762×51mm

The 7.62×51mm NATO, also known as .308 Winchester in its civilian guise, is a rimless rifle cartridge. It was developed in the United States and adopted by NATO in the 1950s, replacing the older .30-06 Springfield. Its design is based on the .300 Savage cartridge.

The cartridge is known for its good accuracy and effective range, making it a popular choice for a variety of firearms. It is commonly used in battle rifles, designated marksman rifles, and sniper rifles. The 7.62×51mm NATO round features a projectile typically weighing around 150 grains, though variations exist. Its muzzle velocity is generally around 2,700 feet per second.

In military contexts, the 7.62×51mm NATO has been a standard cartridge for many decades, equipping soldiers in numerous roles. Its stopping power and penetration capabilities have been well-established. On the civilian market, the .308 Winchester is widely available and used for hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense. It is compatible with many of the same firearms chambered for the military 7.62×51mm NATO round. Ammunition types range from full metal jacket (FMJ) for general use to soft-point or hollow-point for hunting applications, and specialized match-grade ammunition for precision shooting.