Best .308 Ammo Overall
For an all-around .308 load, Hornady Superformance 165gr SST is our top pick.
AmmoToGo's buying guide names it Best Overall, citing a well-balanced profile that works across deer, hog, and elk hunting while remaining accurate enough for target shooting thanks to its jacketed SST polymer tip.
Since not every .308 load is built for every job, we picked one standout per category: hunting versatility, deer value, elk-sized game, everyday range use, and lead-free hunting, drawing on RifleConfigurator.com's 2026 ranked guide and AmmoToGo's category-by-category buying guide.
1. Hornady Superformance 165gr SST - Best Overall
Best for: One load that handles hunting, target shooting, and general use
AmmoToGo's guide names Superformance 165gr SST its Best Overall pick, noting it can be leveraged across deer, hog, and elk hunting while its jacketed SST polymer tip also supports accurate target shooting.
Specs
- Grain: 165
- Velocity: ~2,840 fps (24" barrel)
- Bullet type: SST polymer tip
- Case: Brass
Hornady Superformance ammunition was engineered to deliver increased velocity and dependable terminal performance while maintaining the accuracy and consistency hunters expect from premium rifle ammunition.
This 308 Winchester load is equipped with a 165-grain Hornady SST (Super Shock Tip) bullet, a polymer-tipped projectile designed to combine aerodynamic efficiency with controlled expansion and effective energy transfer on impact.
The SST's streamlined profile, polymer tip, and boat-tail design help reduce drag and maintain stability downrange, supporting flatter trajectories and consistent accuracy at extended hunting distances.
At 165 grains, the bullet offers a strong balance of velocity, ballistic performance, and retained energy, making it a versatile choice for 308 Winchester rifles used to hunt medium and large game.
Hornady pairs the SST projectile with its Superformance propellant technology, which is designed to produce higher velocities than many conventional loads without exceeding established pressure standards. The additional velocity can contribute to a flatter trajectory, reduced bullet drop, and increased downrange energy.
The SST bullet is designed to expand upon impact while providing the penetration and energy transfer needed for effective hunting performance across a variety of practical distances.
The result is ammunition designed to provide dependable accuracy, increased velocity, and reliable terminal performance for hunters who want to maximize the capabilities of the 308 Winchester cartridge.
Overall, Hornady Superformance 308 Win 165gr SST is a premium hunting load that combines a proven polymer-tipped bullet with high-performance propellant technology, making it an excellent choice for hunters seeking accuracy, flatter trajectories, and effective terminal performance from their 308 Winchester rifle.
2. Federal Fusion 150gr - Best Value Deer Load
Best for: Practical whitetail hunting without premium pricing
RifleConfigurator.com's 2026 ranking names Fusion 150gr its top practical deer-hunting pick at value pricing, thanks to its bonded construction and reliable 2,820 fps velocity class.
Specs
- Grain: 150
- Velocity: ~2,820 fps (24" barrel)
- Bullet type: Bonded soft point
- Case: Brass
Federal Fusion ammunition was engineered specifically for hunting, with a focus on reliable expansion, deep penetration, and consistent terminal performance on medium and large game.
This 308 Winchester load is equipped with a 150-grain bonded soft point bullet, a hunting projectile designed to combine controlled expansion with strong weight retention after impact.
The Fusion bullet uses a pressure-formed lead core that is electrochemically bonded to the copper jacket, helping prevent core-and-jacket separation as the bullet expands. This bonded construction allows the projectile to retain more of its mass while penetrating deeply through tissue and bone.
At 150 grains, the bullet offers a strong balance of velocity, manageable recoil, and downrange energy, making it a versatile choice for hunting with rifles chambered in 308 Winchester.
Federal pairs the Fusion projectile with carefully selected components and consistent propellant charges to support dependable accuracy and repeatable performance in a wide range of hunting rifles.
The exposed soft point initiates expansion upon impact, while the bonded jacket and core help control that expansion and maintain penetration. This combination makes the load well suited for hunting deer and other similarly sized game at common hunting distances.
The result is ammunition designed to provide dependable accuracy, effective expansion, and reliable penetration for hunters who need consistent terminal performance in the field.
Overall, Federal Fusion 308 Win 150gr Bonded Soft Point is a versatile hunting load that combines bonded-bullet construction with proven 308 Winchester performance, making it an excellent choice for hunters seeking reliable accuracy, controlled expansion, and deep penetration.
