308 Ballistics Chart: Trajectory, Bullet Drop, Ammo & Subsonic
The .308 Winchester is a popular rifle cartridge used for hunting, target shooting, and precision applications. Its ballistic performance depends on several factors, including bullet weight, muzzle velocity, ballistic coefficient, barrel length, and sight-in distance.
This guide covers .308 Winchester ballistics with detailed charts for different zero distances, bullet weights, barrel lengths, and subsonic loads. The main ballistic chart uses a 168-grain polymer-tip boat-tail projectile, while the other tables provide comparisons for different ammunition configurations.
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.308 Ballistic Chart
The following .308 ballistic chart provides a general reference for a 168-grain polymer-tip boat-tail bullet with a G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.462. The reference muzzle velocity is 2,680 FPS, with a listed muzzle energy of 2,680 ft-lbs and a sight height of 1.5 inches.
| Range (Yards) | Velocity (FPS) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Trajectory (Inches) | Wind Drift (10 mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2,680 | 2,680 | -1.50 | 0.00 |
| 100 | 2,485 | 2,305 | +1.95 | 0.76 |
| 200 | 2,298 | 1,971 | 0.00 | 3.14 |
| 300 | 2,118 | 1,676 | -7.95 | 7.30 |
| 400 | 1,947 | 1,417 | -23.10 | 13.50 |
| 500 | 1,786 | 1,192 | -46.51 | 22.01 |
| 600 | 1,635 | 1,000 | -80.11 | 33.15 |
These figures use a 200-yard zero. The trajectory column shows the bullet’s position relative to the line of sight. Positive values indicate that the trajectory is above the line of sight, while negative values indicate that it is below it.
Actual results can vary with ammunition specifications, environmental conditions, rifle characteristics, and the ballistic calculator used.
.308 Ammo Ballistics
.308 Winchester ammunition is available in several bullet weights. Lighter bullets generally start at higher velocities, while heavier bullets can retain more momentum and may offer different wind-drift characteristics depending on their shape and ballistic coefficient.
The following comparison uses representative figures and a 200-yard zero profile.
| Bullet Weight | Typical Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy | Energy at 300 Yards | Drop at 500 Yards | Wind Drift at 500 Yards (10 mph) | Common Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125 gr | 3,100 FPS | 2,668 ft-lbs | 1,167 ft-lbs | -45.5 in | 28.1 in | Varmints and predators |
| 150 gr | 2,820 FPS | 2,648 ft-lbs | 1,393 ft-lbs | -45.2 in | 22.8 in | Deer hunting |
| 165 gr | 2,750 FPS | 2,771 ft-lbs | 1,595 ft-lbs | -45.0 in | 20.8 in | Hunting and target shooting |
| 168 gr | 2,680 FPS | 2,680 ft-lbs | 1,676 ft-lbs | -46.5 in | 22.0 in | Precision target shooting |
| 175 gr | 2,620 FPS | 2,669 ft-lbs | 1,747 ft-lbs | -47.0 in | 19.5 in | Long-range target shooting |
Bullet weight alone does not determine ballistic performance. The bullet’s construction, shape, ballistic coefficient, and muzzle velocity all influence how it behaves in flight.
308 Trajectory Chart
A trajectory chart illustrates how a bullet’s position changes relative to the line of sight as distance increases. The following reference uses a 168-grain bullet with a 200-yard zero.
| Range (Yards) | Trajectory (Inches) | MOA | MIL | Time of Flight (Seconds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | -1.50 | — | — | 0.000 |
| 50 | +0.65 | — | — | 0.057 |
| 100 | +1.95 | -1.9 | -0.6 | 0.117 |
| 150 | +1.72 | — | — | 0.180 |
| 200 | 0.00 | 0 | 0 | 0.245 |
| 250 | -3.15 | — | — | 0.312 |
| 300 | -7.95 | +2.5 | +0.7 | 0.383 |
| 350 | -14.51 | — | — | 0.456 |
| 400 | -23.10 | +5.5 | +1.6 | 0.533 |
The bullet’s trajectory changes gradually as it travels downrange. Velocity decreases because of air resistance, while gravity continuously affects its flight. The zero distance determines where the trajectory intersects the shooter’s line of sight.
