Cartridge Overview
The .308 Winchester is a legendary, versatile cartridge used for big-game hunting, precision shooting, and tactical applications.
Introduced in 1952, .308 Winchester quickly became a civilian and military standard, known for efficiency, accuracy, and effective terminal performance across a wide range of bullet weights.
- Deer, hog, & elk hunting
- Precision rifle competition
- Tactical & duty rifles
- Long-range steel shooting
Trim to Length
2.005 in (50.927 mm)
Bullet Diameter
0.308 in (7.823 mm)
Quick Facts
Spec | Details |
|---|---|
Cartridge Type | Centerfire rifle |
Bullet Diameter | .308 in (7.823 mm) |
Common Bullet Weights | 150–178 grains |
Typical Velocity | 2,600–2,800 fps |
Typical Effective Range | 800–1,000 yards |
Recoil | Moderate |
Primer Type | Large Rifle |
Case Type | Bottleneck |
SAAMI Max Pressure | 62,000 PSI |
Common Platforms | Bolt-action, AR-10, precision rifles |
Primary Uses | Hunting, tactical, precision |
Reloading Difficulty | Moderate; heavy brass prep |
Basic Reloading Process – What You Need
Return brass to proper dimensions and remove spent primers.
Seat new large rifle primers.
Measure and dispense precise powder charges.
Set bullet depth for safety and accuracy.
Apply a light crimp for semi-automatic reliability if needed.
Always follow current published load data and never exceed maximum charge weights.
- Reloading press
- Calipers
- Powder scale
- .308 Winchester die set
- Case trimmer
- Published .308 load data
Recommended RCBS Tools
These RCBS tools are trusted by reloaders for safe, consistent .308 Winchester performance:
Recommended Hodgdon Powders
These Hodgdon powders are widely used in published .308 Winchester load data and support a broad range of bullet weights and velocities. Use the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center to find pressure-tested load data and powder recommendations tailored to your setup.
Always consult current Hodgdon load data before selecting charge weights.
Who Is .308 Winchester For?
- Big-game hunters
- Precision competitors
- Semi-auto platform shooters
- Reloaders wanting broad component availability
- Extremely long-range (>1,200 yards)
- Lightweight, low-recoil builds
FAQ - Reloading .308 Winchester
What bullet weights work best?
150–178gr for most setups; 168/175gr for precision.
Is .308 harder to reload than 6.5 Creedmoor?
No, but brass prep is slightly more involved.
