My family has had a long history of interacting with guns from a tender age. My father owned like a dozen handguns which were passed on to him by his father. So, naturally, growing up I developed a natural love for guns. I would often follow my dad to the gun range and was right behind him too when he went off hunting.
However, while my dad taught me quite a bit about guns, I always felt that I needed to understand the anatomy of guns better. More than just practice, I wanted to live, breathe, and eat guns. I wanted to be an expert gun user and not just a licensed gun holder. And learn I did! Not that I know all there is to know about guns. I am also learning as I give you the few insights that I have acquired over the years. But what I do know is that I have a little more understanding than I did then.
That being said, one of my favorite things to explore was how to pick out the best ammo, whether looking at target practice or big game. In fact, it’s still my favorite thing to do. But I’ll be the first to admit that ammo picking isn’t without its shortcomings. With so many different kinds of ammo out there, picking out the suitable ammo for your needs can be a monumental task. And that’s where I come in.
In today’s guide, I am going to walk you through the basics of how to pick out the best 308 ammo for your needs. I’ll also recommend some of the best ammo that you should try out the next time you go ammo shopping.
At a Glance: Our 7 Best 308 Ammo
- Federal Premium Sierra Match Ammo
- Hornady Match BTHP Ammo
- Wolf Military Classic Ammo
- Federal Premium Vital-Shok Ammo
- Remington Core Lokt Ammo
- Lake City FMJ Ammo
- PrviPartizan Match Ammo
List of 7 of the Best 308 Ammo
| Ammo Name | Rating |
| Federal Premium Sierra Match Ammo | 5.0 |
| Hornady Match BTHP Ammo | 5.0 |
| Wolf Military Classic Ammo | 5.0 |
| Federal Premium Vital-Shok Ammo | 4.6 |
| Remington Core Lokt Ammo | 4.6 |
| Lake City FMJ Ammo | 4.9 |
| PrviPartizan Match Ammo | 4.1 |
Benefits of the .308 Ammo
It is Versatile
The .308 is one of the most versatile ammo on the market. While it was originally chosen as a service cartridge, the thing has a relatively light recoil and carries a significant amount of energy, which makes it perfect for hunting, target shooting, and plinking.
It Is Cheap
There is something to be said about high-quality ammo that not only packs a punch but is also economical. Not that there is anything wrong with higher priced ammo. However, if you can save an extra nickel and still get value for money, it’s a win-win.
Now that we have a little more perspective about the .308 ammo let’s get to the fun stuff. Choosing the best ammo.
Things to Consider When Buying Ammo
While I have been dealing with guns for as long as I can remember, buying ammo for the first time was still quite a pickle. In fact, before I got the hang of it, I probably lost a couple of hundred dollars before I finally figured out how to pick the right one. Luckily for you, you don’t have to make the same mistakes I did. Here’s a proven formula to help you get the best ammo.
Choose a Bullet Weight Based on Your Barrel Twist Rate
What I mean by this is that you will need to ensure that you match your bullet weight to your rifle. Specifically, the barrel. For instance, if your rifle’s twist rate is 1:15, you should use a bullet weighing 150 grains. However, if your rifle has a higher twist rate of, say, 1:18, you can use a bullet weighing 220 grains or more. This will help ensure that your rifling is fast and will also ensure that you are getting the most out of your barrel. Of course, there is no harm in using a smaller bullet than what’s listed.
Choose a Bullet Type Based on the Purpose
Maybe you want ammo suitable for hunting. Maybe you want ammo that can substantially scare an intruder. Or you want something a bit easier for target shooting. Either way, there are tons of different ammo all for different purposes. So, you will want to pick a load that matches your desired activity.
Choose Bullets Based on the Price
Another important consideration to make is the price. Of course, when it comes to price, it’s a matter of how much you are able and willing to spend on the bullet. For instance, while there are higher priced bullets which are associated with higher quality, there are also lower priced bullets too.
However, in my opinion, you get what you pay for. Therefore, you should probably perform a thorough check pre-purchase to ensure that whatever ammo you choose, you are getting value for money.
With that out of the way, it’s time to get to the juicy part.
7 Best 308 Ammo Reviews
Federal Premium Sierra Match Ammo
First on our list is a classic from the Federal Arms Company. A boattail bullet that provides extreme accuracy and excellent consistency. The Federal Premium Sierra Match. I consider this ammo to be a good enough match round, especially when I am ina competition and want to make an impression.
