This article provides an analysis of .308 Winchester ammunition for match competition. We’ll discuss how it’s more accurate while giving shooters tight groupings at significant distances. After a brief discussion on the benefits, we’ll discuss the top choices for .308 match ammo.
For long-range, high-powered shooting, the .308 is one of the most successful, historic, and popular cartridges in the nation. While other rounds are more prevalent, few are as powerful and far-reaching as the “.308 Win.” The .223 Remington, 9mm Luger, and .22 LR, the only rounds that sell more, don’t come close to the power and performance of this classic cartridge.
Traditionally, this round is used for hunting and hobby shooting, but it has soared in popularity thanks to its effectiveness as a match round. Competing with semiautomatic AR-10 rifles, users have made the .308 a prominent choice.
The best .308 Winchester match ammo has some unique characteristics. It’s accurate, delivers tight groupings, and can reach distances of 500 yards or more. 1,000-yard shots, while difficult for the shooter, are within the capabilities of .308 Winchester ammo.
If you are competing in tactical or long-range shooting events, you need the right ammo. We’ll provide our favorite options for .308 match ammo, but before we do, we’ll discuss how you can make your own selections. After reading, you’ll be ready to purchase the best ammo for a full day of .308 Winchester match competition.
The Best .308 Win Match Ammo
The .308 has gained popularity as a match round, prompting manufacturers to provide various options. These are our favorite choices for .308 Winchester match ammo…
Winchester 168-grain USA Ready Open Tip
Muzzle Velocity: 2,680 fps
Muzzle Energy: 2,679 ft-lbs
Winchester’s USA Ready is a select line of ammunition and cartridge components that are made for optimal accuracy and consistency. They use high-quality primers and a sleek target-shooting bullet built for range training and competition. Every box of Winchester’s USA Ready ammo has a lot number, allowing buyers to quickly find ballistic data related to that box’s lot. The lot data includes velocity, pressure, and accuracy ratings that are specific to the box. This is a higher level of precise information that is reserved for premium match cartridges.
Overall, the ammo is highly reliable and accurate. It maintains downrange performance and, when zeroed to 100 yards, only drops 16.5 inches at 300 yards.
PMC 168-grain X-TAC Match OTM
Muzzle Velocity: 2,700 fps
Muzzle Energy: 2,719 ft-lbs
PMC stands for “Precision Made Cartridges.” From everything we have seen, this is an accurate name for the company, as they make some of the most precise match ammo on the market. This 168-grain cartridge loads Sierra bullets into the popular X-TAC ammo, creating one of the most reliable options for competition shooting.
Match competition is all about downrange performance, and this ammo delivers with a rated velocity of 1,779 at 1,000 ft-lbs. This means longer bullet stability and tighter groupings at the longest conceivable distances.
Federal 168-grain Gold Medal CenterStrike OTM
Muzzle Velocity: 2,650 fps
Muzzle Energy: 2,619 ft-lbs
Thanks to advanced performance, Federal’s Gold Strike ammunition has become synonymous with long-range match shooting. This line of ammo loads a variety of bullets, including these 168-grain CenterStrike open tip match rounds.
The round uses Gold Medal primers and brass, which meet the highest standards for performance and reliability. The bullets have a proprietary design that can only be found from CenterStrike, and they have a ballistic coefficient of .450, making them one of the most aerodynamic bullets available for a .308 Winchester.
Federal 185-grain Gold Medal Berger Juggernaut OTM
Muzzle Velocity: 2,700 fps
Muzzle Energy: 2,719 ft-lbs
CenterStrike is not the only bullet loaded into Federal’s excellent match ammo. Gold Medal also loads these 185-grain Berger Juggernaut open tip match rounds that deliver outstanding downrange performance.
According to Federal, Berger Juggernaut rounds are the “most sought-after bullets among competitors on the Precision Rifle Series.” The G1 ballistic coefficient of .552 is even higher than CenterStrike, and although the bullet is heavy, the muzzle energy is surprisingly manageable. Berger achieved such impressive results by extending the length of the tangent ogive; in layman’s terms, they made the nose longer. This enhances stability and helps the bullet maintain performance even when dropping below the subsonic threshold.
