What .308 Ammo Does the Military Use?

The military predominantly uses the 7.62x51mm NATO round, nearly identical to the civilian .308 Winchester.

This ammunition is renowned for its reliability, accuracy, and effective range, making it a staple in military arsenals worldwide.

Evolution and Varieties of .308 Ammunition

The .308 Winchester has seen various iterations, particularly in its military form. The original M118 featured a 173-grain Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail (FMJBT) bullet. However, during the Vietnam War, its performance inconsistencies led to the development of the M852 in the 1980s, which used a 168-grain Sierra MatchKing bullet. The 1990s saw the introduction of the M118LR, equipped with a 175-grain Sierra MatchKing bullet, offering superior stability and precision at long ranges. This evolution addressed earlier issues and enhanced the effectiveness of military snipers.

The Advantages of .308 for Military Snipers

The .308 round, or 7.62x51mm NATO, is favored by military snipers due to its excellent accuracy, terminal ballistics, and versatility. The round’s effective range spans 800 to 1,000 meters, suitable for diverse combat scenarios. Additionally, it maintains manageable recoil with proper training and technique, making it a reliable choice for precision shooting.

Specialized .308 Ammunition for Different Applications

Military snipers utilize various types of .308 ammunition to meet specific mission requirements. Match-grade ammunition, such as the 175-grain Sierra MatchKing, is common for long-range precision. Armor-piercing rounds and specialized hollow-point rounds are also used depending on the operational needs. The latest trends in bullet design include lighter high Ballistic Coefficient (BC) bullets like the 155-grain Sierra MatchKing VLD and the Lapua 155-grain Scenar, which are launched at high velocities to extend effective range and performance.

Differences Between .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO

Although the .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges are often considered interchangeable due to their similar dimensions, key differences impact their performance, safety, and application.

Pressure Levels

One of the primary differences lies in the pressure levels at which these cartridges are loaded. The .308 Winchester is loaded to a higher pressure, typically around 62,000 pounds per square inch (psi). In contrast, the 7.62x51mm NATO is loaded to approximately 50,000 copper units of pressure (CUP), roughly equivalent to 58,000 psi. This higher pressure in the .308 Winchester can result in higher velocities and, potentially, greater accuracy and performance in civilian rifles designed to handle these pressures.

Case Thickness and Capacity

The case thickness of the 7.62x51mm NATO round is generally greater than that of the .308 Winchester. This thicker brass results in a slightly reduced internal case capacity, which can affect the amount of gunpowder that can be safely used. The thicker case walls of the 7.62 NATO are designed to enhance durability and reliability under the strenuous conditions of military use. In contrast, the thinner-walled .308 Winchester cases allow for more powder and, subsequently, higher performance in terms of velocity and energy when used in appropriate firearms​.

Headspace Specifications

Headspace, the distance between the base of the cartridge and the chamber’s locking surface, is another area where these two cartridges differ. The 7.62x51mm NATO typically has a slightly larger headspace than the .308 Winchester. This difference can influence chambering and extraction reliability. Firearms chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO can generally safely fire .308 Winchester rounds. Still, the reverse is not always true, as the .308 Winchester’s tighter headspace may not safely accommodate the 7.62x51mm NATO’s slightly longer dimensions, leading to potential safety issues​.

Applications and Usage

The design differences between these cartridges also reflect their intended use. The .308 Winchester, developed in 1952, is geared towards civilian applications, particularly hunting and precision shooting, where higher pressures and optimized case capacity can be fully utilized for better performance. On the other hand, the 7.62x51mm NATO, adopted by the military in 1954, prioritizes durability, reliability, and interchangeability across various firearms and conditions encountered in military operations.

In summary, while the .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO are similar, their differences in pressure levels, case thickness, headspace specifications, and intended applications mean they are not perfectly interchangeable. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for ensuring the safety and performance of your firearm.

HOP Munitions: A Competitive Alternative

HOP Munitions is well-regarded for its top-notch .308 Winchester ammunition, particularly its 168-grain Hollow Point Boat Tail (HPBT) rounds. Thanks to their boat tail design, these rounds are designed for exceptional accuracy and stability, which reduces drag and ensures a flatter trajectory over long distances. This makes them perfect for competitive shooting, hunting, and any situation where precision is key.

What sets HOP Munitions apart is their commitment to quality. Each round undergoes rigorous testing and quality control, using only high-quality components like precision-manufactured casings and carefully selected gunpowder. This meticulous process ensures that their ammunition consistently delivers reliable performance, shot after shot.

Shooters love HOP Munitions’ 168-grain HPBT rounds for their tight groupings, consistent accuracy, and reliable performance under various conditions. Whether you’re competing, hunting, or shooting long-range, these rounds offer great value for their price, making them a popular choice among enthusiasts.

In summary, HOP Munitions provides a dependable, high-performing alternative to military-grade ammunition, ideal for specialized civilian uses and competitive shooters. For more details, check out HOP Munitions.

Conclusion

While the military continues to refine its .308 ammunition to meet evolving combat needs, alternatives like those from HOP Munitions provide competitive precision and reliability.

These options are not only suitable for military use but also for competitive shooting and specialized civilian purposes, emphasizing quality and performance across various scenarios.