Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Hornady Custom Lite 308 Winchester ammo delivers a 125-grain SST (Super Shock Tip) polymer-tip bullet at 2675 feet per second from a 24-inch test barrel, producing 1986 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. This is a reduced-recoil load engineered for shooters who need the reach and terminal performance of the 308 Winchester cartridge without the shoulder fatigue of full-power hunting loads. Custom Lite achieves its recoil reduction through optimized powder charge and lighter projectile weight, not reduced pressure — you get supersonic velocity, flat trajectory out to 250 yards, and controlled expansion on medium game. New shooters, youth hunters, and anyone managing recoil sensitivity will find this load extends range time and improves shot placement. Each round is loaded into a reloadable brass case with a non-corrosive Boxer primer.
Built for the Box
Hornady manufactures the Custom Lite line in Grand Island, Nebraska, using the same SST bullet found in their full-power Superformance loads. The SST features a polymer tip that initiates expansion at impact velocities as low as 1600 fps, an InterLock ring that mechanically locks the core to the jacket, and a secant ogive profile that delivers a G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.305 — high for a 125-grain 30-caliber bullet. Sectional density is 0.188, placing this bullet in the lighter end of the 308 spectrum but sufficient for deer, pronghorn, and hogs when shot placement is precise. The reduced powder charge cuts felt recoil by roughly 30% compared to a standard 150-grain 308 load, making this ammunition ideal for extended practice sessions, youth hunts, or any scenario where shooter comfort directly impacts accuracy.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 308 Winchester |
| Bullet weight | 125 Grains |
| Bullet type | Hornady SST (Super Shock Tip) Polymer Tip |
| Muzzle velocity | 2675 Feet Per Second |
| Muzzle energy | 1986 Foot Pounds |
| Rounds/box | 20 Round |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| G1 Ballistic Coefficient | 0.305 |
| Sectional Density | 0.188 |
| Test Barrel Length | 24 Inches |
| Velocity Rating | Supersonic |
| Lead Free | No |
| Intended use | Range & Target |
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
This ammunition is cataloged under Hornady 308 Ammo alongside other 308 Winchester loads. At 2675 fps, the 125-grain SST remains supersonic past 600 yards and retains over 1000 ft-lbs of energy at 250 yards — the effective hunting range for this bullet weight and design.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Treat every firearm as loaded. Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- Verify your state and local laws before ordering. Some jurisdictions restrict ammunition purchases or impose waiting periods.
- This product contains lead. Wash hands after handling. Lead exposure during pregnancy can cause birth defects. For more information: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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