Best .308 Hunting Ammo of 2022

Although we nonetheless haven’t climbed out of the ammo scarcity, there’s excellent news should you hunt with a .308—many retailers have quite a lot of .308 looking ammo out there. The earlier ammo shortages hit the .223 and .308 ammo shares onerous, whereas having much less impact on stalwart looking cartridges just like the .30/06 and .30/30. This time, it appears that evidently producers have been capable of keep on high of .308 looking ammo manufacturing and hunters at the least have one thing to purchase.

Still, it’s an odd time, and there are each surprises and disappointments within the ammo market at this time (not unique to .308). Some ammunition has excelled, and a few manufacturing facility choices that usually delivered wonderful accuracy don’t appear to shoot in addition to they used to. Some varieties of ammo appear to be all over the place, and different hundreds are scarce.

This 12 months, I’ve examined and reviewed 11 totally different rifles chambered in .308 Win. I shot many varieties of ammo by means of these weapons, testing it in reasonably priced price range rifles, but additionally in mid-priced rifles. I’ve shot quite a lot of .308 Win. in specialised rifles just like the Christensen Ridgeline Titanium FFT and the Howa M1500 HS Carbon. Through all this capturing, I used to be capable of see what shot effectively, what didn’t, and hopefully enable you to decide the perfect .308 looking ammo for deer or no matter your recreation is that this 12 months.

Things to Consider Before Buying .308 Ammo for Hunting

Game and Bullet Construction

As with any looking ammo, you need to select a load and bullet that can go well with the sport you propose on looking. The .308 Win. is a particularly succesful (and oft underrated) cartridge, and is appropriate for big recreation like elk, moose, and even brown bears. If you’re looking heavy recreation, decide a bonded or monolithic bullet and maintain your shot distances below 300 yards. However, most individuals are looking medium-sized recreation with the .308 and nearly any medium-weight increasing bullet will do. Luckily there’s loads of good, reasonably priced .308 ammo for deer that may nonetheless be discovered on retailer cabinets.

Accuracy

Each .308 ammo providing listed right here may have each five-shot common group accuracy and customary deviation. It’s all the time nice to maximise accuracy, however remember the fact that every rifle will like a unique load. If you’ll be able to’t attempt a number of hundreds, decide one with a small customary deviation. That implies that throughout all of the rifles examined, the accuracy of the load didn’t very a lot, and there’s a great probability it can shoot equally in your .308.

Cost

Ammo is pricey, and premium ammo is much more costly. If you want top-end bullet building or are capturing at distances that require best-in-class accuracy, it’s price the additional price. However, should you’re looking deer-sized recreation at distances below 200 yards or so, less-expensive ammo is often enough.

Interpreting the Data

To check every of a lot of these .308 looking ammo, I fired and measured five-shot teams by means of quite a lot of rifles. I recorded a minimal of 5 teams for every sort of ammo (based mostly on my stock), however I used to be capable of report between 15 and 30 teams for many choices.

Keep in thoughts that common group measurement is with five-shot teams throughout all rifles examined. Some rifles shoot higher, some worse. The customary deviation is the common variation in group measurement throughout all rifles examined. This information solely displays the rifles examined. Accuracy, clearly, varies from rifle to rifle. I skilled a few hundreds that might shoot four-inch teams in a single rifle, and one-inch teams in one other.

Award: Best Overall

Average Group Size: 1.54 inches

Standard Deviation of Group Size: .46 inches

Why It Made the Cut

Remington’s 150-grain Core-Lokt Tipped includes a mechanically fixed jacket and was probably the most correct and constant .308 ammo examined throughout all rifles. It’s severely great things.

Key Features

• 150-grain polymer-tipped bullet
• Jacket and core are mechanically fixed
• G1 B.C.: .415
• Velocity: 2840 fps

Pros

• Best-in-class accuracy
• Dependable growth and weight retention
• Shoots persistently in many various rifles
• Excellent all-around looking bullet

Cons

• More costly than authentic Core-Lokt

Product Description

I first reviewed Remington’s (new for 2021) Core-Lokt Tipped ammo late final fall and wasn’t positive what to anticipate. This was, in any case, considered one of Big Green’s first post-bankruptcy launches. I discovered that the green-tipped bullets shot effectively in my .30/06 and carried out effectively on a caribou. How would the load do in .308 Win. although?

The bullet is a boat-tailed projectile with a core that’s held collectively by a rib on the jacket. It’s tipped with a green-polymer nostril and has a skinny jacket up entrance that promotes growth—very like the unique Core-Lokt. The 150-grain bullet doesn’t have a exceptional B.C., but it surely’s higher than its lead-tipped counterparts.

