.308/7.62x51mm Prices
| PRODUCT | DEALER | QUANTITY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL PRICE | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Basin Outdoors | 800 | $580.80 | $0.00 | $580.80 |
$0.73
800 Rounds
|
|
| SG Ammo | 500 | $429.75 | $0.00 | $429.75 |
$0.86
500 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $828.71 | $32.79 | $861.50 |
$0.86
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 400 | $386.18 | $13.99 | $400.17 |
$1.00
400 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 200 | $179.40 | $21.99 | $201.39 |
$1.01
200 Rounds
|
|
| BulkAmmo.com | 500 | $499.00 | $21.42 | $520.42 |
$1.04
500 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 400 | $408.35 | $13.99 | $422.34 |
$1.06
400 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 500 | $538.31 | $17.99 | $556.30 |
$1.11
500 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 500 | $605.18 | $8.00 | $613.18 |
$1.23
500 Rounds
|
|
| Black Basin Outdoors | 400 | $491.37 | $10.99 | $502.36 |
$1.26
400 Rounds
|
|
| Lucky Gunner | 500 | $740.00 | $21.73 | $761.73 |
$1.52
500 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 200 | $368.97 | $13.99 | $382.96 |
$1.91
200 Rounds
|
|
| Black Basin Outdoors | 1000 | $2,130.00 | $0.00 | $2,130.00 |
$2.13
1000 Rounds
|
.308/7.62x51mm Overview
The .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO represent two versions of what is essentially the same cartridge, with the .308 Winchester being the commercial variant and the 7.62x51mm NATO its military counterpart. Introduced in 1952, the .308 Winchester became the civilian standard for .30 caliber performance in a modern short-action rifle. When NATO standardized it as the 7.62x51mm in 1954, it became the primary military rifle cartridge for the Western world.
While these cartridges are often considered identical, there are subtle differences in their specifications. Commercial .308 Winchester ammunition is typically loaded to slightly higher pressures than 7.62 NATO, and civilian chambers tend to have tighter tolerances. However, these differences are minor enough that the cartridges are generally considered interchangeable in modern firearms, with the caveat that it's always best to confirm compatibility with your specific firearm's manufacturer. The cartridge, in both its civilian and military forms, has earned its reputation for accuracy, power, and versatility across applications from precision shooting to big game hunting.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Excellent accuracy potential out to 800+ yards
- Widely available in both commercial and military loadings
- Effective for everything from varmints to large game
- Short-action compatibility for lighter, handier rifles
- Extensive selection of bullet weights and styles
Cons
- Significant recoil compared to smaller calibers
- Heavier ammunition weight limits carrying capacity
- More expensive than smaller cartridges like 5.56/.223
- Less flat-shooting than some magnum cartridges
- May be overpowered for smaller game
.308/7.62x51mm Ballistics
The .308/7.62 NATO typically achieves velocities between 2,600-2,800 fps with 150-168 grain bullets, delivering 2,600-2,800 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. Performance remains effective for precision shooting out to 800 yards and beyond, with supersonic flight typically maintained past 1,000 yards. Use our trajectory calculator to customize ballistic data for whatever load you are using.
Similar Calibers Compared
| Caliber | Typical Bullet Weight | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy | Energy at 500 yds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .308 Winchester | 168gr | 2700 fps | 2719 ft-lbs | 1450 ft-lbs |
| .30-06 Springfield | 168gr | 2800 fps | 2923 ft-lbs | 1590 ft-lbs |
| .270 Winchester | 140gr | 2950 fps | 2705 ft-lbs | 1485 ft-lbs |
| 7mm-08 Remington | 140gr | 2800 fps | 2431 ft-lbs | 1375 ft-lbs |
What .308/7.62x51mm Does Best
Precision Shooting
- Excellent accuracy potential with match-grade ammunition, widely used in both civilian and military precision rifles
Big Game Hunting
- Proven effectiveness on all North American game species, with excellent terminal performance and manageable recoil
Military and Law Enforcement
- Standard for designated marksman rifles and medium machine guns, offering good penetration and terminal performance
Types of Projectiles
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
- Standard military ball ammunition and range practice loads, typically 147-150 grains
Match/Open Tip Match (OTM)
- Precision loads optimized for accuracy, typically 168-175 grains
Soft Point (SP)
- Traditional hunting ammunition with reliable expansion
Polymer Tip
- Modern hunting loads with high ballistic coefficients and controlled expansion
Common .308/7.62x51mm Bullet Weights
147-150 grain
- Military ball ammunition and lighter hunting loads with flatter trajectory
165-168 grain
- Popular match grade and hunting weight, good balance of velocity and energy
175-180 grain
- Heavy match and hunting loads with superior wind resistance and terminal performance