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The Ultimate Reloading Manual
Wolfe Publishing Group
  • alliant reloading data
  • reloading brass
  • shotshell reloading
The Ultimate Reloading Manual
hodgdon load data

.308 Winchester

Author: Brian Pearce
Date: Apr 15 2020

The .308 Winchester was introduced in 1952. In military circles around the world, it is known as the 7.62 NATO.

Handloading the .308 is relatively easy, as there are many excellent hunting and target bullets, with the most useful ones usually weighing between 110 to 208 grains for rifles with 1-in-10- and 12- inch twist barrels. Many powders offer a burn rate that is ideal for the .308 Winchester.

The accompanying data was developed using Hornady Match cases, but should also be suitable in most commercially manufactured cases. Military 7.62 NATO cases, however, vary considerably in powder capacity, as they are usually thicker and have less capacity. If using military cases, charges must be reduced or high pressures may result. Start with loads that are below maximum and work up to maximum charges, watching for signs of excess pressure.

These loads are not recommended for “Service Rifles” such as the M1A, which may slam fire (a very dangerous situation) and can damage the operating rod.