Hornady 168-grain ELD Superformance Match
Muzzle Velocity: 2,840 fps
Muzzle Energy: 3,009 ft-lbs
For the high-speed performance, hunters and target shooters look towards the Superformance brand from Hornady. These cartridges often have muzzle speeds 100 to 200 fps faster than comparable options, making them especially popular for anyone who needs long-range performance and precision.
Most of the Superformance line is made for hunting, but these rounds, which pack an ELD bullet, are specifically made for competition. ELD bullets use a ballistic tip, making them a unique option for competition shooters. With a muzzle velocity above 2,800 fps, this round shows incredible speed for a 168-grain bullet. Just be aware that muzzle energy is so high that some shooters may find this ammo unwieldy.
Black Hills 155-grain ELD Match
Muzzle Velocity: 2,800 fps
Muzzle Energy: 2,698 ft-lbs
These cartridges from Black Hills Ammunition are also loaded with ELD Match bullets. ELD stands for “Extremely Low Drag;” they achieve this low drag by utilizing a smooth design and high-quality materials.
The polymer tip, which leverages heat-resistant technology, helps to enhance overall performance and stability. Thanks to an aerodynamic profile, this ammo achieves a ballistic coefficient of .470 and stays supersonic beyond 1,100 yards! This ammo is from the Black Hills Gold line, a trusted option for shooters who demand exceptional performance, reliability, and accuracy.
Why Use “Match Ammo?”
Match ammo is not made like other cartridges. This ammo is engineered to the tightest tolerances in the industry, surpassing even the most elite (and expensive) hunting rounds on the market. Match ammo, also called “match grade” ammo, uses premium components and goes through a strict quality-control process. The result is a cartridge that is more accurate and consistent than anything else you can load.
But there is no standard definition of “match” ammo. Manufacturers could, in theory, create low-quality ammo that doesn’t live up to any standard. Across the industry, however, match ammo is manufactured with precise powder loads, aerodynamic open-tip bullets, and high-quality cases.
The bullets in match ammo are unique as well. They have an open tip, a result of the manufacturing process, a base-to-tip construction that has the lead core inserted from the front. This process creates perfectly centered cores for excellent flight stability and performance. The open tip looks similar to a hollow point, but it’s not made for expansion and should not be used for hunting; expansion occurs but it’s minimal at best.
Factors to Consider for .308 Winchester Match Ammo
While these are among the best .308 Winchester rounds for match competition, you don’t have to use these cartridges. Many products from top manufacturers will deliver the performance and reliability you need to win the next event. If these options are not available, or if you simply want to try a different choice, select your own match ammo by focusing on three specific factors…
“Match” Ammo
While there is no written standard for match-grade ammo, if you find a box of rounds labeled “match,” it’s a safe bet these rounds will perform to the highest industry standards. Other rounds may be fine, but match ammo is known for tight groupings and exact performance.
Velocity
Look for high velocity. Most manufacturers list their muzzle velocities right on the box, while others provide the information online. For matches, the faster the better, although higher velocities create higher energies, which means recoil is enhanced as well. With high velocities, you’ll get ideal bullet stability and downrange consistency. Trajectory tends to be better as well, resulting in tighter groupings and more consistent shot placement.
Trajectory
If available, look for rounds with the lowest drop. This information is not published by every manufacturer, and you’ll need to go online to find the data, but trajectory stats tell a lot about how a bullet will perform far down the range.
Wind Drift
Even more important than trajectory, arguably, is wind drift. Look for ammo with the lowest possible wind drift and you’ll have reliable performance. Generally, heavier bullets are pushed around the least, but bullet shape and design can make a difference as well.
Ballistic Coefficient
Perhaps one of the best indicators of bullet performance and accuracy is the ballistic coefficient. This is simply a numerical indication of a bullet’s aerodynamic quality; the higher the better. For .308 ammo, anything over .400 (it goes on a scale of 0.0 to 1.0) is an excellent ballistic coefficient.
