About Bulk 308 Ammo
308 cartridges, also known as 7.62x51mm NATO, were first introduced in 1952 as a commercial hunting round by Winchester. Shortly after their initial release, 308 ammunition was adopted by the United States military as the 7.62x51mm NATO in 1954.
The ammunition quickly gained popularity due to its versatility and effectiveness in hunting and military applications, with its ability to penetrate armor and provide superior stopping power.
Rifles chambered for a 308 caliber are ideal for any gun owner searching for a long-distance performance capable of hitting targets at 700 yards and beyond.
Additionally, 308 is a fantastic caliber for long-range shooting and hunting large to a mid-sized game like deer, elk, and moose.
Thanks to the ongoing market demand, the availability of bulk 308 ammo continues to be relatively inexpensive compared to other long-range calibers.
At Ammunition Depot, we carry an extensive line of bulk 308 from the brands you know and trust, including Federal Ammo, Fiocchi Ammo, PMC Ammo, and more.
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.
What’s the Difference – Bulk 308 Ammo vs Bulk 7.62x51mm Ammo
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.
Common Types of 308 Ammunition
FMJ (Full Metal Jacket)
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) is a standard type of 308 bulk ammo that features a lead core covered in a copper jacket. It is commonly used for target shooting and range practice.
Hollow Point (HP)
Hollow Point (HP) is a type of 308 bulk ammo that features a hollowed-out tip and is designed to expand upon impact, making it a good choice for hunting and self-defense.
Subsonic
Subsonic 308 features a lower velocity than standard rounds, making them quieter and ideal for use with suppressors.
Subsonic bulk 308 are commonly used for tactical applications and some hunting situations.
Match Grade
Match Grade bulk 308 is designed for maximum accuracy and consistency. This ammo type is manufactured to specific specs, paying extra attention to the bullet weight, shape, and velocity.
Tracer
Bulk 308 Tracer rounds have a pyrotechnic composition in the base that ignites upon firing, producing a visible tracer path.
This type of 308 ammunition is commonly used by the military and police force for mission and training applications.
Benefits of Buying 308 Bulk Ammo
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 Ammo FAQ
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.