3. Federal Terminal Ascent 175gr - Best for Elk
Best for: Larger, tougher game that needs deep penetration
RifleConfigurator.com names Terminal Ascent its #1 pick for elk, built around a bonded, controlled-expansion bullet designed to hold together and penetrate deeply on bigger, heavier-boned animals.
Specs
- Grain: 175
- Velocity: ~2,600 fps (24" barrel)
- Bullet type: Bonded, controlled-expansion
- Case: Brass
Federal Terminal Ascent ammunition was engineered specifically for long-range hunting, with a focus on accuracy, high ballistic efficiency, and dependable terminal performance across a wide range of impact velocities.
This 308 Winchester load is equipped with a 175-grain Terminal Ascent bullet, a heavy-for-caliber hunting projectile designed to combine aerodynamic efficiency with controlled expansion and deep penetration.
The Terminal Ascent bullet features a streamlined profile, polymer tip, and boat-tail design that help reduce aerodynamic drag and maintain velocity downrange. These characteristics support flatter trajectories, improved wind resistance, and consistent performance at extended hunting distances.
At 175 grains, the bullet provides a strong balance of retained energy, stability, and penetration, making it well suited for hunters looking to extend the effective capabilities of rifles chambered in 308 Winchester.
Federal uses bonded bullet construction to help keep the core and jacket together during expansion, promoting high weight retention and deep penetration. The bullet is also designed to provide reliable expansion at lower impact velocities, helping maintain effective terminal performance as distance increases.
Federal pairs the Terminal Ascent projectile with carefully selected components and consistent propellant charges to support dependable velocity, accuracy, and shot-to-shot performance in demanding hunting conditions.
The result is ammunition designed to deliver reliable accuracy, strong downrange energy, controlled expansion, and deep penetration for medium and large game across both conventional and extended hunting distances.
Overall, Federal Terminal Ascent 308 Win 175gr Bonded ammunition is a premium hunting load that combines a high-ballistic-coefficient projectile with bonded construction and long-range terminal performance, making it an excellent choice for hunters seeking dependable accuracy and effective performance from their 308 Winchester rifle.
4. PMC Bronze 147gr FMJ - Best for Range Training
Best for: High-volume, affordable practice
RifleConfigurator.com names PMC Bronze its top pick for bolt-action practice, and AmmoToGo separately lists Winchester 147gr FMJ as a comparable budget target option, giving shooters a low-cost way to log rounds between hunting seasons.
Specs
- Grain: 147
- Velocity: ~2,800 fps (24" barrel)
- Bullet type: FMJ boat tail
- Case: Brass
PMC Bronze ammunition was designed to provide reliable, consistent performance for target shooting, range training, and other high-volume shooting applications, with an emphasis on dependable function and practical value.
This 308 Winchester load is equipped with a 147-grain full metal jacket boat-tail (FMJ-BT) bullet, a projectile designed to provide consistent feeding, stable flight, and repeatable accuracy during recreational and training use.
The FMJ construction surrounds the lead core with a metal jacket, while the boat-tail profile helps reduce aerodynamic drag and improve stability as the bullet travels downrange. This combination supports predictable trajectories and consistent performance at typical rifle shooting distances.
At 147 grains, the bullet provides a practical balance of velocity, recoil, and downrange performance, making it a popular weight for general-purpose 308 Winchester range ammunition.
PMC manufactures its ammunition using carefully controlled components and production standards to promote consistent ignition, velocity, and reliable cycling in compatible rifles. The load also uses reloadable brass cases, providing additional value for shooters who save their spent cases for reloading.
Unlike expanding hunting bullets, the FMJ-BT projectile is primarily intended for target shooting and training rather than hunting applications where controlled expansion and terminal performance are important.
The result is straightforward, dependable ammunition well suited for range sessions, target practice, training, and other applications where shooters may need reliable 308 Winchester ammunition in larger quantities.
Overall, PMC Bronze 308 Win 147gr FMJ-BT is a practical range and training load that combines reliable function, consistent performance, and an aerodynamic boat-tail projectile, making it a solid choice for shooters seeking dependable ammunition for regular practice with their 308 Winchester rifle.
5. Barnes TTSX 168gr - Best Lead-Free Option
Best for: Hunters in lead-restricted areas who still want deep, reliable penetration
RifleConfigurator.com's guide names Barnes TTSX its top lead-free pick, an all-copper design built to retain nearly all of its weight and penetrate deeply where local regulations require non-lead hunting ammunition.