308 Bullet Drop Chart
A bullet drop chart shows the vertical difference between the bullet’s path and the line of sight at different distances. This reference uses a 168-grain bullet with a 100-yard zero.
| Range (Yards) | Velocity (FPS) | Drop (Inches) | MOA | MIL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2,680 | -1.50 | — | — |
| 100 | 2,485 | 0.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 200 | 2,298 | -3.90 | +1.9 | +0.6 |
| 300 | 2,118 | -13.80 | +4.4 | +1.3 |
| 400 | 1,947 | -30.91 | +7.4 | +2.2 |
| 500 | 1,786 | -56.28 | +10.7 | +3.1 |
| 600 | 1,635 | -91.81 | +14.6 | +4.3 |
The bullet drop becomes more pronounced as distance increases. A 100-yard zero provides a clear reference point, while the figures beyond that distance illustrate how the trajectory changes over longer ranges.
308 Ballistics Chart 100 Yard Zero
A 100-yard zero establishes the reference point at which the bullet’s trajectory intersects the line of sight at 100 yards. This chart uses the same 168-grain reference projectile, with a muzzle velocity of 2,680 FPS.
| Range (Yards) | Velocity (FPS) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Trajectory (100-Yard Zero) | Wind Drift (10 mph) | Time of Flight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2,680 | 2,680 | -1.50 in | 0.00 in | 0.000 s |
| 100 | 2,485 | 2,305 | 0.00 in | 0.76 in | 0.117 s |
| 200 | 2,298 | 1,971 | -3.90 in | 3.14 in | 0.245 s |
| 300 | 2,118 | 1,676 | -13.80 in | 7.30 in | 0.383 s |
| 400 | 1,947 | 1,417 | -30.91 in | 13.50 in | 0.533 s |
| 500 | 1,786 | 1,192 | -56.28 in | 22.01 in | 0.693 s |
| 600 | 1,635 | 1,000 | -91.81 in | 33.15 in | 0.893 s |
The 100-yard zero is a useful reference for understanding the trajectory of this .308 load. The chart also shows the reduction in velocity and energy as the bullet travels farther from the muzzle.
308 Ballistics Chart 50 Yard Zero
A 50-yard zero uses a shorter reference distance than a 100-yard zero. The following table shows the supplied trajectory figures for the 168-grain reference load.
| Range (Yards) | Velocity (FPS) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Drop from Muzzle | Trajectory (50-Yard Zero) | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2,680 | 2,680 | 0.00 in | -1.50 in | Bore offset |
| 50 | 2,582 | 2,488 | -0.65 in | 0.00 in | Zero |
| 100 | 2,485 | 2,305 | -2.60 in | +0.65 in | Above line of sight |
| 150 | 2,391 | 2,133 | -5.92 in | +0.61 in | Above line of sight |
| 200 | 2,298 | 1,971 | -10.60 in | -0.67 in | Below line of sight |
| 250 | 2,207 | 1,819 | -16.85 in | -3.07 in | Below line of sight |
| 300 | 2,118 | 1,676 | -24.80 in | -6.72 in | Below line of sight |
The trajectory column represents the supplied 50-yard-zero reference values. The separate drop-from-muzzle column is retained as a distinct measurement and should not be treated as interchangeable with trajectory relative to the line of sight.
308 25 Yard Zero Chart
A 25-yard zero is a short-distance reference. The following table presents the supplied figures for a 168-grain .308 Winchester load, including velocity, energy, trajectory, and the original hold-reference column.
| Range (Yards) | Velocity (FPS) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Drop from Muzzle | Trajectory (25-Yard Zero) | Supplied Hold Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2,680 | 2,680 | 0.00 in | -1.50 in | Hold High (+1.5 in) |
| 25 | 2,631 | 2,583 | -0.16 in | 0.00 in | Dead-on |
| 50 | 2,582 | 2,488 | -0.65 in | +1.16 in | Hold Low (-1.2 in) |
| 100 | 2,485 | 2,305 | -2.60 in | +2.36 in | Hold Low (-2.4 in) |
| 150 | 2,391 | 2,133 | -5.92 in | +2.19 in | Hold Low (-2.2 in) |
| 200 | 2,298 | 1,971 | -10.60 in | +0.66 in | Dead-on (approx.) |
| 250 | 2,207 | 1,819 | -16.85 in | -2.43 in | Hold High (+2.4 in) |
| 300 | 2,118 | 1,676 | -24.80 in | -7.23 in | Hold High (+7.2 in) |
The table provides a reference for comparing the listed trajectory values at different distances. The exact trajectory depends on the ammunition, sight setup, atmospheric conditions, and rifle configuration.
