Lindcott Armory Compare / .308 Winchester vs 7.62x51mm NATO
Cartridge comparison
.308 Winchester vs 7.62x51mm NATO
7.62x51mm NATO is faster (2,900 vs 2,850 fps); 7.62x51mm NATO carries more energy (3,088 vs 2,700 ft·lb).
.308 Winchester →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–800 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
7.62x51mm NATO →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–800 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .308 Winchester | 7.62x51mm NATO | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Rifle | Rifle |
| Introduced | 1952 | 1954 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.308″ | 0.308″ |
| Case length | 2.015″ | 2.015″ |
| Velocity | 2,600–2,850 fps | 2,600–2,900 fps |
| Energy | 2,400–2,700 ft·lb | 2,469–3,088 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 62,000 psi | 60,191 psi |
| Recoil | 15–20 ft·lb | — |
| Eff. range | 800 yd | 800 yd |
FAQs
- Is .308 Winchester faster than 7.62x51mm NATO?
- 7.62x51mm NATO is faster — up to 2,900 fps versus 2,850 fps.
- Does .308 Winchester hit harder than 7.62x51mm NATO?
- 7.62x51mm NATO carries more muzzle energy (3,088 vs 2,700 ft·lb).