Why the .308 Winchester Is Still the Hunter's Workhorse

The short version: Fred Mastison argues that, for all the new and wildcat chamberings out there, the .308 Winchester is still the most practical do-everything hunting cartridge, largely because good factory ammo for it is everywhere.

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Hunters have more cartridge choices than ever, from mainstream factory rounds to oddball wildcats with devoted fans. Mastison, writing for Athlon Outdoors, says he keeps coming back to the .308 Win anyway. Introduced in 1952, it built its name on accuracy, dependability and solid ballistics, and it hits hard without beating up the shooter.

For ammo buyers, his strongest point is selection. So many companies load .308 in so many bullet weights that it's easy to try a few boxes and settle on one that groups well in your rifle and performs on the game you hunt.

He isn't calling the .308 the best cartridge ever made. He has hunted with most of the popular alternatives, 6.5 Creedmoor included, and took an oryx with a 6.5. But as a single workhorse round, he rates the .308 above the rest, good for anything from African plains game to Montana mule deer.

Key takeaways

• The .308 Winchester came out in 1952.
• Mastison says he would hunt any North American game with a .308.
• Its main edge for buyers is the wide range of factory loads and bullet weights from many manufacturers.
• Recoil stays moderate for the energy it delivers.
• He credits 6.5 Creedmoor as a solid hunting round but still picks .308 as the more versatile workhorse.

Summary by AmmoWinner based on reporting by Athlon Outdoors. Deal links are affiliate links; AmmoWinner may earn a commission. Prices change quickly, so confirm at checkout.