Specs
Grain: 168 Velocity: ~2,700 fps (24" barrel) Bullet type: Solid copper, polymer tip (TTSX) Case: BrassBarnes TTSX ammunition was engineered specifically for hunting, with a focus on controlled expansion, deep penetration, high weight retention, and dependable terminal performance across a wide range of hunting conditions.
This 308 Winchester load is equipped with a 168-grain Barnes TTSX (Tipped Triple-Shock X) bullet, a lead-free hunting projectile constructed from solid copper and fitted with a polymer tip to help improve both aerodynamic and terminal performance.
The TTSX bullet features a streamlined profile and polymer tip that help reduce drag and improve ballistic efficiency during flight. Upon impact, the tip helps initiate expansion, allowing the solid-copper projectile to open into multiple petals while maintaining a large portion of its original weight.
At 168 grains, the bullet offers a strong balance of velocity, retained energy, stability, and penetration, making it a versatile choice for 308 Winchester rifles used to hunt medium and large game.
Unlike traditional cup-and-core hunting bullets, the TTSX uses monolithic copper construction rather than a separate lead core and jacket. This design helps prevent core-and-jacket separation while promoting high weight retention and deep, consistent penetration through tissue and bone.
Barnes also incorporates multiple grooves around the bullet's shank, which are designed to reduce barrel fouling and pressure while helping the projectile perform consistently in compatible rifles.
The result is ammunition designed to provide dependable accuracy, controlled expansion, and deep penetration for hunters who need reliable terminal performance from a lead-free projectile.
Overall, Barnes TTSX 308 Win 168gr ammunition combines proven solid-copper construction with an aerodynamic polymer-tipped design, making it an excellent choice for hunters seeking accuracy, high weight retention, controlled expansion, and dependable penetration from their 308 Winchester rifle.
Manufacturer Information
Federal is a well-established American ammunition manufacturer known for producing a broad selection of rifle, handgun, shotgun, hunting, defensive, and match ammunition.
Its product lineup ranges from affordable training loads to specialized options such as Gold Medal Match, Fusion, and Terminal Ascent.
Hornady is an American ammunition and bullet manufacturer recognized for its focus on projectile design, ballistic performance, and hunting and precision-shooting applications.
Popular Hornady product families include Superformance, ELD Match, Precision Hunter, and Critical Defense.
PMC (Precision Made Cartridges) is an ammunition manufacturer known for dependable, value-oriented ammunition for training, target shooting, and general-purpose use.
Its Bronze line is particularly popular with shooters looking for reliable FMJ ammunition for regular range practice.
Barnes is best known for its lead-free, monolithic copper hunting bullets and ammunition.
Designs such as the TTSX emphasize controlled expansion, high weight retention, and deep penetration, making Barnes a popular choice among hunters seeking premium copper-projectile ammunition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the best all-around .308 ammo?
Answer: Hornady Superformance 165gr SST is a common Best Overall pick, per AmmoToGo, since it works across deer, hog, and elk hunting while remaining accurate for target shooting.
Question: Is .308 a good caliber for beginners?
Answer: Yes. .308 is versatile, widely available, and works in a huge range of rifle platforms, from bolt-action hunting rifles to AR-10s, though its recoil is noticeably stronger than a smaller cartridge like .223.
Question: What .308 ammo should I buy for general range use?
Answer: Affordable FMJ loads like PMC Bronze 147gr or Winchester 147gr FMJ are built for high-volume practice, keeping cost per round down for shooters who log a lot of rounds between hunting seasons.
Question: Does .308 ammo work in 7.62x51 NATO rifles?
Answer: Generally yes; .308 Winchester and 7.62x51 NATO share nearly identical external dimensions, though 7.62 NATO runs at a lower SAAMI pressure. Confirm your specific rifle's chamber markings before mixing the two.
Question: What are the different types of 308 ammo?
Answer: In today's market, owners can choose from a wide variety of 308 ammunition, ranging from the traditional full metal jacket (FMJ) to hollow points used for hunting.
In addition, pointed soft-point (PSP) cartridges offer greater accuracy over longer distances, and specialty ammo like polymer-tipped is also available in 308. Lastly, most 308 Winchester ammo will have brass or steel casings that house the bullets and weigh between 100 and 200 grain.
Question: What caliber is a 308 Winchester?
Answer: Caliber is the technical term for a bullet's diameter. The caliber of the 308 Winchester cartridge is 308-inch. Features include a projectile that sits in a rimless, bottlenecked casing and a total length of 2.800 inches.
Additional Reading
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