Caliber matchup
| Metric | .223 Remington | .308 Winchester |
|---|---|---|
| Typical bullet | 55 gr | 168 gr |
| Muzzle velocity | 3240 fps | 2650 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 1282 ft·lb | 2619 ft·lb |
| Cost per round | $0.42 | $0.85 |
| Recoil | Light | Moderate |
| Introduced | 1964 | 1952 |
| Best role | Varmint / range | Hunting / precision |
.223 Remington: SAAMI sibling of 5.56; check chamber markings.
.308 Winchester: Does everything; ammo everywhere.
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