance | Hornady SST Polymer Tip | 165 | 2,840 | 2,955 | 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 Superformance 308 165 CX Lead-Free | Hornady CX Polymer Tip (monolithic copper) | 165 | 2,750 | 2,771 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Outfitter 308 150 Grain CX Lead-Free | Hornady CX Polymer Tip (monolithic copper) | 150 | 2,800 | 2,611 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Outfitter 308 165 Grain CX Lead-Free | Hornady CX Polymer Tip (monolithic copper) | 165 | 2,610 | 2,496 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Precision Hunter 308 178 Grain ELD-X | Hornady ELD-X Polymer Tip | 178 | 2,600 | 2,672 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Critical Defense 308 155 Grain FTX | Hornady FTX Polymer Tip | 155 | 2,785 | 2,669 | 20-round box |
“I Just Want to Shoot”: Practice and Plinking
For range time, look at American Gunner and Black. The American Gunner 155 grain JHP comes in a 50-round box and lists 2,700 fps and 2,509 ft-lbs. The Black line uses A-Max polymer-tip bullets. The Black 155 grain A-Max lists 2,850 fps and 2,795 ft-lbs. Both are good for steel, paper and getting to know a new rifle.
“I Hunt Whitetail”: American Whitetail, Custom and Superformance
American Whitetail
This is Hornady’s no-frills deer line. It uses the InterLock soft point, which has a ring inside the jacket to lock the core in place. The American Whitetail 150 grain lists 2,820 fps and 2,649 ft-lbs. The American Whitetail 165 grain lists 2,700 fps and 2,670 ft-lbs.
Custom and Custom Lite
Custom loads use the SST, a polymer-tip bullet that opens fast. The Custom 150 grain SST lists 2,820 fps and 2,648 ft-lbs. Custom Lite is the reduced-recoil option. The Custom Lite 125 grain SST lists 2,675 fps and 1,986 ft-lbs. It is a good pick for young or new hunters.
Superformance
Superformance uses Hornady’s special powder blends to add speed without a longer barrel. Compare the two 150-grain SST loads. The Custom lists 2,820 fps. The Superformance 150 grain SST lists 3,000 fps and 2,997 ft-lbs. That extra speed flattens the path and adds energy.
“I Hunt Elk or Shoot Long”: Precision Hunter
Precision Hunter uses the ELD-X, a sleek bullet with a heat-resistant tip. It is built to hold its shape in flight and open well at long range. The Precision Hunter 178 grain ELD-X lists 2,600 fps and 2,672 ft-lbs. That heavier bullet suits elk and other big game where shots can stretch.
“I Need Lead-Free”: CX in Superformance and Outfitter
The CX is a solid copper alloy bullet with a polymer tip. It holds most of its weight and goes deep. Some areas require lead-free bullets, so this line matters.
- The Superformance CX 150 grain lists 2,900 fps and 2,801 ft-lbs.
- The Superformance CX 165 grain lists 2,750 fps and 2,771 ft-lbs.
- The Outfitter CX 150 grain lists 2,800 fps and 2,611 ft-lbs.
- The Outfitter CX 165 grain lists 2,610 fps and 2,496 ft-lbs.
Outfitter is built for hunters who travel and hunt in rough weather. Laws on lead and bullet type vary, so check your state’s hunting rules.
“I Shoot Matches”: Match and Superformance Match
Hornady’s match line uses BTHP and ELD Match bullets made for tight groups and steady flight. The Match 168 grain ELD Match lists 2,700 fps and 2,719 ft-lbs. The Match 178 grain BTHP lists 2,600 fps and 2,672 ft-lbs. Want more speed? The Superformance Match 168 grain ELD Match lists 2,840 fps and 3,008 ft-lbs. Match bullets are not made for hunting, so keep them on the range.
“I Want a Defensive Load”: Critical Defense
The Critical Defense 155 grain FTX lists 2,785 fps and 2,669 ft-lbs. Hornady built it for defensive use in rifles. A 308 has a lot of penetration, so think about what is behind and beyond your target. Laws on self-defense and ammunition vary, so check your state and local rules.
How to Pick Hornady 308 Ammo
Start with the job, then the bullet. Here is a quick path:
- Practice: American Gunner or Black.
- Whitetail: American Whitetail, Custom or Superformance.
- Elk and long range: Precision Hunter.
- Lead-free: Superformance CX or Outfitter.
- Competition: Match or Superformance Match.
Then test two or three loads in your rifle. Accuracy varies from barrel to barrel. For more on reading speed and energy, see our 308 Winchester ballistics guide. To compare brands, check our Federal 308 ammo guide.
Shop Hornady 308 Ammo
Browse every load in our Hornady 308 ammo collection, or see all brands in the 308 ammo category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ammo for 308?
It depends on the job. For whitetail, a soft point or SST like Hornady American Whitetail or Superformance works well. For elk, use a tougher bullet like ELD-X or CX. For matches, use ELD Match. Test a few loads to see what your rifle shoots best.
Is Hornady Black 308 good for hunting?
Hornady Black 308 uses A-Max bullets, a match-style design. For deer and larger game, Hornady builds dedicated hunting lines such as American Whitetail, Superformance and Precision Hunter. Check Hornady’s page for each load’s intended use, and follow your state’s hunting rules.
What is Hornady 308 Outfitter ammo?
Outfitter is Hornady’s lead-free line for hunters who travel and hunt in tough weather. It uses the CX solid copper bullet with a polymer tip. In our stock, the Outfitter 165 grain CX lists 2,610 fps. Check your state’s rules on lead-free hunting.
Can I hunt with Hornady Match 308?
Match bullets are built for accuracy, not for reliable expansion on game. Hornady makes separate hunting lines like Precision Hunter, American Whitetail and Superformance. Use those for hunting, and keep Match and ELD Match loads for targets.
What 308 ammo is good for long range?
For targets, Hornady ELD Match and Superformance Match use high-BC bullets that hold speed and resist wind. For long-range hunting, Precision Hunter with the 178-grain ELD-X is built to open at distance. Practice and a known zero matter more than the box.
