About Bulk 308 Ammo
The .308 Winchester, also known as 7.62×51 NATO, was first introduced in the early 1950s by Winchester. It was developed as a commercial version of the 7.62 NATO round, designed for both civilian and military use.
The cartridge quickly gained recognition for its versatility, power, and accuracy, cementing its place as one of the most widely used rifle calibers in the world.
.308 Winchester (also known as 7.62×51 NATO) is a versatile rifle caliber for training, hunting, and precision shooting.
Shop bulk cases and cans from trusted brands like Winchester, PMC, Federal, Aguila, and Speer in popular loads such as 147–150-grain FMJ for the range, soft-points for deer and hogs, and match offerings with 168–175-grain OTM/SMK bullets.
Compare $/round across brass-cased, reloadable options and find subsonic choices for suppressed setups. Use filters for bullet type, grain, casing, and price to match your rifle and intended use.
The introduction of bulk .308 ammo has had a significant impact on the shooting sports community. It allowed hunters, target shooters, and tactical professionals to access affordable, high-quality ammunition in larger quantities.
Whether for extended range days, competitive shooting, or building a long-term stockpile, buying in bulk offers both cost savings and convenience.
Legacy and Impact
From its origins, the .308 has become a trusted cartridge for both civilian and professional use. Its flat trajectory, reliable penetration, and consistent accuracy make it a top choice for long-range shooters and hunters alike.
The round’s compatibility with both semi-automatic and bolt-action rifles further enhances its adaptability across different shooting disciplines.
Why Purchase Bulk 308 Ammunition
Convenience is one of the biggest factors when it comes to buying bulk ammo. Instead of relying on your local gun store for your shooting needs, you can order ammo online at much more affordable prices.
This results in less work for you and buying what you need at a reduced cost, saving you money. It also means you will have the rounds you need when you are ready to shoot.
For firearm owners that don't utilize their guns often, buying bulk ammo means you will always have a supply of quality, low-cost ammunition on standby without the need to make that trip to the gun store to replenish your stocks.
Additionally, if stored properly, bulk ammo can last many years, offering you a real advantage when making large purchases. Of course, how much ammunition you stockpile depends on what you use it for.
Buying Bulk Ammunition makes sense: If you regularly shoot, buying your bulk 308 ammo online can save you a ton of money in the long run.
Compare our bulk prices to what you would pay in your local gun store for the same products, and you will soon understand why it is more cost-effective.
We always offer ammo at wholesale prices and pass down our savings to our customers, so keep Ammunition Depot in mind when you're looking for bulk ammo for your handgun, shotgun, or rifle.
.308 vs 7.62×51: What’s the Difference?
In practical terms, there is very little difference between bulk 308 ammo and 7.62x51mm ammo. They both use the same bullet diameter (.308 inches) and have similar case dimensions.
However, there are a few technical differences between the two cartridges that are worth noting:
- Chamber Pressure: The military specification for 7.62x51mm ammunition allows for higher chamber pressures than the SAAMI specification for 308 Winchester. This means that some 308 rifles may not be able to safely handle the higher pressure of 7.62x51mm ammunition.
- Brass Thickness: Military-spec 7.62x51mm brass is typically thicker than commercial bulk 308 brass. This can affect case capacity and overall performance.
- Rifling Twist Rate: Some rifles chambered in 308 Winchester have a slower rifling twist rate (1:12 or 1:14) than those chambered in 7.62x51mm (1:10). This can affect accuracy with certain bullet weights.
It's generally safe to shoot 308 ammunition in a rifle chambered for 7.62x51mm, but the reverse is not always true. If you're unsure about which type of ammunition to use in your rifle, consult the owner's manual or a qualified gunsmith.
Popular Uses for .308 / 7.62×51 Ammo
The .308 Winchester and 7.62×51 NATO cartridges are among the most widely used rifle rounds in the world, prized for their versatility, power, and accuracy.
Whether for civilian or professional applications, these rounds have earned a reputation as dependable choices for a wide range of shooting activities.
Hunting Medium- and Large-Game
- One of the most common uses for .308 ammo is hunting. Its balance of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil makes it effective against deer, hogs, elk, and even black bear.
- With soft-point and polymer-tipped loads, hunters can expect deep penetration and reliable expansion, ensuring humane and effective results.
Precision Target Shooting
- Match-grade .308 and 7.62×51 loads are staples in the world of long-range precision shooting.
- Competitive shooters often rely on Open Tip Match (OTM) or Hollow Point Boat Tail (HPBT) bullets, which deliver excellent consistency and flat trajectories at extended ranges.
Tactical and Military Applications
- The 7.62×51 NATO variant is a long-time standard in military and law enforcement sniper rifles and designated marksman rifles (DMRs).
- Its reliability in battlefield conditions and ability to penetrate barriers makes it an indispensable round for tactical use.
Home and Property Defense
- While less common than smaller calibers for home defense, .308 ammo is chosen by some shooters for rural property protection.
- With the right load, it provides serious stopping power against larger threats, including predators or intruders in wide-open areas.
Survival and Preparedness
- Because of its worldwide availability and proven versatility, bulk .308 ammunition is a popular choice for preppers and survivalists.
- Stockpiling this caliber ensures a reliable solution for hunting, defense, and training in uncertain times.