308 Ballistics Chart 1000 Yards
Long-range ballistic performance depends heavily on bullet design and velocity retention. This reference uses a 175-grain Sierra MatchKing boat-tail hollow-point projectile with a G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.496 and a listed muzzle velocity of 2,620 FPS.
The following table uses a 1,000-yard zero profile and includes the supplied trajectory and correction figures.
| Distance (Yards) | Velocity (FPS) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Trajectory (1000-Yard Zero) | Correction (MOA) | Correction (MIL) | Time of Flight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | 2,333 | 2,113 | +25.4 in | +12.1 | +3.5 | 0.247 s |
| 400 | 2,063 | 1,652 | +50.8 in | +12.1 | +3.5 | 0.521 s |
| 600 | 1,812 | 1,271 | +68.8 in | +11.0 | +3.2 | 0.835 s |
| 800 | 1,582 | 970 | +65.0 in | +7.8 | +2.3 | 1.192 s |
| 1,000 | 1,377 | 736 | 0.00 in | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.599 s |
This table represents a different projectile from the 168-grain reference charts. Its velocity, energy, and trajectory should therefore be evaluated as a separate ammunition profile rather than combined directly with the standard-load data.
.308 Ballistics by the Inch
Barrel length can influence the muzzle velocity of .308 Winchester ammunition. Longer barrels often produce higher velocities with the same ammunition, while shorter barrels generally produce lower velocities. The actual difference depends on the load, powder characteristics, barrel, and testing conditions.
The following figures are supplied as a comparison for 168-grain Federal Gold Medal Match ammunition.
| Barrel Length | Muzzle Velocity (FPS) | Difference vs. 24-Inch Barrel | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | Listed Transonic Threshold | Typical Rifle Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 in | 2,735 | +55 FPS | 2,791 | ~1,100 yd | Competition rifles |
| 24 in | 2,680 | Baseline | 2,680 | ~1,070 yd | Standard-length rifles |
| 22 in | 2,630 | -50 FPS | 2,581 | ~1,040 yd | Hunting and general-purpose rifles |
| 20 in | 2,580 | -100 FPS | 2,483 | ~1,010 yd | Shorter tactical rifles |
| 18 in | 2,525 | -155 FPS | 2,378 | ~980 yd | Compact rifles |
| 16.5 in | 2,470 | -210 FPS | 2,275 | ~950 yd | Short-barrel rifles |
The supplied comparison shows a reduction in muzzle velocity as barrel length decreases. The stated average of approximately 20–25 FPS per inch is only a rough reference, not a universal rule. Different ammunition and rifle combinations can produce different results.
308 150 Grain Ballistics
A 150-grain bullet is a common .308 Winchester ammunition option. The following reference uses a pointed soft-point projectile with a G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.338, a listed muzzle velocity of 2,820 FPS, and muzzle energy of 2,648 ft-lbs. The table uses a 200-yard zero.
| Range (Yards) | Velocity (FPS) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Trajectory | Wind Drift | Time of Flight | Mach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2,820 | 2,648 | -1.50 in | 0.00 in | 0.000 s | 2.53 |
| 100 | 2,558 | 2,179 | +1.98 in | 1.12 in | 0.111 s | 2.29 |
| 200 | 2,314 | 1,783 | 0.00 in | 4.65 in | 0.235 s | 2.07 |
| 300 | 2,084 | 1,446 | -8.51 in | 11.23 in | 0.372 s | 1.86 |
| 400 | 1,869 | 1,163 | -25.68 in | 21.60 in | 0.523 s | 1.67 |
| 500 | 1,668 | 927 | -53.71 in | 36.52 in | 0.693 s | 1.49 |
This 150-grain profile is separate from the 168-grain reference chart. Its lower bullet weight and different ballistic coefficient contribute to a different velocity-retention and trajectory profile.
