.308 Winchester
Also called: .308 Win, 7.62x51 NATO (similar), three-oh-eight
A short-action, all-purpose big-game cartridge with an enormous range of ammunition, a go-to for deer, hogs, and (with good bullets) elk.
- Type
- Centerfire Rifle
- Bullet diameter
- .308 in
- Case length
- 2.015 in
- Overall length
- 2.81 in
- Typical bullet weights
- 150 to 180 grains (up to about 200)
- Typical muzzle velocity
- About 2,500 to 2,850 fps
- Recoil
- Moderate recoil
- Quarry
- Deer, hogs & pronghorn, Elk & moose
- Typical range
- Deer and hogs to about 300 to 400 yards; elk with premium bullets and closer shots
- Availability
- Very common
What it is good for
- Deer, hogs, black bear, and most mid-sized big game.
- Elk when paired with a quality bullet and good placement.
- Hunters who want a widely available cartridge with many loadings.
Where it falls short
- Its trajectory is not as flat as newer cartridges, so range matters more.
- Recoil is firmer than a .243 or 6.5 Creedmoor, though still manageable.
- It is somewhat light for the very largest game.
Easily confused with
- 7.62x51mm NATO: military cartridge very similar in size and used in the same rifles, but loaded to slightly different pressures; check your rifle's marking and manual.
- .30-06 Springfield: a longer case with a bit more power; both use the same bullet width.
Field notes
Introduced in 1952, the .308 Winchester became one of the most popular hunting cartridges in North America. Short actions are lighter, and the range of factory loads is nearly endless.
Related guides
Numbers are typical factory-load figures, not guarantees. Use only ammunition that matches the cartridge stamped on your firearm and is made by a reputable manufacturer, and follow the manual. Legal game cartridges, minimum calibers, and non-toxic shot rules differ by state and area. Check your state's current regulations; our state resources directory links to each state's official rules. Not sure which rifle to buy? Try our hunting rifle wizard.