.308 FAQ

7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Win)

The .308 is by far the most popular sniping round, and for good reason. The .308 is not punishing to shoot, has excellent terminal ballistics, behaves predictably in the wind, and is consistent. While there are quite a few rounds that outperform the .308 in ballistics, there are few, if any, that perform as consistently as the .308. And consistency is accuracy. The .30 cal bullet has long been a great performer, and is very popular which leads to more research with the .30 than with other calibers. While the .308 may over penetrate in some cases (especially with M118) the .308 is still used in the majority of the Law Enforcement agencies out there. It is accepted that if you do your job and put the bullet where it counts, you can count on the .308 to do its job and incapacitate the target. The US Army preaches an 800 meter maximum effective range for the .308, the USMC preaches a 1000 yard (915 meter) max effective range. While I have made hits at 1000 meters and beyond with the .308, I would have to agree with the Army and say that 800 meters is the limit for RELIABLE hits. After that the .308 is dropping like a rock and is inconsistent. As an all around sniping round that works great for both Law Enforcement and military sniping, the .308 is hard to beat!

Recommendation: The .308 is acceptable for both military and Law Enforcement use, and is very capable of 800 meter hits on a human size target. If there is a need to reach beyond 800 meters, I recommend something with more oomph than the .308. If you are a Law Enforcement sharpshooter, keep in mind the penetrating power of the .308, especially with full metal jacket rounds (Like the M118).

Military Applications

Note: I have listed the M118 (The current military sniping round) and also the Federal 175gr Match Ammo, they are both suitable for military sniping. The US Armed forces is currently in a transition to M118LR, which fires a 175gr Sierra Match King bullet, exactly like the Federal Match ammo, but it fires it 20 fps slower at 2580fps. The Federal Match 168gr is also included as the standard.

• M118 = M118 Special Ball - 173gr FMJ-BT (2550fps)
• M118LR = M118LR Special Ball - 175gr HPBT (2580fps)
• F-175gr = Federal Gold Medal Match .308 175gr HPBT (2600fps)
• F-168gr = Federal Gold Medal Match .308 168gr HPBT (2600fps)

Bullet Drop (Inches)

Energy (Muzzle - M118 - 2605Ft-Lbs., M118LR - 2586, Fed. Match 175gr - 2625, Fed. Match 168gr - 2520)

Wind Drift (Inches) 10 mph Crosswind

Law Enforcement Applications

Note: I have included the Federal Match 168gr in the Law Enforcement section also. The 168gr is very popular with Law Enforcement as well, and with good reason, it has exceptional accuracy. But even though it tends to fragment on impact, the lead core tends to penetrate fairly deep. You need to keep this in mind when taking 'The Shot', insure there is a suitable backstop behind the target. I have also included a couple of good choices for Law Enforcement applications. The ballistic tip rounds are designed to expand rapidly, and lend themselves well to hostage situations. I've included the Federal Premium 165gr Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, this is a GREAT glass buster. The FBI conducted a very extensive series of tests with different bullets fired through a whole list of different types of glass. The Trophy Bonded Bear Claw came out on top. Its not a match grade load, but the Federal premium loads are very accurate, we have no problems holding sub MOA with our M24.

• F-168gr = Federal Gold Medal Match .308 168gr HPBT (2600fps)
• F-Btip = Federal Premium .308 150gr Nosler Ballistic Tip 2820 fps
• F-TBBC = Federal Premium .308 165gr Trophy Bonded Bear Claw 2700fps
• Win = Winchester Supreme .308 168gr Nosler Ballistic Silver Tip 2670fps

Bullet Drop (Inches)

Energy (Muzzle: F-168gr = 2520 Ft-Lbs., F-Btip = 2650, F-TBBC = 2670, Win = 2659)

Wind Drift (Inches) 10mph Crosswind