The .308 Winchester is a smokeless powder rimless bottlenecked rifle cartridge widely used for hunting, target shooting, police, military, and personal protection applications globally. It is similar, but not identical, to the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge.
A .308 rifle is a rifle that is made to fire the .308 Winchester cartridge. This can be a bolt action rifle, semi-automatic rifle (such as a modern sporting rifle), or a break barrel rifle.
Snipers use it, foot soldiers too. And hunters pretty much rely on 308 rifles for anything bigger than small game. The best 308 rifle can handle anything from humane deer hunting through to America’s biggest game. It has served in the hands of military snipers.
14 Best .308 Rifles (2026): Tested & Ranked - USA Gun Shop
Shop top-quality .308 rifles and .308 hunting rifles. Find reliable, accurate firearms for your next hunting adventure.
While there are both pros and cons of .308 rifles, .308 is one of the most common rifle rounds used by sportspeople and recreational shooters in the US. Does this mean everyone should have a .308 rifle, though? The main pro of .308 Winchester is it’s a good generalist cartridge.
Pros and Cons of .308 Win Rifles (Who Should Get One) - Outdoor Empire
When considering a 308 tactical assault rifle or any .308 tactical platform, it’s important to assess key features that align with your intended use. Barrel length, stock configuration, and optic compatibility are just a few of the customizable elements that can enhance both comfort and performance.