The .308 is by far the most popular sniping round, and for good reason. The .308 is not punishing to shoot, has excellent terminal ballistics, behaves predictably in the wind, and is consistent. While there are quite a few rounds that outperform the .308 in ballistics, there are few, if any, that perform as consistently as the .308. And consistency is accuracy. The .30 cal bullet has long been a great performer, and is very popular which leads to more research with the .30 then with other calibers. While the .308 may over penetrate in some cases (especially with M118) the .308 is still used in the majority of the Law Enforcement agencies out there. It is accepted that if you do your job and put the bullet where it counts, you can count on the .308 to do its job and incapacitate the target. The US Army preaches an 800 meter maximum effective range for the .308, the USMC preaches a 1000 meter max effective range. While I have made hits at 1000 meters and beyond with the .308, I would have to agree with the Army and say that 800 meters is the limit for RELIABLE hits. After that the .308 is dropping like a rock and is inconsistent. As an all around sniping round that works great for both Law Enforcement and military sniping, the .308 is tough to beat!

Recommendation: The .308 is acceptable for both military and Law Enforcement use, and is very capable of 800 meter hits on a human size target. If there is a need to reach beyond 800 meters, I recommend something with more oomph then the .308. If you are a Law Enforcement sharpshooter, keep in mind the penetrating power of the .308, especially with full metal jacket rounds (Like the M118).

Note: I have listed the M118 (The current military sniping round) and also the Federal 175gr Match Ammo, they are both suitable for military sniping. The US Armed forces is currently in a transition to M118LR, which fires a 175gr Sierra Match King bullet, exactly like the Federal Match ammo, but currently I am not sure of the Muzzle velocity. (If it's 2600fps, then the Federal Match 175gr will be identical!) If anyone knows more on the new M118LR (I'm still being issued M118) please email me! The Federal Match 168gr is also included as the standard.

• M118 = M118 Special Ball - 173gr 2600fps (2550fps)
• F-175gr = Federal Gold Medal Match .308 175gr Match King (2600fps)
• F-168gr = Federal Gold Medal Match .308 168gr Match King (2600fps)

Bullet Drop (Inches)

Energy (Muzzle - M118 - 2605Ft-Lbs., Fed. Match 175gr - 2625, Fed. Match 168gr - 2520)

Wind Drift (Inches) 10 mph Crosswind

Note: I have included the Federal Match 168gr in the Law Enforcement section also. The 168gr is very popular with Law Enforcement as well, and with good reason, it has exceptional accuracy. But even though it tends to fragment on impact, the lead core tends to penetrate fairly deep. You need to keep this in mind when taking 'The Shot', insure there is a suitable backstop behind the target. I have also included a couple of good choices for Law Enforcement applications. The ballistic tip rounds are designed to expand rapidly, and lend themselves well to hostage situations. The Federal SPBT load is a good all around load, with some extra penetration and rigidity for those through glass and car shots.

• F-168gr = Federal Gold Medal Match .308 168gr Sierra Match King 2600fps
• F-Btip = Federal Premium .308 150gr Nosler Ballistic Tip 2820 fps
• F-SP = Federal Premium .308 165gr Sierra Game King Soft Point Boat Tail (SPBT) 2700fps
• Win = Winchester Supreme .308 168gr Nosler Ballistic Silver Tip 2670fps

Bullet Drop (Inches)

Energy (Muzzle: F-168gr = 2520 Ft-Lbs., F-Btip = 2650, F-SP = 2670, Win = 2659)

Wind Drift (Inches) 10mph Crosswind

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