Recreational Range Shooting
- FMJ bulk .308 ammo is widely used for casual range practice and recreational shooting.
- Affordable full metal jacket loads allow high-volume shooters to enjoy extended sessions without breaking the bank.
Common .308 Bullet Types (FMJ, SP/PSP, HP, OTM/“match”, subsonic)
When shopping for bulk .308 ammo, it’s important to understand the different bullet types available and their intended uses.
Each type is designed with specific performance goals in mind, whether that’s accuracy, hunting effectiveness, or tactical functionality.
- FMJ (Full Metal Jacket): Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) .308 rounds feature a lead core encased in a copper jacket. Known for affordability and consistency, they are the go-to choice for target shooting, plinking, and range training. Their clean feeding and minimal deformation make FMJs a staple in bulk .308 ammo purchases.
- SP/PSP (Soft Point / Pointed Soft Point): Soft Point bullets expose part of the lead tip, allowing controlled expansion upon impact. Pointed Soft Points (PSP) enhance aerodynamics for a flatter trajectory. Both SP and PSP loads are highly popular for medium- to large-game hunting, offering deeper penetration with reliable knockdown power.
- HP (Hollow Point): Hollow Point (HP) .308 bullets feature a hollowed tip designed to expand rapidly on impact. This expansion increases stopping power and energy transfer, making them excellent for hunting, defense, and situations requiring terminal performance.
- OTM / “Match” (Open Tip Match): Match-grade .308 ammo, often labeled OTM (Open Tip Match), is engineered for precision shooting and competition. These rounds are manufactured to exacting standards for consistent velocity, weight, and shape, ensuring superior accuracy at long ranges.
- Subsonic: Subsonic .308 loads are crafted to travel below the speed of sound, reducing noise and making them ideal for use with suppressors. These rounds are commonly used in tactical scenarios and specialized hunting applications where discretion and reduced recoil are important.
Why Buy in Bulk?
COST SAVINGS
- Purchasing ammunition in bulk quantities can often lead to lower per-round costs compared to buying smaller quantities. This is particularly true for .308 ammo, which are popular rounds and often available in bulk quantities at discounted prices.
CONVENIENCE
- Buying in bulk means you will have plenty of ammo on hand for target practice or other shooting activities. You won't have to worry about running out of ammo and having to make a last-minute trip to the store.
IMPROVED PERFORMANCE
- Consistency is key when it comes to ammunition. By purchasing in bulk, you can ensure that all rounds are from the same production batch, which can help improve accuracy and performance.
LONG-TERM STORAGE
- Buying in bulk can be beneficial for those who want to stockpile ammunition for long-term storage. Properly stored ammo can last for many years and buying in bulk can ensure that you have enough for your needs.
REDUCED SHIPPING
- Online retailers like Ammunition Depot offer customers free or reduced shipping costs for bulk orders, which can help you save even more money on your purchase.
AVAILABILITY
- Due to the popularity of .308 ammunition, buying in bulk can ensure that you have access to enough ammunition, especially during times of high demand when smaller quantities may be sold out.
Bulk 308 FAQs
QUESTION: What is 308 bulk ammo?
ANSWER: When someone refers to 308 ammo, they're referencing .308 Winchester rifle cartridges. Released in 1952 and intended for the Winchester Model 70 bolt action rifle, the ammunition quickly gained popularity for hunting medium to large game and military/police applications.
QUESTION: Where can I buy 308 bulk ammo?
ANSWER: 308 rifle ammunition is among the most popular hunting and long-range calibers in the United States and is generally featured wherever ammunition is sold. You can find it in big box retail sporting goods stores, gun shows, pawn shops, and small gun shops. You can also find it as one of the rounds available online at web stores like Ammunition Depot.
QUESTION: What is the best bulk 308 ammo?
ANSWER: The best bulk 308 ammo is the one that best suits your needs. Factor in your plans or intended use and the type of rifle you have, then see what is available. Finally, determine your purchase quantity and consider your budget restrictions.
If your preferred retailer has the type of 308 ammo at the top of your list available in bulk, this is the best ammo for you. If they don't, you can move on to the next one on your list.
QUESTION: What 308 ammo does the military use?
ANSWER: The U.S. military does not use 308 ammunition. Instead, all U.S. military branches utilize 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges. Although both types are similar, they have unique differences, including a smaller headspace, a thinner casing, and loading pressures.
QUESTION: What are the common types of bulk 308?
ANSWER: Given its popularity, buying 308 ammo in bulk is available in multiple types/configurations. Popular types include Full Metal Jacket (FMJ), Hollow Points (HP), and Specialty Rounds, such as Polymer-Tipped and Open-Tip Match (OTM).
QUESTION: How should you store bulk 308 ammo?
ANSWER: Storage is vital for bulk ammunition. Your bulk ammo should be stored in a separate climate-controlled area to preserve effectiveness. If that's not an option, your storage efforts should be focused on mitigating heat and moisture. More than anything else, these are the biggest threats to bulk ammo.
QUESTION: How much does 308 bulk ammo cost?
ANSWER: The price per round (PPR) cost of .308 ammo is generally lower than other specialty hunting/long-range rounds. Barring unforeseen shortages, if bought in bulk, the PPR for 308 ammo can be more than 10 cents per round cheaper than non-bulk.