Key Features
- Features uniform match jacket
- It features a boat tail hollow point bullet
- Made from a specially formulated propellant
- Coated with non-corrosive brass
What Others are Saying
Based on user impressions, the Federal Premium Sierra Match ammo is fantastic ammo that offers finer accuracy and incredible knockdown power. As another advantage, the users liked it because it offers immense value for the buck. No to mention it is the brainchild of a reputable arms company which is a big deal.
Pros
- Features a uniform match jacket that ensures consistent and accurate results every time
- Coated with non-corrosive brass to help protect it against corrosion
- It has a boat tail hollow point bullet that provides an extra margin of ballistic performance for better results
- Offers high muzzle velocities and muzzle energy
Cons
- While it no doubt offers value for the money, it’s a bit more expensive than other ammo
Verdict
The Federal Premium Sierra Match is great ammo that offers remarkable value for money. This might be a good choice for those who want to try out their prowess at the range.
Overall Rating
5.0
Hornady Match BTHP Ammo
This is one of the most popular 308 ammo brands out there. It is manufactured to precise specifications that give it unmatched accuracy and enhanced knockdown power. The ammo also has a faster muzzle velocity and exceptional surgical accuracy. As another advantage, Hornady has an innovative design that gives it exceptional functioning and optimum performance.
Key Features
- It features a Heat Shield tip
- Carefully matched powder
- It has a streamlined secant ogive profile and an optimum boat tail design
What Others are Saying
Based on user impressions, the Hornady Match ammo gets a thumbs up for performance and precision. However, what stands out is that the ammo is intuitively designed putting into consideration optimum performance and unrivaled reliability.
Pros
- The ammo undergoes stringent quality control to ensure consistent charges, optimal velocity,and optimal pressure
- The powder used is carefully matched to each specific load to ensure consistent accuracy and optimal pressure
- It features a Heat Shield tip that defies the effects of aerodynamic heating
- It is intuitively designed to have a flat trajectory and surgical accuracy
- Each round is brass cased to protect it against corrosion
Cons
- It’s a bit too expensive considering most ammo go for much less
Verdict
If it’s important to you to have impressionable ammo for target shooting, the Hornady Match might be a great place to start.
Overall Rating
5.0
Wolf Military Classic Ammo
To be totally honest, I’d never really tried this ammo before 2015. I’ve always known about Wolf and their arms but I never really got around trying this particular ammo. However, in 2015 I decided to give it a try, and it went bang. I was all sorts of excited about this little beauty. Sure, it’s not a brand that we are accustomed to, but it is reliable and cheap ammo that has plenty of amazing and intuitive features.
Key Features
- Each cartridge is sparked with a non-corrosive Berdan primer
- Bimetal magnetic jackets
What Others are Saying
Based on user reviews, the Wolf Military Classic is great ammo. It is amazingly reliable, and you won’t have to contend with jams, hangs and miss fires as it works exceptionally well.
Pros
- Allows you to keep up with your high-volume training
- Coated with a non-corrosive Berdan primer that protects it against corrosion
- It is reasonably priced
- The ammo comes with a variety of spare parts and accessories to help optimize shooting
Cons
- It features bimetal jackets which are magnetic and therefore can’t be used with steel targets
Verdict
Although Wolf may not be the best 308 ammo, it a great buy and delivers remarkable performance and functionality.
Overall Rating
5.0
Federal Premium Vital-Shok Ammo
This has to be one of my favorite .308 ammo out there. Sure, riffles usually pack a punch when it comes to knockdown power but this one is packed with a lot of other witty features I like. Also, it is high-quality ammunition designed for the highest level of performance and consistency. As a matter of fact, if you read more, you’d find that it is rated among the top five best 308 ammo brands on the market.
Key Features
- It features a Trophy Bonded bullet for superior aerodynamics and controlled expansion
- It features excellent weight retention and improved ballistic coefficients
- Robust bonding that maximizes weight retention
- Nickel plated to protect it against corrosion and wear and tear
- It is made with specially formulated propellant with copper reducing additives
- It features a bone smashing copper shank that ensures easy penetration
- A high-performance polymer tip that ensures a flat trajectory and better accuracy
What Others are Saying
Based on the user impressions, the Federal Premium Vital Shok is a top of the line ammunition that offers incredible reliability and knockdown power.
