Is .308 Stronger Than 7.62x39mm? A Comprehensive Comparison

The question of whether the .308 Winchester cartridge is stronger than the 7.62x39mm is a common one among firearm enthusiasts, hunters, and those interested in ballistics. It’s a comparison that delves into the nuances of cartridge design, ballistic performance, and intended applications. This article provides a detailed, expert-backed exploration of these two popular rounds, offering a comprehensive analysis to help you understand their relative strengths and weaknesses. We’ll explore everything from bullet size and velocity to energy and trajectory, providing a clear picture of how these cartridges stack up against each other.

Understanding the .308 Winchester

The .308 Winchester, also known as 7.62x51mm NATO (though there are subtle differences), is a rimless, bottlenecked rifle cartridge. Introduced in the 1950s as a civilian counterpart to the 7.62x51mm NATO military round, it quickly gained popularity for its accuracy, versatility, and stopping power. The .308 Winchester has become a staple in hunting rifles, target rifles, and even some military applications. Its widespread adoption is a testament to its well-rounded performance profile.

The .308’s design allows it to launch a .30 caliber bullet at relatively high velocities, resulting in a flat trajectory and significant energy transfer at various ranges. This makes it suitable for a wide range of game, from deer and antelope to larger animals like elk and bear, depending on the specific bullet weight and construction.

Key Characteristics of the .308 Winchester:

Bullet Diameter: .308 inches (7.82 mm)
Case Type: Rimless, Bottleneck
Typical Bullet Weights: 150-180 grains (though lighter and heavier options exist)
Muzzle Velocity: Typically 2600-2800 fps (feet per second) with a 150-grain bullet
Muzzle Energy: Approximately 2600-3000 ft-lbs (foot-pounds)

Exploring the 7.62x39mm

The 7.62x39mm is a rimmed, bottlenecked intermediate rifle cartridge developed in the Soviet Union during World War II. It’s most famously associated with the AK-47 assault rifle and its numerous variants. The 7.62x39mm was designed to provide a balance between manageable recoil and sufficient stopping power in a compact, lightweight package. This made it ideal for widespread military use.

While not typically considered a long-range cartridge, the 7.62x39mm is effective at shorter to medium ranges, offering adequate accuracy and terminal performance for its intended purpose. Its relatively low recoil makes it easier to control in rapid fire, a key consideration for military applications.

Key Characteristics of the 7.62x39mm:

Bullet Diameter: .311 inches (7.92 mm) – slightly larger than .308
Case Type: Rimmed, Bottleneck
Typical Bullet Weights: 123-125 grains
Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 2300-2400 fps
Muzzle Energy: Approximately 1500-1600 ft-lbs

.308 vs 7.62x39mm: A Detailed Comparison of Ballistic Performance

When comparing the .308 Winchester and the 7.62x39mm, several key factors determine their relative strengths: bullet diameter, velocity, energy, and trajectory. Each of these elements contributes to the overall performance of the cartridge.

Bullet Diameter and Weight:

The .308 Winchester typically uses bullets with a diameter of .308 inches, while the 7.62x39mm uses bullets with a slightly larger diameter of .311 inches. While the difference is small, it can affect bullet selection and availability. The .308 also generally uses heavier bullets, ranging from 150 to 180 grains or more, compared to the 7.62x39mm’s typical bullet weight of 123-125 grains. The heavier bullet of the .308 contributes to its higher energy and momentum.

Velocity and Energy:

The .308 Winchester boasts a significantly higher muzzle velocity than the 7.62x39mm. With typical loads, the .308 can achieve velocities of 2600-2800 fps, while the 7.62x39mm typically ranges from 2300-2400 fps. This higher velocity translates directly into greater kinetic energy. The .308 Winchester delivers approximately 2600-3000 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, nearly double that of the 7.62x39mm, which produces around 1500-1600 ft-lbs.

Trajectory and Range:

Due to its higher velocity and ballistic coefficient (a measure of a bullet’s ability to overcome air resistance), the .308 Winchester exhibits a flatter trajectory than the 7.62x39mm. This means that the .308 bullet drops less over a given distance, making it easier to achieve accurate shots at longer ranges. The .308 is generally considered effective out to 800 yards or more, depending on the shooter’s skill and the specific load. The 7.62x39mm, on the other hand, is typically considered effective out to around 300-400 yards.

Recoil:

One area where the 7.62x39mm has an advantage is in recoil. Due to its lighter bullet and lower velocity, the 7.62x39mm produces significantly less recoil than the .308 Winchester. This makes it more comfortable to shoot, especially in lightweight rifles, and allows for faster follow-up shots. The .308’s heavier recoil can be a factor for some shooters, particularly those who are recoil-sensitive.

