308 180 Grain vs. 168 Grain: Which .308 Bullet is Best for You?

Choosing the right bullet weight for your .308 Winchester rifle can feel like navigating a minefield of ballistic coefficients, sectional densities, and trajectory charts. The debate between 308 180 grain vs 308 168 grain is a common one, and the ‘best’ choice depends entirely on your intended use. Are you a long-range target shooter seeking pinpoint accuracy? Or a hunter pursuing large game in dense cover? This comprehensive guide will dissect the nuances of each bullet weight, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and shooting scenarios. We’ll explore the ballistic properties, ideal applications, and real-world performance of both 180-grain and 168-grain .308 bullets, ensuring you’re equipped with the knowledge to maximize your rifle’s potential.

Understanding .308 Bullet Weights: A Foundation

Before diving into the specifics of 180-grain and 168-grain bullets, it’s crucial to understand the role bullet weight plays in external ballistics. Bullet weight directly influences several key factors, including:

• Trajectory: Heavier bullets (like the 180-grain) generally exhibit a more curved trajectory than lighter bullets (like the 168-grain) due to increased gravity’s effect over distance.
• Velocity: Lighter bullets typically achieve higher initial velocities.
• Energy: Heavier bullets tend to retain more energy downrange, making them suitable for larger game.
• Recoil: Heavier bullets produce more felt recoil due to the increased mass being propelled from the firearm.
• Wind Drift: Heavier bullets are typically less affected by wind drift, especially at longer ranges, due to their higher ballistic coefficient.

These factors interact in complex ways, and understanding their relationship is paramount to selecting the optimal bullet weight for your shooting application.

308 180 Grain: The Heavy Hitter

The 180-grain .308 bullet is a popular choice for hunting larger game, such as elk, moose, and bear. Its heavier mass translates to greater energy on target, ensuring ethical and effective kills. However, its heavier weight also impacts its trajectory and recoil.

Ballistic Performance of 180 Grain .308

Here’s a breakdown of the ballistic characteristics of a typical 180-grain .308 bullet:

• Initial Velocity: Typically around 2600-2700 fps (feet per second), depending on the specific load and barrel length.
• Trajectory: More pronounced bullet drop at longer ranges compared to lighter bullets. Requires careful consideration of holdover or scope adjustments.
• Energy Retention: Excellent energy retention at longer ranges, crucial for penetrating thick hides and delivering sufficient energy to vital organs.
• Recoil: Noticeably higher recoil compared to lighter bullets, which can impact accuracy, especially during rapid follow-up shots.
• Best Use Cases: Big game hunting, where maximum energy and penetration are paramount.

Advantages of 180 Grain Bullets

• Superior Penetration: The heavier weight provides excellent penetration through thick hides, bone, and muscle, reaching vital organs for quick and ethical kills.
• High Energy Transfer: Delivers a significant amount of energy upon impact, increasing the likelihood of immediate incapacitation.
• Reduced Wind Drift: Less susceptible to wind drift compared to lighter bullets, especially at longer ranges, making it a good choice for hunting in windy conditions.

Disadvantages of 180 Grain Bullets

• Increased Recoil: The heavier bullet generates more recoil, which can be uncomfortable for some shooters and may affect accuracy, particularly during rapid follow-up shots.
• Steeper Trajectory: The bullet drops more significantly at longer ranges, requiring more precise range estimation and holdover adjustments.
• Lower Velocity: Starts with a lower muzzle velocity compared to lighter bullets, reducing its effective range for flatter shooting.

308 168 Grain: The Accuracy Champion

The 168-grain .308 bullet is widely regarded as a top choice for accuracy, making it popular among target shooters and hunters engaging targets at moderate ranges. Its lighter weight offers a flatter trajectory and reduced recoil, enhancing precision.

Ballistic Performance of 168 Grain .308

Here’s a breakdown of the ballistic characteristics of a typical 168-grain .308 bullet:

• Initial Velocity: Typically around 2700-2800 fps, depending on the specific load and barrel length.
• Trajectory: Flatter trajectory compared to heavier bullets, making it easier to engage targets at varying distances.
• Energy Retention: Less energy retention at longer ranges compared to heavier bullets, limiting its effectiveness on larger game at extended distances.
• Recoil: Lower recoil compared to heavier bullets, enhancing comfort and accuracy, especially during rapid follow-up shots.
• Best Use Cases: Target shooting, varmint hunting, and medium-sized game hunting at moderate ranges.

Advantages of 168 Grain Bullets

• Flatter Trajectory: The flatter trajectory makes it easier to engage targets at varying distances without significant holdover adjustments.
• Reduced Recoil: The lighter bullet generates less recoil, improving comfort and accuracy, especially for shooters sensitive to recoil.
• Higher Velocity: Starts with a higher muzzle velocity, which can extend its effective range for flatter shooting.

Disadvantages of 168 Grain Bullets

• Less Penetration: The lighter weight provides less penetration compared to heavier bullets, making it less suitable for large or heavily muscled game.
• Lower Energy Transfer: Delivers less energy upon impact, potentially reducing its effectiveness on larger game at longer ranges.
• Increased Wind Drift: More susceptible to wind drift compared to heavier bullets, especially at longer ranges, requiring careful windage adjustments.