.308 Subsonic Ballistics Chart
Subsonic .308 Winchester ammunition is designed to remain below the speed of sound under specified conditions. The reference below uses a 175-grain subsonic boat-tail hollow-point load with a listed muzzle velocity of 1,050 FPS, muzzle energy of 428 ft-lbs, and a 100-yard zero.
| Range (Yards) | Velocity (FPS) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Trajectory (100-Yard Zero) | Time of Flight | Wind Drift (10 mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1,050 | 428 | -1.50 in | 0.000 s | 0.00 in |
| 25 | 1,032 | 414 | +0.85 in | 0.072 s | 0.28 in |
| 50 | 1,015 | 400 | +1.62 in | 0.145 s | 1.10 in |
| 100 | 983 | 375 | 0.00 in | 0.295 s | 4.32 in |
| 150 | 953 | 353 | -6.08 in | 0.449 s | 9.60 in |
| 200 | 925 | 332 | -17.28 in | 0.608 s | 16.92 in |
| 250 | 898 | 313 | -33.92 in | 0.772 s | 26.21 in |
| 300 | 872 | 295 | -56.32 in | 0.941 s | 37.45 in |
Subsonic ammunition has a different ballistic profile from standard supersonic .308 loads. Its lower velocity means that velocity and energy change differently over distance, and the trajectory values should be considered specific to the listed load and conditions.
The speed of sound is not a fixed number. It varies with atmospheric temperature and other environmental conditions, so a listed subsonic muzzle velocity does not guarantee the same margin below the sound barrier in every environment.
.308 Subsonic Grain Weight Comparison
Subsonic .308 ammunition is available in different bullet weights. The following table compares three supplied load profiles by muzzle velocity, energy, and the listed downrange figures.
| Subsonic Load | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy | Energy at 100 Yards | Drop at 200 Yards (100-Yard Zero) | Wind Drift at 200 Yards (10 mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 175 gr Subsonic | 1,050 FPS | 428 ft-lbs | 375 ft-lbs | -17.28 in | 16.92 in |
| 190 gr Subsonic Sub-X | 1,050 FPS | 465 ft-lbs | 412 ft-lbs | -16.85 in | 15.80 in |
| 220 gr Subsonic OTM | 1,020 FPS | 508 ft-lbs | 458 ft-lbs | -18.22 in | 14.10 in |
Heavier projectiles can produce higher muzzle energy at similar velocities, but bullet construction and ballistic coefficient also affect their performance. The figures in this table are representative supplied values rather than universal specifications for every ammunition product with the same bullet weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the muzzle velocity of a .308 Winchester?
The muzzle velocity depends on the ammunition and bullet weight. In the reference charts in this guide, the 168-grain load has a listed muzzle velocity of 2,680 FPS, while the 150-grain load is listed at 2,820 FPS.
What is the difference between a 50-yard and 100-yard zero?
A 50-yard zero and a 100-yard zero use different reference distances for the trajectory. As a result, the bullet’s position relative to the line of sight differs at other distances. The appropriate reference depends on the rifle, ammunition, sight setup, and intended use.
How does bullet weight affect .308 ballistics?
Bullet weight affects muzzle velocity and energy. Lighter bullets often have higher starting velocities, while heavier bullets may retain energy differently. Bullet shape and ballistic coefficient are also important, so weight alone cannot predict the complete trajectory.
Does barrel length affect .308 Winchester velocity?
Yes. Barrel length can affect muzzle velocity, but the amount varies with ammunition, powder, barrel characteristics, and testing conditions. The barrel-length table above provides one supplied comparison using 168-grain Federal Gold Medal Match ammunition.
What is the difference between .308 Winchester and 7.62×51mm NATO?
They are closely related cartridges, but their specifications and pressure standards are not identical. They should not be assumed to be universally interchangeable. Consult the rifle manufacturer’s chambering guidance and ammunition specifications.
What is subsonic .308 ammunition?
Subsonic .308 ammunition is designed to travel below the speed of sound under specified atmospheric conditions. It generally uses a lower muzzle velocity than standard supersonic ammunition, resulting in a different trajectory and energy profile.
Does a .308 bullet lose velocity over distance?
Yes. Air resistance reduces bullet velocity as it travels. The rate of velocity loss depends on the projectile’s shape, ballistic coefficient, starting velocity, and atmospheric conditions.
What does ballistic coefficient mean?
Ballistic coefficient is a measurement used to describe how efficiently a projectile moves through the air compared with a standard reference projectile. A higher ballistic coefficient generally indicates better aerodynamic efficiency under comparable conditions.