Accuracy of this .308 ammo was wonderful in a number of rifles, however what was most spectacular was that it shot effectively in nearly each rifle examined. Across a ramification of rifle/cartridge combos, the Core-Lokt tipped was the lone standout as ammo that might shoot effectively in any rifle I attempted.

Award: Best .308 Ammo for Deer

Average Group Size: 2.08 inches

Standard Deviation of Group Size: .66 inches

Why It Made the Cut

Most deer hunters merely need reliable .308 ammo that’s reasonably priced and shoots effectively out to a few hundred yards. Reliable and reasonably priced ammo has killed extra bucks than something, and that’s what you get with this .308 ammo for deer.

Key Features

• 150-grain soft-point bullet
• Concentric jacket for even growth
• G1 B.C.: .313
• Velocity: 2820 fps

Pros

• Reliable growth
• Quality brass and primers
• Affordable

Cons

• Not probably the most correct ammo

Product Description

Premium-line ammo has its place, however easy and reasonably priced has been placing meat within the pot for generations. Like the fundamental do-all .308, Federal’s Non-Typical Whitetail line is an “everybody’s .308 deer ammo.” It’s a middle-of-the-road 150-grain comfortable level that can put bucks on the bottom with out killing your pocketbook.

This .308 ammo’s soft-point bullet will develop reliably, and it’s loaded into good high quality brass. It’s not going to wow anybody with a excessive B.C. or nickel-plated circumstances, and accuracy isn’t something to jot down dwelling about. An common five-shot group measurement of two.08 inches may appear outrageous to the precision rifle crowd, however for deer hunters who doubtless received’t be capturing over 150 or 200 yards, there’s not a lot motive to go together with one thing that’s dearer.

Across the sphere of .308 ammo that I examined, these things hits the candy spot for efficiency versus price, and the deer definitely received’t know the distinction.

Award: Best Copper .308 Ammo

Average Group Size: 1.95 inches

Standard Deviation of Group Size: .52 inches

Why It Made the Cut

Barnes bullets set the usual for copper looking projectiles, and their manufacturing facility Vor-Tx .308 ammo was probably the most correct we might discover.

Key Features

• 168-grain TTSX boattail
• Double-diameter growth
• G1 B.C.: .470
• Velocity: 2700 fps

Pros

• Consistent growth
• Excellent weight retention and penetration
• Accurate
• Lead-free

Cons

• Expensive
• Availability varies

Product Description

Barnes has lengthy been an business chief in monolithic copper bullets, and their TTSX is among the greatest in the marketplace. Loaded of their manufacturing facility Vor-Tx .308 ammo, the 168-grain TTSX is a superb selection for nearly any recreation. In-fact, a buddy of mine who lives on Kodiak makes use of it for all the pieces (together with brown bears).

The TTSX bullet is copper with a blue polymer ballistic tip that helps provoke growth. Typically, these bullets develop into an X-shape with nearly 100% weight retention and deep penetration. The TTSX definitely has some challengers, but it surely’s the usual that each one different copper bullets are measured in opposition to.

Some rifles could be finicky with copper bullets, however this .308 ammo is usually correct total in quite a lot of rifles. Some prefer it, some simply shoot it OK, however none appear to shoot it poorly. It’s an awesome possibility for .308 deer ammo however also can sort out larger recreation.

Average Group Size: 1.79 inches

Standard Deviation of Group Size: .71 inches

Why It Made the Cut

This .308 ammo has premium parts, is correct, and has a high-B.C. bullet that can develop at a variety of velocities.

Key Features

• 175-grain bonded, High-B.C. bullet
• Hollow ballistic tip initiates low-velocity growth
• G1 B.C.: .520
• Velocity: 2600 fps

Pros

• Expansion at low velocity
• Bonded core for good weight retention
• Accurate with .520 G1 B.C.
• Nickel-plated brass

Cons

• Expensive
• Accuracy isn’t constant throughout all rifles

Product Description

Federal Premium’s Terminal ascent bullet and cargo are designed to ship accuracy and terminal efficiency at lengthy or quick distances. This 175-grain bullet includes a bonded core and hole “slipstream” ballistic tip that helps provoke growth at decrease velocities. The bullet additionally has reduction grooves like these on monolithic copper bullets, and an extended boat tail. The nickel-plated circumstances feed and extract reliably, and the standard of parts is nice.

