308 AMMO AND 7.62X51 AMMO

About 308 / 7.62x51 Ammo

The 308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges are two of the most respected and widely used rifle rounds in the world, sharing a common origin but serving both civilian and military purposes.

308 ammo was first introduced in 1952 by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company as a commercial hunting round, designed from the same roots as the military’s 7.62x51 ammo, which was officially adopted by NATO forces in 1954 to replace the heavier .30-06 Springfield cartridge used in World War II.

While the two cartridges are dimensionally similar, they differ slightly in case thickness, chamber pressure, and intended use.

The 308 Winchester is typically loaded to higher commercial pressures, offering excellent performance for hunting and long-range shooting.

Importantly, 308 rifles can safely chamber and fire 7.62x51, but the reverse is not always safe due to the higher pressures of commercial 308 loads.

Both cartridges are celebrated for their accuracy, manageable recoil, and effective terminal ballistics.

Originally used in rifles like the M14 and FN FAL and still seen in machine guns and designated marksman rifles today, the 7.62x51mm proved effective at ranges up to 800 meters, while 308 Win quickly became a favorite among hunters, sport shooters, and precision marksmen.

Thanks to ongoing advancements in bullet design, powder efficiency, and match-grade manufacturing, the 308/7.62x51 has only grown in capability and appeal.

It is now a go-to choice not only for big game hunting across North America, but also for law enforcement snipers, military sharpshooters, and competitive long-range shooters.

Today, it remains one of the most accessible and versatile rifle rounds on the market, with ammunition available in a wide range of types.

From FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) and soft point hunting rounds to BTHP (Boat Tail Hollow Point) match ammo and armor-piercing military-grade loads.

Whether you're out in the field or on the range, the 308/7.62x51 ammo continues to deliver proven performance backed by decades of trusted use.

 

308 / 7.62x51 Ammo Features

The 308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges are celebrated for their balance of precision, power, and adaptability, making them a top-tier choice for hunters, competitive shooters, and tactical users alike.

Here are the key features that set this round apart:

Accuracy
The 308/7.62x51 is widely known for its exceptional accuracy, especially when paired with quality rifles and optics. Whether you're engaging targets at the range or tracking game in open terrain, this cartridge is capable of reliable precision at both medium and long distances.

Stopping Power
Thanks to its heavy bullet weight and consistent velocity, the .308 delivers impressive stopping power. It's an excellent choice for hunting medium to large game such as deer, hogs, and even elk, ensuring deep penetration and clean, ethical kills.

Versatility
One of the standout features of this caliber is its broad compatibility. It functions effectively in bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic rifles, and even select handguns and tactical platforms. This makes it a highly adaptable round suitable for a wide range of shooting disciplines.

Performance
Both the 308 and its military counterpart, 7.62x51mm, offer a strong balance of penetration, manageable recoil, and flat trajectory. While accuracy still depends on the shooter's skill, the cartridge itself is engineered to support consistent, repeatable performance under varied conditions.

Extensive Variety
Shooters can choose from a wide selection of bullet types and weights, including:

• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) – Ideal for training and target practice
• Soft Point (SP) – Designed for hunting, offering expansion and deep penetration
• Hollow Point (HP) – Great for defensive use or precision shooting, with controlled expansion

This variety allows users to fine-tune their ammo choice to match specific tasks, from competitive shooting to big game hunting.

Availability
As one of the most popular calibers in North America, 308 and 7.62x51 ammo is readily available at most gun stores, online retailers, and through virtually every major ammunition manufacturer. Its widespread use ensures competitive pricing and easy access for both casual and dedicated shooters.

 

Common of 308 Win / 7.62x51 Ammunition Types

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

• Use: Target shooting, training, plinking
• Description: Non-expanding round with a lead core encased in a hard metal shell. Offers deep penetration and reliable cycling. Often the most affordable option.

Soft Point (SP)

• Use: Hunting medium to large game
• Description: Features an exposed lead tip that expands upon impact, providing deep penetration and controlled expansion for ethical kills.

Hollow Point (HP)

• Use: Self-defense, precision shooting
• Description: Designed to expand quickly upon impact. Offers strong energy transfer with limited over-penetration. Suitable for tactical and defensive use.

Boat Tail Hollow Point (BTHP)

• Use: Long-range precision shooting, competition
• Description: Aerodynamically shaped with a tapered base and hollow point tip for improved flight stability and accuracy. Common in match-grade loads.

Open Tip Match (OTM)

• Use: Competition, long-range accuracy
• Description: Similar to BTHP, but with an open tip created during the manufacturing process for enhanced balance and performance.

Ballistic Tip / Polymer Tip

• Use: Hunting
• Description: Features a polymer tip that improves aerodynamics and initiates controlled expansion. Combines the benefits of SP and HP rounds.

Tracer

• Use: Military training, visibility in low-light
• Description: Contains a pyrotechnic charge that creates a visible trajectory. Allows shooters to track bullet path, especially in low light or during rapid fire.

Armor-Piercing (AP)

• Use: Military applications, law enforcement
• Description: Features a hardened core (often steel or tungsten) to penetrate armor and barriers. Restricted for civilian use in many areas.

Subsonic

• Use: Suppressed shooting, tactical applications
• Description: Loaded to travel below the speed of sound to reduce noise when used with suppressors. Lower velocity, but retains significant energy with the right bullet design.

 

Key Differences: 308 Win vs 7.62x51mm

While 308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm are very similar in size and appearance, there are a few important technical differences between the two:

Chamber Pressure

• 308 Winchester is typically loaded to higher commercial pressures than 7.62x51mm.
• Firing high-pressure .308 rounds in a rifle chambered only for 7.62x51mm can be unsafe.

Case Thickness

• 7.62x51mm cases are often slightly thicker and stronger, which can reduce internal volume and slightly affect pressure and ballistics.
• This was designed for military durability in fully automatic firearms.

Headspace Tolerances

• Military rifles chambered for 7.62x51mm usually have looser headspace tolerances to enhance reliability under harsh conditions.
• Civilian .308 rifles tend to have tighter chambers for improved accuracy.

Interchangeability

• Modern 308 rifles can usually fire 7.62x51mm safely.
• However, firing .308 Winchester in a rifle chambered only for 7.62x51mm is not recommended due to the pressure difference.