.308 Winchester vs 7.62x39mm
Part of our full caliber comparison chart — energy, drop and recoil for every rifle caliber side by side.
The .308 Winchester vs 7.62x39mm comparison matches a full-power rifle cartridge against the Soviet intermediate round. The .308 (150gr at 2,820 fps) delivers 2,232 ft-lbs at 100 yards, nearly doubling the 7.62x39mm's (123gr SP at 2,365 fps) 1,130 ft-lbs. Recoil separates them clearly: the .308 produces 22.2 ft-lbs while the 7.62x39mm generates just 8.22 ft-lbs. The .308 reaches farther with better energy retention, but the 7.62x39mm costs less and allows faster follow-up shots.
Ammunition Parameters
.308 Winchester Parameters (Reference Load)
7.62x39mm Parameters (Reference Load)
.308 Winchester vs 7.62x39mm Ballistics Chart
Comparing bullet drop at various ranges between .308 Winchester and 7.62x39mm.
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.308 Winchester vs 7.62x39mm Energy Comparison
Comparing the muzzle energy and energy retention at various distances between .308 Winchester and 7.62x39mm.
.308 Winchester vs 7.62x39mm Recoil
Comparing recoil energy and impulse between .308 Winchester and 7.62x39mm.
.308 Winchester Recoil (Reference Load)
7.62x39mm Recoil (Reference Load)
Notes:
- Recoil calculations based on bullet weight, velocity, powder charge, and firearm weight
- Recoil energy indicates the felt force when firing the weapon
- Recoil impulse represents momentum transfer during firing
- Actual felt recoil can vary based on grip, stance, and firearm design
.308 Winchester vs 7.62x39mm Velocity
Velocity decay from muzzle to 500 yards for .308 Winchester and 7.62x39mm.
.308 Winchester vs 7.62x39mm Average Cost
Comparing cost per round and training affordability between .308 Winchester and 7.62x39mm.
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