I discovered the Terminal Ascent to yield considerably blended accuracy outcomes, relying on the rifle. Some rifles shot it effectively, others didn’t. In the Christensen Ridgeline Titanium that I reviewed, this .308 ammo shot effectively, and I used to be capable of reliably make first-round hits out to 600 yards.

If you’re looking bigger recreation like elk, or is likely to be capturing past 300 yards, this load is a superb possibility (assuming your rifle likes it). A bullet with a great B.C. like this gives you a greater trajectory and buck the wind higher than different bullets. Because it can nonetheless develop at decrease velocities, it has an edge over some copper and different bonded bullets—particularly within the comparatively sluggish .308 Win.

Average Group Size: 1.88 inches

Standard Deviation of Group Size: .49 inches

Why It Made the Cut

This ammo has an correct, mechanically bonded bullet with good velocity. It can be preferrred for deer-sized recreation.

Key Features

• 150-grain mechanically bonded ballistic tip
• Proprietary propellant delivers best-in-class velocity
• G1 B.C.: .447
• Velocity: 3000 fps

Pros

• High velocity
• Good growth and weight retention
• Low accuracy deviation

Cons

• Not exceptionally correct in any single rifle

Product Description

Hornady’s Superformance line remains to be on the cabinets in .308 ammo, and its largest promoting level is velocity. The powder used delivers a pair hundred additional ft per second of velocity with out dramatic stress will increase in comparison with different business hundreds. Topped with a 150-grain SST at 3,000 ft per second, it’s an awesome possibility for medium-sized recreation and hunters preferring to sight in utilizing the most point-blank methodology somewhat than turrets or holdover reticles.

The 150-grain SST bullet is a straightforward however efficient boat-tail-based, cup and core bullet, however the jacket is mechanically fixed to the core for weight retention. The polymer tip helps make it extra aerodynamic and initiates growth. It won’t be as deep-penetrating as heavier bonded or monolithic bullets, however it will be preferrred for deer, black bears, and caribou. It would work simply nice on heavier animals resembling elk and moose.

Although accuracy in my testing wasn’t unhealthy, it wasn’t nice. There weren’t any rifles with which the load actually stood out. However, the usual deviation of the group measurement was fairly small, so you may fairly count on this ammo to shoot effectively in most rifles.

Average Group Size: 2.43 inches

Standard Deviation of Group Size: .57 inches

Why It Made the Cut

This deer-specific ammo is reasonably priced and provides nice terminal efficiency and growth on medium-sized recreation.

Key Features

• Large-diameter polymer tip to provoke growth
• Tapered jacket to assist with weight retention
• G1 B.C.: .392
• Velocity: 2820 fps

Pros

• Good growth
• Great for medium-sized recreation
• reasonably priced

Cons

• Accuracy is under common
• Not bonded

Product Description

For the deer hunter who doesn’t want bonded, ultra-accurate ammo, Winchester’s Deer Season XP is a good possibility in .308. It’s a little bit over $30 a field and is good for deer-sized recreation. Its most noticeable characteristic is a large-diameter polymer ballistic tip. This is designed to provoke dramatic growth, whereas the tapered jacket helps the bullet maintain collectively.

The bullet itself isn’t bonded or fixed, it’s a flat-based cup-and-core slug that received’t win any long-range contests—however that’s not what it’s made for. The jacket is tapered to be thinner up entrance and thicker within the rear which helps it maintain collectively and penetrate. The quick 150-grain bullet will ship heavy blows to deer at regular ranges.

I didn’t discover this ammo to be very correct in any of the .308 rifles I attempted, however for the common deer woods looking scenario, it’ll work simply nice. I consider it will additionally make wonderful black bear ammo. Deer Season XP is priced effectively and is definitely price contemplating.

Average Group Size: 1.93 inches

Standard Deviation of Group Size: .50 inches

Why It Made the Cut

This heavy .308 load is made for managed growth and bone-crushing penetration. It’s a superb selection for big recreation.

Key Features

• Bonded core and jacket
• Skived jacket for dependable growth
• G1 B.C.: .500
• Velocity: 2620 fps

Pros

• Reliable growth
• High B.C.
• Heavy-duty bonding for weight retention
• Nickel-plating for easy loading and biking

Cons

• Mediocre accuracy in check rifles

Product Description

The Trophy Bonded Tip bullet is a tricky however streamlined projectile that’s meant for heavy use. The 180-grain .308 Win. load is a potent one, and acceptable for nearly any recreation in North America. It’s solely 80 ft per second slower than the .30/06 load with the identical bullet, and most animals would by no means know the distinction.

