308 ammo
Showing 1–12 of 64 results
Showing 1–12 of 64 results
308 ammo — the .308 Winchester — is the most popular short-action hunting and precision cartridge in America, and for good reason: it balances flat-shooting accuracy, heavy-bullet energy, manageable recoil, and availability in a package that fits compact, fast-cycling rifles. From deer camp to the firing line, a single .308 handles big game out to several hundred yards and rings steel at distance. This page covers how it relates to 7.62 NATO, how it stacks up against 6.5 Creedmoor and .30-06, and which loads fit which job.
Tatted Tacticals stocks .308 from Federal, Hornady, Winchester, Nosler, and Barnes — soft-point and bonded hunting loads, match-grade hollow points, and subsonic options, in boxes and bulk.
Is .308 the Same as 7.62 NATO?
Nearly, but not exactly. The .308 Winchester and 7.62×51 NATO share external dimensions, and most modern rifles handle both — but commercial .308 runs at slightly higher pressure, while 7.62 NATO typically has thicker brass and a longer headspace spec. In practice, .308 in a 7.62 NATO rifle is generally fine; 7.62 NATO in a tight commercial .308 chamber is usually fine too, but check your rifle manufacturer’s guidance. They are far closer relatives than 7.62×39, which is a completely different cartridge.
.308 vs. 6.5 Creedmoor and .30-06
The .308 sits among the most-compared rifle cartridges anywhere.
| Cartridge | Strength | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| .308 Win | Short action, heavy bullets, availability | More drop than 6.5 at long range |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | Higher BC, flatter, less recoil | Lighter bullets, less close energy |
| .30-06 | More case capacity, heavier loads | Longer action, more recoil |
Against 6.5 Creedmoor, the .308 hits harder up close while the 6.5 wins past 500 yards; versus .30-06, the .308 trades a little velocity for a shorter, handier action. Magnum shooters step to .300 Win Mag.
Trajectory and Bullet Weights
A 150- to 168-grain bullet covers most .308 work. Here’s a representative 168-grain match load with a 100-yard zero:
| Range | Velocity | Drop | Energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 yd | ~2,470 fps | 0 in | ~2,275 ft-lbs |
| 300 yd | ~2,060 fps | ~-14 in | ~1,585 ft-lbs |
| 500 yd | ~1,700 fps | ~-56 in | ~1,075 ft-lbs |
| 800 yd | ~1,250 fps | ~-195 in | ~580 ft-lbs |
Full numbers live in our .308 Winchester ballistics guide. Standards follow SAAMI specifications.
Hunting and Match Loads
For deer and hogs, 150- to 165-grain controlled-expansion bullets like the Federal Fusion or Hornady SST are ideal; for elk, step to 178- to 180-grain bonded or monolithic bullets. Precision shooters run 168- to 175-grain match hollow points such as the Sierra MatchKing. For suppressed work, subsonic .308 is available, and brand-focused shoppers can browse Federal .308. Zero with the exact load you’ll hunt.
Buying .308
Federal law sets the minimum age for rifle ammunition at 18; some states and cities add restrictions, so per ATF guidance, confirm federal rules and review our ammunition shipping rules and state restrictions before ordering.
.308 Ammo — Frequently Asked Questions
Are .308 and 7.62 the same?
They’re very close but not identical. The .308 Winchester and 7.62×51 NATO share the same external dimensions and most rifles shoot both, but commercial .308 runs slightly higher pressure while 7.62 NATO uses thicker brass and a longer headspace spec. For most modern rifles they’re interchangeable — check your manufacturer’s guidance if your chamber is tight.
What is a .308 bullet good for?
Almost everything in the medium-to-large game and precision world. With the right bullet the .308 cleanly takes deer, hogs, black bear, and elk, and as a match cartridge it’s a proven performer to 800-plus yards. That versatility, plus universal availability and moderate recoil, is why it’s one of the most popular rifle rounds made.
Is .308 too big for deer?
Not at all. With a 150- to 165-grain bullet the .308 is an excellent, classic deer cartridge — plenty of energy with manageable recoil. “Too big” usually refers to using heavy elk bullets on deer or hunting at very close range; match bullet weight to the game and the .308 is well within its element.
What kicks harder, a .270 or a .308?
They’re close, and it depends on the rifle and load, but the .308 generally produces slightly more felt recoil because it typically fires heavier bullets. The .270 shoots a lighter, faster bullet with a flatter trajectory and a sharper, quicker recoil impulse. Both are comfortable in a properly fitted rifle.
Can you buy .308 ammo online?
Yes. In most U.S. states you can buy .308 online and have it shipped to your door. The minimum age for rifle ammunition is 18, and some states and municipalities add restrictions or shipping limits, so confirm your state and local laws before ordering.
