.308/7.62x51MM AMMO RECOMMENDATIONS

.308 Winchester brings real knockdown power to the AR10 platform, but barrel length and bullet construction dramatically affect velocity, accuracy, and terminal performance.

This guide gives straightforward starting loads for rifle‑length and compact AR10s and the essential tests (chrono, function, match twist) you should run to make sure the ammo performs in your rifle.

Rifle-length AR10s (16″+ Barrels)

• Training / Range: 147–150 gr FMJ (Federal American Eagle, Winchester) — affordable, reliable for volume practice and zeroing.

• Precision / Match: 168–175 gr match (Federal Gold Medal Match 168 gr; Hornady Match/ELD 168–178 gr; Nosler Match 175 gr) — best groups at typical precision distances.

• Hunting / Field: 150–180 gr bonded or monolithic (Barnes TSX, Federal Fusion, Hornady SST) — controlled expansion and weight retention for ethical kills on medium/large game.

• Self-Defense / Barrier: Bonded JHP or controlled-expansion solids (Barnes, bonded Hornady/Federal offerings) — prefer heavy, weight-retaining bullets if barrier performance matters.

Short-barrel / Compact AR10s (Barrels Shorter Than 16”)

• Short barrels lose significant velocity in .308; performance (expansion, drop) degrades fast below 16″.

• Favor heavier, well-constructed bullets (165–180 gr bonded/monolithic) and chrono to know what you actually get.

• Expect reduced effective range and altered terminal behavior.

Tips for Best Results

• Chronograph everything. Velocity changes dramatically with barrel length in .308.

• Match bullet to role: 147–150 gr FMJ for range, 168–175 gr for match, 150–180 gr bonded/monolithic for hunting/barriers.

• Typical twists: 1:10 or 1:11 — 1:10 is common for stabilizing heavier match/hunting bullets.

• Function & accuracy test every load in your rifle; start with one training load and one duty/hunting load and test thoroughly.