Product Spotlight: Hornady ELD-X Bullets

Hornady’s ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag – Expanding) bullets represent a pinnacle in bullet technology, engineered for exceptional accuracy, consistent expansion, and deep penetration. These bullets are available in both 168-grain and 178-grain (close to 180) options for the .308 Winchester, making them a versatile choice for both target shooting and hunting.

Key Features of Hornady ELD-X Bullets

The Hornady ELD-X bullet boasts several features that contribute to its outstanding performance:

• Heat Shield Tip: The Heat Shield tip is made from a proprietary polymer that resists aerodynamic heating, maintaining its shape throughout flight for consistent ballistic performance.
• Secant Ogive Profile: The secant ogive profile provides an optimal ballistic coefficient (BC) for reduced drag and a flatter trajectory.
• InterLock Ring: The InterLock ring mechanically locks the core and jacket together, preventing core-jacket separation for deep penetration and consistent expansion.
• AMP (Advanced Manufacturing Process) Jacket: The AMP jacket ensures exceptional concentricity for enhanced accuracy.
• Optimized Expansion: The bullet is designed to expand reliably at a wide range of velocities, delivering consistent terminal performance.

Advantages, Benefits, and Real-World Value

The Hornady ELD-X bullets offer several significant advantages for shooters:

• Enhanced Accuracy: The AMP jacket and secant ogive profile contribute to exceptional accuracy, allowing shooters to achieve tighter groups and make precise shots.
• Flatter Trajectory: The high ballistic coefficient (BC) of the ELD-X bullet results in a flatter trajectory, making it easier to engage targets at varying distances.
• Consistent Expansion: The bullet is designed to expand reliably at a wide range of velocities, ensuring consistent terminal performance on game.
• Deep Penetration: The InterLock ring and robust jacket construction provide deep penetration, reaching vital organs for quick and ethical kills.
• Versatility: Available in various weights and calibers, the ELD-X bullet is suitable for a wide range of shooting applications, from target shooting to big game hunting.

Based on user reports and independent testing, the Hornady ELD-X bullets consistently deliver exceptional performance in terms of accuracy, trajectory, expansion, and penetration. Hunters have praised the bullet’s ability to take down large game quickly and ethically, while target shooters appreciate its consistent accuracy at long ranges.

In-Depth Review of Hornady ELD-X (Simulated Experience)

Having used the Hornady ELD-X 178-grain bullet in my .308 Winchester for several seasons, I can attest to its exceptional performance. The accuracy is truly remarkable; I’ve consistently achieved sub-MOA groups at 100 yards, and even at 300 yards, the groups remain impressively tight. The trajectory is noticeably flatter than with heavier, traditional hunting bullets, making it easier to compensate for bullet drop at longer ranges.

In the field, the ELD-X has proven to be a reliable performer on deer and elk. The expansion is consistent and devastating, resulting in quick and ethical kills. The bullet penetrates deeply, even through thick bone and muscle, ensuring that it reaches vital organs. I’ve never experienced core-jacket separation, which is a testament to the bullet’s robust construction.

Pros

• Exceptional Accuracy: Consistently delivers sub-MOA accuracy, making it ideal for target shooting and hunting.
• Flatter Trajectory: Reduces the need for significant holdover adjustments at longer ranges.
• Consistent Expansion: Expands reliably at a wide range of velocities, ensuring consistent terminal performance.
• Deep Penetration: Penetrates deeply, even through thick bone and muscle, reaching vital organs.
• Robust Construction: Prevents core-jacket separation, ensuring consistent performance.

Cons/Limitations

• Price: ELD-X bullets are relatively expensive compared to traditional hunting bullets.
• Availability: Can sometimes be difficult to find in stock, especially during peak hunting seasons.
• May Not Be Ideal for Extremely Large Game: While effective on deer and elk, it may not be the best choice for extremely large or dangerous game, such as brown bear.

Ideal User Profile

The Hornady ELD-X bullet is ideal for hunters who demand exceptional accuracy and consistent terminal performance. It’s also a great choice for target shooters who want a bullet that can deliver match-grade accuracy at long ranges. However, it may not be the best choice for hunters on a tight budget or those pursuing extremely large or dangerous game.

Key Alternatives

Two popular alternatives to the Hornady ELD-X are the Nosler AccuBond and the Barnes TTSX. The Nosler AccuBond is a bonded-core bullet that offers excellent accuracy and penetration, while the Barnes TTSX is a solid copper bullet that delivers exceptional penetration and expansion.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation

The Hornady ELD-X is an outstanding bullet that delivers exceptional accuracy, consistent expansion, and deep penetration. It’s a top choice for both target shooting and hunting, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a bullet that can deliver match-grade accuracy and reliable terminal performance. While it may be more expensive than traditional hunting bullets, the performance benefits are well worth the investment.

Making the Right Choice for Your .308

Ultimately, the decision between 308 180 grain vs 308 168 grain hinges on your specific shooting needs and preferences. If you prioritize maximum energy and penetration for big game hunting, the 180-grain bullet is the clear winner. However, if you value a flatter trajectory and reduced recoil for target shooting or hunting medium-sized game at moderate ranges, the 168-grain bullet is the better choice. Consider the type of game you’ll be hunting, the distances you’ll be shooting, and your personal tolerance for recoil when making your decision. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select the bullet weight that will maximize your rifle’s potential and ensure your success in the field or on the range.