Hornady Load Data in Caliber .308 Win. (7.62 x 51)
Hornady
Hornady Manufacturing Company, established in 1949 by Joyce Hornady in Grand Island, Nebraska, is a leading manufacturer of high-quality ammunition and bullets. The company's inception was driven by Hornady's dissatisfaction with the availability and quality of bullets in the post-World War II market, prompting him to produce his own. Hornady's vision was to create accurate, reliable, and consistent ammunition, which has remained the core of the company's ethos. Hornady initially began by producing .30 caliber bullets for hunting. Over the years, the company expanded its product range, introducing a variety of bullets for different shooting disciplines, including hunting, target shooting, and law enforcement. One of the key innovations was the development of the InterLock bullet in the 1960s, which featured a ring that mechanically locked the jacket and core together to enhance weight retention and penetration. This bullet became a cornerstone for hunters seeking reliable performance. The Hornady bullet lineup includes several notable products. The V-Max bullet, designed for varmint hunting, is renowned for its polymer tip that maximizes ballistic coefficient and promotes rapid expansion. The ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag – eXpanding) and ELD Match bullets, both featuring Heat Shield tips, offer superior accuracy and consistency, with the former tailored for hunting and the latter for competitive shooting. The SST (Super Shock Tip) bullet combines high ballistic efficiency with controlled expansion, making it a versatile choice for various game sizes. The GMX (Gilding Metal eXpanding) bullet is crafted from a monolithic copper alloy, ensuring deep penetration and high weight retention, which is ideal for hunting larger game. Hornady's Critical Defense and Critical Duty bullets are designed for personal protection and law enforcement, respectively. The Critical Defense bullets feature patented FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) technology, which prevents clogging and aids in reliable expansion, while the Critical Duty bullets are optimized to meet stringent FBI protocols for barrier penetration and terminal performance. Hornady has consistently pushed the boundaries of bullet technology, driven by a commitment to innovation and quality. Today, the company remains a respected name in the ammunition industry, known for its precision-engineered bullets that cater to the diverse needs of shooters worldwide.
.308 Win. (7.62 x 51)
The .308 Winchester was developed in 1953 by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company and is based on the well-known 30-06 Springfield cartridge. It's a popular round used primarily for hunting large game at mid to long range distances and is considered one of the most accurate cartridges available.The .308 Win has been embraced by many rifle shooters due to its impressive performance in a cost effective package and it has also become a mainstay among police and military forces around the world. Its accuracy, moderate recoil, versatility, affordability, and wide availability makes it an exceptional choice for target practice, competition shooting, hunting, law enforcement and military applications.The popularity of this caliber led to many manufacturers designing rifles specifically for this cartridge. In the US companies such as Remington, Savage and Sako all began producing rifles chambered for .308 Win while overseas companies like FN Herstal of Belgium created the FAL battle rifle which went on to be adopted by over 90 nations from 1955 onward.When it comes to ammo selection there are plenty of options available from both common and more specialized brands that offer different weights, styles, coatings and projectiles. Reloaders also benefit from being able to utilize common components such as Lapua brass casings in order to customize their own ammunition for specific purposes or competitions.In general the .308 Winchester has proven itself as an effective hunting cartridge capable of taking down even some of the largest game animals with ease while maintaining accurate shot placement at longer ranges. Its use throughout various branches of service has made it one of the most popular cartridges worldwide and its performance speaks for itself when used properly in suitable conditions.
