308 Winchester Ballistics Calculator
Select a common 308 Winchester load below to generate a full ballistics table, or use the calculator with your own data.
Popular 308 Winchester Load Presets
175gr Sierra MatchKing
- Muzzle Velocity: 2600 fps
- BC (G1): 0.505
- Use: Long range precision
168gr Hornady BTHP Match
- Muzzle Velocity: 2700 fps
- BC (G1): 0.45
- Use: Target & match shooting
150gr Nosler Ballistic Tip
- Muzzle Velocity: 2800 fps
- BC (G1): 0.435
- Use: Deer & medium game hunting
180gr Berger VLD Hunting
- Muzzle Velocity: 2550 fps
- BC (G1): 0.576
- Use: Elk & large game hunting
308 Winchester Drop Chart — Reference Data
175gr Sierra MatchKing — 2600 fps MV — 100 Yard Zero
| Range (yds) | Drop (in) | MOA | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2425 | 2285 |
| 200 | -4.4 | 2.1 | 2257 | 1980 |
| 300 | -15.7 | 5.0 | 2096 | 1707 |
| 400 | -34.9 | 8.3 | 1942 | 1465 |
| 500 | -63.3 | 12.1 | 1795 | 1251 |
| 600 | -102.6 | 16.3 | 1656 | 1065 |
| 700 | -154.5 | 21.1 | 1527 | 905 |
| 800 | -221.4 | 26.4 | 1407 | 769 |
| 900 | -305.9 | 32.5 | 1300 | 657 |
| 1000 | -411.2 | 39.3 | 1207 | 566 |
*Reference data calculated at sea level, 59°F, 50% humidity, no wind. Use the calculator above for conditions specific to your environment.
308 Winchester Ballistic Performance
Trajectory & Wind Drift
With heavy match bullets (175gr), the 308 Winchester drops approximately 411 inches at 1000 yards depending on muzzle velocity and atmospheric conditions. Wind drift in a 10 mph crosswind reaches about 100 inches at that distance. Lighter hunting bullets (150gr) offer flatter trajectories inside 400 yards but shed velocity faster beyond that range.
Energy & Terminal Performance
The 308 Winchester retains over 1000 ft-lb of energy past 500 yards with 175gr match loads, providing effective terminal performance for hunting to 400–500 yards. Heavy match bullets remain supersonic to approximately 1000 yards. Hunting bullets in the 150–180gr range offer reliable expansion and penetration on game from deer to elk.
308 Winchester FAQ
What is the effective range of 308 Winchester?
The 308 Winchester with heavy match bullets (175gr Sierra MatchKing) remains supersonic to approximately 1000 yards. For hunting, most shooters consider 400-500 yards the practical ethical limit, where the cartridge still delivers over 1000 ft-lb of energy with appropriate bullet selection.
Is 308 Winchester good for long-range shooting?
The 308 Winchester is a capable long-range cartridge with a proven track record in military and competition use. While newer cartridges like 6.5 Creedmoor offer better ballistic coefficients and less wind drift, the 308 remains highly popular due to wide ammunition availability, lower cost, and excellent barrel life exceeding 5000 rounds.
What is the best 308 Winchester load for hunting?
For deer-sized game, 150gr bullets like the Nosler Ballistic Tip at 2800 fps offer flat trajectories and reliable expansion. For elk and larger game, 180gr bullets like the Berger VLD Hunting with a BC of 0.576 provide deeper penetration and higher energy retention. See our 308 vs 6.5 Creedmoor comparison for a detailed ballistic breakdown.
How much does a 308 Winchester bullet drop at 500 yards?
With a 175gr Sierra MatchKing at 2600 fps and a 100-yard zero, the 308 Winchester drops approximately 63 inches at 500 yards under standard atmospheric conditions. This requires roughly 12.1 MOA or 3.5 MIL of scope adjustment. Use the calculator above to compute exact values for your specific load and conditions.
Related Comparisons
See how 308 Winchester stacks up against other popular calibers.
Manufacturer Resources
Verify ballistic coefficients and load data from the bullet manufacturers:
Last updated: