The .308 Winchester is a popular rifle cartridge that is widely used for hunting and target shooting. It is also commonly known as 7.62x51mm NATO, as it is the standard cartridge for many military rifles.
The measurement of .308 refers to the bullet diameter, which is 0.308 inches or 7.8 millimeters. This measurement is common for many rifle cartridges, including the .30-06 Springfield and the .300 Winchester Magnum.
The .308 Winchester is derived from the parent case, the .300 Savage. It is a rimless, bottleneck cartridge, which means that the base of the cartridge is without a rim and the neck of the cartridge is tapered to accommodate the bullet.
The neck diameter of the .308 Winchester is 0.3433 inches or 8.72 millimeters. The neck is the portion of the cartridge that holds the bullet in place before it is fired. The diameter of the neck is important for ensuring proper bullet seating and alignment in the chamber of the rifle.
The .308 Winchester is a versatile and reliable cartridge that has been used for many years in a variety of shooting applications. Its effectiveness and popularity make it a go-to choice for many rifle enthusiasts and professionals alike.
In my personal experience, I have used the .308 Winchester cartridge for hunting deer and other game animals. I have found it to be an accurate and effective round, delivering ample stopping power for ethical and humane kills. The bullet diameter of 0.308 inches provides good penetration and expansion, making it suitable for a wide range of hunting situations.
Additionally, I have also used the .308 Winchester in target shooting competitions. Its consistent performance and manageable recoil make it a favorite among precision shooters. The availability of ammunition and firearms chambered in .308 Winchester also adds to its appeal and popularity in the shooting community.
To summarize, the .308 Winchester is a rifle cartridge with a bullet diameter of 0.308 inches or 7.8 millimeters. It is a versatile and widely used round for hunting and target shooting, offering good accuracy, stopping power, and availability.