Pros
- Nickel plated to protect it against corrosion
- Insanely reliable and incredibly accurate
- Bargain-priced ammo
- The bullet is fairly easy to extract
- A nice finish that makes it look pretty sleek
- It offers superior aerodynamics
Cons
- There is hardly ever enough stock so whenever I go shopping, I can’t seem to find it on the shelves
Verdict
The Federal Premium Vital Shok combines intuitive construction and exceptional looks to provide unmatched reliability and superior performance. It makes a great choice if you want to up your hunting game.
Overall Rating
4.6
Remington Core Lokt Ammo
I’m just going to come out and say it. I am a bit bias when it comes to Remington products. Heck, I have a collection of shotguns and ammo from Remington, and I have never had any complaints. (In all my years of using guns.) And, when it comes to the 308 ammo, this is one of my favorites. Manufactured by the legendary Remington Arms Company, this ammo is high-quality ammunition that delivers unmatched reliability and incredible knockdown power. Plus, a bevy of other great features.
Key Features
- Spitzer shape profile
- It has a timeless bullet design
- High weight retention capabilities
- Tapered copper jacket
What Others are Saying
Based on user impressions, the Remington Core Lokt is impressive ammo that offers unparalleled reliability and dependability. As another advantage, it is reasonably priced and has a remarkable aesthetic appeal, too.
Pros
- An intuitively made profile that improves velocity and gives it a flat trajectory when fired thereby increasing its accuracy
- A timeless design that is both aesthetically appealing and effective
- It features a deep penetrating tapered copper jacket that ensures controlled expansion and high weight retention
- Bargain-priced ammo
Verdict
If you are a whitetail hunter and want ammo that’s both reliable and offers incredible performance, the Remington Core Lokt is the best bang for the buck.
Overall Rating
4.6
Lake City FMJ Ammo
The Lake City 149 grain ammo is military spec ammunition manufactured by the Lake City Ammunition Plant. It is a reliable and intuitively designed ammo that fires a 149-grain full metal jacket bullet at high muzzle velocities of 2,790 feet per second. As another advantage, the ammo is well constructed and offers amazing dependability.
Key Features
- It is coated with non-corrosive boxer primers
- It has high muzzle velocities of 2,790 feet per second
What Others are Saying
Based on user impressions, the Lake City ammo is definitely worth the buck. It is inexpensive yet high-quality ammo that packs a punch in as far as performance and accuracy go.
Pros
- It is coated with a non-corrosive primer to ensure that it doesn’t corrode
- It offers highly consistent results
Cons
- At $259.00, I’d say that this ammo is a bit too expensive
Verdict
This might be a good choice for those who want high-quality ammo for hunting, target shooting,and hunting.
Overall Rating
4.9
PrviPartizan Match Ammo
On the less expensive side of the spectrum, we have the PrviPartizan Match. Designed in 1928, this is Serbian-made budget ammo designed for high precision at both short and long distances.
Key Features
- It has a boxer-primed brass casing topped with a hollow point boat tail
- It has high muzzle velocities of 2,788 feet per second
- Reloadable brass casings
What Others are Saying
Based on user impressions, most people think that the PrviPartizan ammo is great ammo for the money. It is just what you need if it is important for you to find impressionable ammo for plinking and target shooting.
Pros
- It has boxer-primed brass casing topped with a 155-grain hollow point for maximum accuracy and precision
- You can reload the brass casings
- It offers unmatched precision both at short and long distances
- It is coated with non-corrosive material to protect it against corrosion
Cons
- The ammo is a bit unreliable in the sense that it doesn’t cycle the bolt fully
Verdict
This might be a good enough choice if you are looking for ammo that’s much closer to match grade ammo. It is affordable and functions just as well. However, it is certainly not without shortcomings. Therefore, you will want to find out if the shortcomings are something you can live with.
Overall Rating
4.1
Conclusion
That’s it, folks! We have come to the end of our guide. Remember that these are just my recommendations. Of course, there are a bazillion other honorable mentions out there that will probably work just fine for your needs. However, these are more than good enough to get you started.
And the best part is that there is ammo for everyone. So, if you want ammo for hunting, there are plenty of good ones as is the case with target shooting and plinking. As always, I hope that this information has been useful.
