.308 vs 5.56: Ballistics, Range, Recoil, Best Uses (2026)
The .308 Winchester and 5.56 NATO are two of the most popular rifle cartridges, but they serve different purposes. The .308 is a full-power rifle cartridge designed for hunting and precision shooting, while 5.56 is an intermediate cartridge designed for military use and general-purpose applications.
This guide compares .308 and 5.56 across ballistics, effective range, recoil, ammunition cost, and best uses. Whether you're choosing a cartridge for hunting, defense, or precision shooting, understanding these differences will help you make the right choice.
People often ask about .308 vs 5.56 because both are popular and widely available, but they're designed for different applications. Understanding their strengths and limitations helps you choose the right cartridge for your needs. For related comparisons, see our AR-10 vs AR-15 guide and 300 Blackout vs 5.56 guide.
Safety: .223 Rem vs 5.56 NATO
5.56 NATO and .223 Remington are not always interchangeable depending on chamber specifications. Firing 5.56 NATO ammunition in a .223 Rem-only chamber can raise pressure to unsafe levels due to the longer leade (freebore) in 5.56 chambers. Firing .223 Rem in a 5.56 NATO chamber is generally safe, though accuracy may vary. Quick rule: Check your rifle's chamber marking and manual—if it's marked ".223 Rem only," stick with .223 Rem. If it's marked "5.56 NATO" or "5.56/.223," both are typically safe. For more details, see our 5.56 vs .223 guide.
Safety: .308 Win vs 7.62×51 NATO
.308 Winchester and 7.62×51 NATO are closely related but not identical. Pressure testing conventions and chamber dimensions can differ slightly between the two. Most modern rifles chambered in .308 Winchester can safely fire 7.62×51 NATO, and vice versa, but don't assume—check your rifle's markings and manual to confirm compatibility. When in doubt, follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Ballistics Comparison
| Feature | .308 Winchester | 5.56 NATO |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 150-180 grains (typical) | 55-77 grains (typical) |
| Muzzle Velocity | ~2,700-2,800 fps | ~3,000-3,200 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | ~2,600-2,800 ft-lbs | ~1,200-1,400 ft-lbs |
| Typical Practical Range | Generally effective farther; carries more energy at distance | Typically best inside intermediate ranges for most practical uses |
| Recoil | Heavy (~18-22 ft-lbs) | Light (~3-5 ft-lbs) |
Best Uses
.308 Winchester
- • Big game hunting (deer, elk, etc.)
- • Precision/long-range shooting
- • Target shooting at extended ranges
- • Applications requiring maximum energy
- • AR-10 platform compatibility
5.56 NATO
- • General-purpose/defensive use
- • Varmint hunting
- • High-volume shooting
- • Applications requiring low recoil
- • AR-15 platform compatibility
Recoil Comparison
The .308 produces significantly more recoil than 5.56, typically around 18-22 ft-lbs of felt recoil compared to 3-5 ft-lbs for 5.56. Note: These are typical felt-recoil estimates in common 7–9 lb rifles. Recoil energy varies a lot by rifle weight, muzzle device, and load. This makes 5.56 much easier to shoot, especially for extended sessions or rapid fire.
The .308's heavy recoil can be managed with proper technique and rifle weight, but it's significantly more challenging than 5.56. For most shooters, especially those new to rifles, 5.56 is much more comfortable.
Ammunition Cost
5.56 is often cheaper and more available in bulk than .308 for practice ammunition. Typical price ranges (which can swing significantly based on market conditions): .308 often runs $1.00-1.50 per round for quality ammunition, while 5.56 is often $0.40-0.60 per round. This makes 5.56 generally more affordable for high-volume shooting and practice, though prices vary by brand, load type, and market conditions.
.308 vs 5.56 FAQ
Which has more power?
The .308 has significantly more energy (~2,600-2,800 ft-lbs vs ~1,200-1,400 ft-lbs), making it better for big game hunting and applications requiring maximum energy. The 5.56 is adequate for most defensive and varmint hunting applications.
Which is better for hunting?
The .308 is better for big game hunting (deer, elk, etc.) due to its higher energy. The 5.56 is suitable for varmint hunting and smaller game. Choose based on your intended game and local regulations.
Which has less recoil?
The 5.56 has significantly less recoil (~3-5 ft-lbs vs ~18-22 ft-lbs in typical 7–9 lb rifles), making it much easier to shoot, especially for extended sessions or rapid fire. Recoil energy varies by rifle weight, muzzle device, and load. The .308's heavy recoil can be challenging for many shooters.
Which is cheaper to shoot?
The 5.56 is often cheaper and more available in bulk, with typical price ranges around $0.40-0.60 per round vs $1.00-1.50 for .308 (prices vary by brand, load type, and market conditions). This makes 5.56 generally more affordable for high-volume shooting and practice.
Which has longer range?
The .308 generally stays effective farther and carries more energy at distance due to its higher energy and better ballistic performance at extended ranges. The 5.56 is typically best inside intermediate ranges for most practical uses. Effective range depends on load, barrel length, wind conditions, and target size—these are typical practical ranges, not absolute guarantees. The .308 is better for precision/long-range shooting applications.
Bottom Line
The .308 and 5.56 serve different purposes. The .308 is better for big game hunting, precision shooting, and applications requiring maximum energy. The 5.56 is better for general-purpose use, high-volume shooting, and applications requiring low recoil.
Choose .308 if you need maximum energy for hunting or precision shooting. Choose 5.56 if you prioritize low recoil, affordability, and general-purpose capability. Both are excellent cartridges for their intended purposes.
Consider your specific needs: hunting requirements, shooting volume, budget, and recoil tolerance. The right choice depends on your intended use and preferences. Both cartridges are proven and widely available.