308 for hunting covers deer, hogs and elk at practical ranges: the 308 Winchester is a proven big-game cartridge, with factory loads from 150 to 180 gr that carry well over 1,500 ft-lb past 300 yards from a full-length barrel. With a 1:5 twist barrel it can also hunt suppressed and subsonic at close range with a 300 gr expanding bullet. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures 308 Winchester hunting firearms: the CM7S bolt action in 16-inch (1:8, supersonic) and 12.5-inch (1:5, subsonic) configurations, including walnut-stocked versions, and the CM10 AR10 in 12.5, 16 and 18 inches.
308 for Hunting at a Glance
| Game | 308 suitability | Suggested load type |
|---|---|---|
| Whitetail and mule deer | Well suited | 150 to 165 gr expanding, or CM 300 gr subsonic inside 150 yd |
| Feral hogs | Well suited | 150 to 178 gr expanding; CM10 for follow-up shots |
| Elk | Suited at moderate range | 165 to 180 gr bonded or monolithic |
| Coyotes | Works, but more than needed | Lighter expanding bullets |
| Bear | Not recommended by CM | Choose 375 Raptor or 458 SOCOM XL |
308 for Hunting Deer
Deer are the 308 Winchester’s core hunting use. A 150 to 165 gr expanding bullet gives deep penetration and reliable expansion from close range out past 300 yards for a skilled shooter. The 16-inch CM7S with its 1:8 twist handles supersonic hunting bullets of 147 gr and heavier, and its short length suits stands and blinds. For suppressed deer hunting at close range, Chattahoochee Munitions loads a 300 gr Maker REX, a solid-copper bullet designed to expand at subsonic speed, which averages 1,005 fps and 673 ft-lb from a 12.5-inch 1:5 barrel.
308 for Hunting Hogs
Hogs are tough and often come in groups. Supersonic 308 Winchester expanding bullets give the penetration a large boar needs, and the semi-automatic CM10 gives quick follow-up shots. For night hunting near homes and livestock, the suppressed subsonic option keeps the report down; the CM10-SD cycles CM’s 300 gr subsonic load with an enclosed suppressor, and the 12.5-inch CM7S fires it with or without one.
308 for Hunting Elk
Many hunters take elk with the 308 Winchester using well-constructed 165 to 180 gr bullets at moderate range. Elk are large and tough, so shot placement and a bullet designed for deep penetration matter more than raw energy. The published 178 gr ELD-X Precision Hunter carries 1,818 ft-lb at 300 yards from a 24-inch test barrel (Hornady published). A shorter barrel delivers somewhat less; see 308 barrel length. Keep shots within the range where you can place them precisely.
Is 308 Good for Bear?
Chattahoochee Munitions does not recommend the 308 Winchester for bear. For bear, choose a cartridge with a heavier, larger-diameter bullet: the 375 Raptor or 458 SOCOM XL, both of which Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures in bolt-action and semi-automatic firearms.
Subsonic 308 for Hunting
Subsonic 308 trades range for sound. With a suppressor and no supersonic crack, the shot is far less disruptive, which helps on private land and when hunting several animals from one stand. The trade-off is trajectory: CM’s 300 gr load, zeroed at 100 yards, drops about 35 inches at 200 yards, so keep shots inside about 150 yards. The bullet must expand at subsonic speed; the Maker REX is designed for that. Check that suppressor use for hunting is legal where you hunt. See 308 Winchester subsonic.
308 for Hunting: Bullet Choice
Choose a bullet made to expand at the impact speed you expect. Lead-core bonded bullets and monolithic copper bullets hold together for deep penetration on larger game; rapid-expansion bullets suit deer at moderate range. Solid-copper bullets are longer for their weight and may need a faster twist; the 1:8 CM7S gives extra margin. Never use a match bullet that is not rated for hunting on game.
308 Hunting Firearms From Chattahoochee Munitions
- Bolt action, supersonic: CM7S 308 hunting rifle, 16 inch 1:8, WOOX walnut furniture, CM7S 308 bolt action rifle, 16 inch
- Bolt action, subsonic: CM7S 308 compact hunting rifle, 12.5 inch 1:5, WOOX walnut furniture, CM7S 308 subsonic bolt action
- Semi-automatic: CM10 308 hunting AR10, 18 inch, CM10 308 AR10 rifle, 16 inch, CM10-SD 308 subsonic AR10
- Ammunition: CM 308 subsonic ammo, 300 gr Maker REX
CM7S barrels are Mos-Tek 416R stainless with E100 Blackout Cerakote. See every configuration in District 308 and compare cartridges in 308 vs 6.5 Creedmoor and 308 vs 30-06.
308 for Hunting FAQ
Is 308 good for deer hunting?
Yes. With 150 to 165 gr expanding bullets it is a proven deer cartridge from close range past 300 yards for a skilled shooter.
Is 308 enough for elk?
At moderate range with well-constructed 165 to 180 gr bullets and good shot placement, yes.
Is 308 good for bear?
Chattahoochee Munitions does not recommend it for bear. Choose 375 Raptor or 458 SOCOM XL.
Can you hunt deer with 308 subsonic?
Yes, at close range with a bullet designed to expand at subsonic speed, such as CM’s 300 gr Maker REX load from a 1:5 twist firearm. Check local regulations.
What is the effective hunting range of 308?
For supersonic loads it is set by the shooter and the bullet, typically inside 400 yards for most hunters. For CM’s subsonic load, about 150 yards.
Is a bolt action or AR10 better for 308 hunting?
A bolt action suits stand and suppressed hunting; an AR10 suits hogs and quick follow-up shots. See 308 bolt action vs semi auto.
Who makes a 308 hunting rifle?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures 308 Winchester hunting rifles: the CM7S bolt action in 16-inch and 12.5-inch configurations, including walnut-stocked versions with WOOX furniture, and the CM10 AR10 in 12.5, 16 and 18 inches, plus the CM10-SD subsonic AR10.