.308 Winchester Ballistics
The .308 Winchester is the foundational AR-10 cartridge and one of the most popular rifle rounds in the world. Proven for deer, hogs, designated marksman roles, and precision shooting to 800 yards.
Cartridge Specifications
Common Bullet Weights and Types
Muzzle Velocity by Barrel Length
Muzzle Energy by Barrel Length
Bullet Drop Table
Values in inches. 16-inch barrel reference data. Positive values rise above line of sight, negative values fall below.
| Load | Zero | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 gr FMJ | 200 yd | 1.7 | 0 | -7.1 | -20.6 | -41 |
| 168 gr SMK | 200 yd | 1.8 | 0 | -7.3 | -21 | -41 |
| 175 gr SMK | 200 yd | 1.9 | 0 | -7.4 | -21 | -40.5 |
Wind Drift at 10 mph Crosswind
Drift in inches at a 90 degree full value wind. Estimated from muzzle velocity and G1 ballistic coefficient.
| Load | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 gr FMJ | 4.9 | 9.8 | 14.8 | 19.7 | 24.6 |
| 168 gr SMK | 4.2 | 8.3 | 12.5 | 16.7 | 20.8 |
| 175 gr SMK | 3.6 | 7.3 | 10.9 | 14.5 | 18.1 |
Effective Range by Application
Barrel Twist Rate Recommendations
Published Load Data
| Weight | Type | Barrel | MV (fps) | ME (ft-lb) | BC (G1) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 gr | FMJ | 16 in | 2,700 | 2,428 | 0.398 | Federal American Eagle .308 Win 150gr FMJBT published specs |
| 150 gr | FMJ | 18 in | 2,770 | 2,555 | 0.398 | Federal American Eagle .308 Win 150gr FMJBT published specs |
| 150 gr | FMJ | 20 in | 2,820 | 2,648 | 0.398 | Federal American Eagle .308 Win 150gr FMJBT published specs |
| 168 gr | SMK | 16 in | 2,580 | 2,483 | 0.462 | Federal Gold Medal .308 Win 168gr Sierra MatchKing published specs |
| 168 gr | SMK | 18 in | 2,650 | 2,619 | 0.462 | Federal Gold Medal .308 Win 168gr Sierra MatchKing published specs |
| 168 gr | SMK | 20 in | 2,700 | 2,719 | 0.462 | Federal Gold Medal .308 Win 168gr Sierra MatchKing published specs |
| 175 gr | SMK | 16 in | 2,520 | 2,467 | 0.505 | Federal Gold Medal .308 Win 175gr Sierra MatchKing published specs |
| 175 gr | SMK | 18 in | 2,590 | 2,606 | 0.505 | Federal Gold Medal .308 Win 175gr Sierra MatchKing published specs |
| 175 gr | SMK | 20 in | 2,640 | 2,708 | 0.505 | Federal Gold Medal .308 Win 175gr Sierra MatchKing published specs |
Data Disclaimer
Ballistic data is approximate and varies by ammunition lot, barrel condition, altitude, and temperature. Data sourced from Federal American Eagle .308 Win 150gr FMJBT published specs; Federal Gold Medal .308 Win 168gr Sierra MatchKing published specs; Federal Gold Medal .308 Win 175gr Sierra MatchKing published specs. Always confirm zero and trajectory with your specific firearm.
Pick the right barrel
Twist rate should match the bullet weights you plan to shoot. See barrel steel grades, profiles, chamber types, and twist rate guidance on the barrel specs page, then jump into the builder to filter barrels chambered in .308 Winchester.