Caliber matchup
| Metric | 5.56 NATO | .308 Winchester |
|---|---|---|
| Typical bullet | 62 gr | 168 gr |
| Muzzle velocity | 3060 fps | 2650 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 1290 ft·lb | 2619 ft·lb |
| Cost per round | $0.45 | $0.85 |
| Recoil | Light | Moderate |
| Introduced | 1980 | 1952 |
| Best role | AR-15 standard | Hunting / precision |
5.56 NATO: Flat, light-recoiling, cheap; the American rifle round.
.308 Winchester: Does everything; ammo everywhere.
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