The .308 Winchester is a centerfire rifle cartridge introduced in the 1950s and widely used for target shooting, recreational range use, and lawful hunting where permitted by local regulations. It is one of the most common short-action rifle cartridges and is chambered in many bolt-action and semi-automatic rifle platforms.

A .308 Winchester cartridge consists of several components: the bullet (projectile), cartridge case, primer, and propellant. When people say “.308 bullets,” they often mean the projectile itself, although the full loaded cartridge is technically the ammunition.

Bullet options vary depending on intended use:

• Lightweight bullets (around 110–150 grain): Often selected for flatter trajectories at shorter to moderate distances.
• Mid-weight bullets (around 155–168 grain): Common in target and precision shooting disciplines.
• Heavier bullets (around 175–180+ grain): Frequently chosen where retained energy or different performance characteristics are preferred.

Projectile construction also differs by application:

• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): Commonly used for range and training purposes.
• Soft Point (SP): Designed with different expansion characteristics depending on use.
• Hollow Point Boat Tail (HPBT): Frequently associated with precision and target-oriented shooting.
• Polymer-tipped designs: Available in some sporting configurations.

Performance characteristics such as velocity, recoil, trajectory, and energy vary based on bullet weight, barrel length, environmental conditions, and ammunition loading.

Before selecting ammunition, users should always verify rifle chamber markings, manufacturer guidance, and local laws, and follow safe handling and storage practices.