.308/7.62x51mm Ammo 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.

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

Popular Manufacturers

Commercial Manufacturers

• Federal Premium: Gold Medal Match and hunting loads
• Hornady: Match, Precision Hunter, and ELD-X offerings
• Winchester: Match and Power-Point hunting ammunition
• Nosler: Match Grade and Trophy Grade options
• Barnes: VOR-TX hunting loads with solid copper bullets

Military/Surplus Manufacturers

• Lake City: Standard US military ammunition
• PMC: Military specification ammunition
• Prvi Partizan: Military style ammunition
• Sellier & Bellot: NATO-spec ammunition
• ZQI: Military surplus ammunition

.308/7.62x51mm History

The .308 Winchester was developed in 1952 as a shorter, more efficient replacement for the legendary .30-06 Springfield. It offered similar performance in a more compact package suited to modern short-action rifles. Winchester's development focused on creating a cartridge that would excel in both sporting and tactical applications.

NATO's adoption of the nearly identical 7.62x51mm cartridge in 1954 marked a significant milestone. This round became the standard battle rifle cartridge for NATO forces, chambered in iconic firearms like the M14, FN FAL, and G3. While most military forces have since transitioned to intermediate cartridges like 5.56 NATO for infantry rifles, the 7.62 NATO remains the standard for designated marksman rifles and medium machine guns.

The commercial .308 Winchester has maintained its popularity through the decades, becoming one of the most successful sporting cartridges ever developed. Its effectiveness in both hunting and precision shooting applications has made it the benchmark against which other .30 caliber cartridges are measured. The cartridge's dual development path - commercial and military - has contributed to an extensive body of knowledge about its performance and an unmatched variety of factory ammunition options.

Today, both variants continue to serve with distinction in military, law enforcement, hunting, and competition roles. The cartridge's combination of accuracy, power, and reasonable recoil, along with its extensive ammunition availability, ensures its position as a standard for .30 caliber performance.