Lindcott Armory Compare / .308 Winchester vs 5.56x45mm NATO
Cartridge comparison
.308 Winchester vs 5.56x45mm NATO
5.56x45mm NATO is faster (3,240 vs 2,850 fps); .308 Winchester carries more energy (2,700 vs 1,400 ft·lb); 5.56x45mm NATO recoils less.
.308 Winchester →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–800 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
5.56x45mm NATO →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–1000 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .308 Winchester | 5.56x45mm NATO | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Rifle | Rifle |
| Introduced | 1952 | 1980 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.308″ | 0.224″ |
| Case length | 2.015″ | 1.76″ |
| Velocity | 2,600–2,850 fps | 2,750–3,240 fps |
| Energy | 2,400–2,700 ft·lb | 1,200–1,400 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 62,000 psi | 62,000 psi |
| Recoil | 15–20 ft·lb | 3.8–5.5 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 800 yd | 600 yd |
FAQs
- Is .308 Winchester faster than 5.56x45mm NATO?
- 5.56x45mm NATO is faster — up to 3,240 fps versus 2,850 fps.
- Does .308 Winchester hit harder than 5.56x45mm NATO?
- .308 Winchester carries more muzzle energy (2,700 vs 1,400 ft·lb).