Applications and Intended Use

The .308 Winchester and 7.62x39mm cartridges were designed for different purposes, and their strengths and weaknesses reflect these differences. The .308 Winchester was conceived as a versatile cartridge suitable for both military and civilian applications, emphasizing accuracy, range, and stopping power. The 7.62x39mm, on the other hand, was designed as an intermediate cartridge for military use, prioritizing compactness, manageable recoil, and sufficient close-range effectiveness.

Hunting:

For hunting, the .308 Winchester is generally considered a superior choice for medium to large game at longer ranges. Its higher energy and flatter trajectory allow for more ethical and effective shots at distances where the 7.62x39mm would be less reliable. While the 7.62x39mm can be used for hunting smaller game at closer ranges, its limited range and energy make it less suitable for larger animals or longer shots.

Target Shooting:

The .308 Winchester is a popular choice for target shooting, particularly at longer ranges. Its inherent accuracy and flatter trajectory make it easier to achieve consistent results at distances of 300 yards or more. The 7.62x39mm can be used for target shooting at shorter ranges, but its accuracy and trajectory limitations make it less competitive at longer distances.

Military and Tactical Use:

While the .308 Winchester (as the 7.62x51mm NATO) has seen widespread military use, the 7.62x39mm remains a common cartridge in many parts of the world, particularly in rifles like the AK-47. The 7.62x39mm’s compact size and manageable recoil make it well-suited for automatic rifles used in close-quarters combat. The .308 Winchester, with its greater range and power, is often preferred for sniper rifles and designated marksman rifles.

The Role of Rifles in Cartridge Performance

The rifle used to fire each cartridge significantly impacts its performance. The .308 Winchester is commonly found in bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic rifles like the AR-10 platform, and even some lever-action rifles. These rifles are often designed with accuracy and long-range performance in mind. The 7.62x39mm is most commonly found in AK-47 variants and SKS rifles. These rifles are typically designed for reliability and ease of use, prioritizing function over pinpoint accuracy, though modern AK platforms are becoming increasingly accurate.

.308 Rifle Examples:

Remington 700
Savage 110
AR-10 Platform Rifles (e.g., DPMS LR-308, Smith & Wesson M&P 10)

7.62x39mm Rifle Examples:

AK-47 and its variants (e.g., WASR-10, Arsenal SLR-107)
SKS
CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine (chambered in 7.62x39mm)

Practical Considerations: Availability and Cost

Another factor to consider when comparing the .308 Winchester and 7.62x39mm is the availability and cost of ammunition. Both cartridges are widely available, but their prices can vary depending on the manufacturer, bullet type, and current market conditions. Generally, 7.62x39mm ammunition is less expensive than .308 Winchester ammunition, particularly for surplus or imported ammunition. This can make the 7.62x39mm a more economical choice for high-volume shooting or training.

However, the .308 Winchester offers a wider range of ammunition options, including specialized hunting loads, match-grade target loads, and military surplus ammunition. This versatility can be an advantage for shooters who require specific performance characteristics for different applications.

Expert Insights on Cartridge Selection

Choosing the right cartridge depends heavily on individual needs and priorities. For shooters prioritizing long-range accuracy, higher energy, and versatility, the .308 Winchester is generally the better choice. Its flatter trajectory and greater stopping power make it well-suited for hunting larger game and engaging targets at longer distances. However, the .308 Winchester typically comes with higher rifle and ammunition costs, along with more recoil.

For shooters prioritizing affordability, manageable recoil, and close-range effectiveness, the 7.62x39mm can be a viable option. Its lower cost and lighter recoil make it more accessible and comfortable to shoot, particularly in rifles like the AK-47. However, its limited range and energy make it less suitable for long-range shooting or hunting larger game.

The Verdict: Power and Performance Compared

In conclusion, when directly comparing the .308 Winchester and the 7.62x39mm in terms of raw power, the .308 Winchester is the clear winner. Its higher velocity, heavier bullet, and greater energy deliver superior ballistic performance, particularly at longer ranges. However, the 7.62x39mm offers advantages in terms of affordability, manageable recoil, and compact size, making it a suitable choice for specific applications and users. Ultimately, the best cartridge for you will depend on your individual needs, priorities, and intended use. Consider the trade-offs between power, range, cost, and recoil when making your decision, and always prioritize safe and responsible gun handling practices.