The .308 Winchester, also known as 7.62x51mm NATO, is a popular rifle cartridge used by hunters, target shooters, and law enforcement agencies around the world. The bullet diameter is .308 inches, hence the name. The .308 Win is a powerful round that is capable of taking down large game, such as elk and moose, at long distances. It is also commonly used for tactical and long-range shooting competitions, thanks to its accuracy and flat trajectory.

The .308 Winchester was introduced in 1952, and quickly gained popularity due to its versatility and effectiveness. It was designed to be a more powerful alternative to the .30-06 Springfield cartridge, while still fitting into a short action rifle. Today, the .308 Win is one of the most widely used cartridges in the world and is available in a variety of bullet weights and configurations to suit different shooting applications. Whether you're a hunter, target shooter, or tactical shooter, the .308 Win is a reliable and versatile cartridge that can get the job done.

**One of the main differences between the .308 Winchester and the 7.62x51mm NATO is the pressure at which they are loaded. The NATO round is designed to be fired in military weapons and is loaded to a higher pressure than the .308 Win. This means that the NATO round may not be safe to fire in all rifles chambered for .308 Winchester, as the higher pressure can cause damage to the firearm. Additionally, the NATO round typically uses a slightly heavier bullet than the .308 Win, which can affect accuracy and ballistics. Despite these differences, the two cartridges are nearly identical in size and shape, and for most practical purposes, they can be used interchangeably.**