Estimate chamber pressure and muzzle velocity for the 308 Winchester with the free,
in-browser MyLoads internal ballistics simulator. The figures below are illustrative
estimates from a physics model — not a recommended load. Always cross-check a current
published loading manual.
308 Winchester reference
Maximum average pressure (MAP)
62,000 psi
Nominal case capacity
56.0 gr H₂O
Groove / bullet diameter
0.308 in (7.82 mm)
Example simulation illustrative
Bullet
Hornady 0.308 178 gr BTHP Match
Powder
Hodgdon Varget
Charge
36.9 gr
Barrel
22 in
Muzzle velocity
2,315 fps
Peak chamber pressure (interval, ±10% burn rate)
38,885 – 47,408 – 56,767 psi
nominal is 76% MAP (62,000 psi)
The simulator isn't optimized for this cartridge yet and may read pressure high.
Illustrative example — every figure is an estimate; always confirm your load against a current published manual before loading.
Popular 308 Winchester powders
Powders and bullets handloaders commonly use for the 308 Winchester, drawn from public discussion and listed most common first. They appear as the Popular group in the calculator's pickers. This is not a load recommendation — always check your load against a current published manual.
Hodgdon Varget
IMR 4064
Hodgdon H4895
IMR 4895
Hodgdon CFE 223
Alliant RL-15
Ramshot TAC
IMR 3031
Alliant RL-17
IMR 8208 XBR
Vihtavuori N150
Norma 203B
Popular 308 Winchester bullets
Sierra 30 Caliber (.308) 168 gr HPBT MatchKing
Sierra 30 Caliber (.308) 175 gr HPBT MatchKing
Sierra 30 Caliber (.308) 155 gr HPBT MatchKing
Berger 30 Cal 185 gr Juggernaut Target
Lapua Scenar-L OTM .308 155 gr
Hornady 0.308 178 gr ELD Match
Sierra 30 Caliber (.308) 190 gr HPBT MatchKing
Lapua Scenar OTM .308 185 gr
Berger 30 Cal 168 gr Hybrid Target
Nosler Ballistic Tip Hunting 30 Cal 168 gr Spitzer (Green Tip)
Nosler AccuBond 30 Cal 150 gr Spitzer
Hornady 0.308 165 gr SST
Barnes .308 168 gr TTSX BT
Sierra 30 Caliber (.30-30) (.308) 150 gr FN Pro-Hunter
Sierra 30 Caliber (.308) 165 gr SBT GameKing
Use MyLoads as a 308 Winchester velocity and pressure calculator: it estimates
muzzle velocity, muzzle energy and the full chamber-pressure curve for your own powder,
charge and barrel length, compared against the reference facts above.