In addition to the bonded jacket and core, the bullet has a polymer tip that aids with constant growth, as does the scored jacket. Relief grooves and a ship tail give the bullet a great B.C., however its energy is in capturing powerful recreation at nearer distances. The nickel-plated circumstances and bullets assist them load, chamber, and eject easily, and it makes use of Federal Gold Medal primers.

Accuracy of this .308 ammo was mediocre in my check rifles, but it surely was comparatively constant. It is noticeable that the nickel-plated circumstances load and cycle extra easily, and it’s wonderful ammo for looking bigger recreation. Its energy isn’t long-range looking, however have been I taking a .308 after moose, elk, or grizzly bears, that is in all probability the load I might use.

Average Group Size: 2.54 inches

Standard Deviation of Group Size: .82 inches

Why It Made the Cut

This monolithic copper ammo is loaded into nickel-plated circumstances, has a streamlined profile, and expands reliably with good weight retention.

Key Features

• Copper alloy building with polymer tip
• Relief grooves in bullet
• Nickel-plated circumstances
• G1 B.C.: .440
• Velocity: 2610 fps

Pros

• High weight-retention
• Nickel-plated circumstances for easy biking
• Sealed case mouth and primer for added climate safety

Cons

• Accuracy is poor in rifles examined

Product Description

Hornady’s Outfitter line is designed for onerous use in inclement climate situations, and makes use of their newest mono-metal bullet, the CX. Like Hornady’s earlier iteration—the GMX—the CX is a managed growth, excessive weight-retention copper bullet with a ballistic tip, reduction grooves, and a ship tail. It’s preferrred for each medium and large-sized recreation out to about 300 yards. Beyond that, it drops under 2,000 ft per second, and growth will diminish.

This ammo comes loaded in nickel-plated circumstances with each the case mouth and primer sealed to forestall any cussed moisture from contaminating the powder. In addition to corrosion safety, the nickel plating is a more durable floor that gives smoother loading and biking.

I’m a believer within the effectiveness of mono-metal bullets just like the CX, and in a current brush bullets check, they proved to be a lot much less vulnerable to deflection than lead-core bullets of comparable form. Their efficiency on recreation can be wonderful. Accuracy can generally be a problem although, and not one of the rifles I examined actually cared for this Outfitter load. Accuracy was ok for looking at shut ranges, however I’d prefer it to be higher.

Average Group Size: 1.99 inches

Standard Deviation of Group Size: .96 inches

Why It Made the Cut

The Swift Scirocco II is a excessive B.C., bonded bullet that’s constructed to develop reliably at low velocities, however maintain collectively up shut.

Key Features

• Polymer ballistic tip
• Bonded jacket and core
• Controlled growth at low velocities
• G1 B.C. .470
• Velocity: 2700 fps

Pros

• Controlled growth at excessive and low velocities
• Good B.C. for longer distance capturing
• Bonded jacked and core for deep penetration

Cons

Product Description

The Black-tipped Swift Scirocco II is a superb bullet for medium and enormous recreation at quite a lot of distances. It’s a premium bonded bullet that’s designed to develop at low velocities however retain weight and penetrate at excessive velocity. It has a excessive B.C. for a .308 looking bullet, which interprets to a greater trajectory and resistance to wind.

The Scirocco II is a well-liked bullet with handloaders, and the 150-grain Scirocco loaded within the .30/06 is my uncle’s favourite moose mixture. It could be very correct, however on this loading, many rifles didn’t prefer it. One rifle printed four-inch teams with this load, whereas the Tikka T3X Lite and Kimber Hunter Pro Desolve Black reliably printed the primary three pictures of their teams below an inch with it. Whether you’re searching for .308 deer ammo or one thing to hunt all the pieces with, this load is an effective one in case your rifle likes it.

FAQ’s

Final Thoughts on .308 Hunting Ammo

Although a lot of our favourite looking cartridges are nonetheless scarce on retailer cabinets, it’s a breath of recent air to see .308 looking ammo in relative abundance—and I do imply “relative.” There are choices on most retailer cabinets and at on-line retailers, and a few good ones at that. The .308 Win. is a superb all-around cartridge, and nearly all of the ammo performs effectively sufficient to hunt at common distances.

If you merely want .308 deer ammo, the Federal Non-Typical and Winchester Deer Season XP are nice choices, and if you need one thing extra well-rounded, select a load with controlled-expansion bullets. The one standout within the check was Remington’s Core-Lokt Tipped which was persistently correct and has a great bullet. It’s a step in the correct path for Big Green.