SHTF Ammo: .308 or .223? Which One Should You Stockpile?

When debating the best SHTF ammo, one of the most hotly debated topics among preppers, gun owners, and survivalists is:

Should you stockpile .308 Winchester or .223 Remington?

Both calibers have been battle-proven, widely available, and trusted for self-defense, hunting, and survival. But which one makes the most sense when sh*t hits the fan?

It’s time to settle this debate once and for all! We’re breaking down everything that matters—effectiveness, weight, range, ammo availability, and real-world performance.

Why This Debate Even Exists

The .308 vs. .223 SHTF argument boils down to a few key questions:

✅ Do you need more stopping power or more ammo capacity?
✅ Are you more concerned with mobility or long-range performance?
✅ Will you be defending a homestead or bugging out on foot?

Some preppers swear by .308 for its power, deep penetration, and ability to hit targets at long distances. Others argue that .223 is the smarter pick because it’s lighter, easier to carry in bulk, produces less recoil and is highly effective for short to mid-range engagements.

The best answer? It depends on your specific survival strategy. Let’s break it down.

Effectiveness for Self-Defense & Combat

Stopping Power: .308 Hits Harder

One of the biggest arguments for .308 is its sheer stopping power. A standard .308 Winchester round delivers nearly double the kinetic energy of a .223 round.

“I have never understood the hype about the 5.56. I have seen/heard where they have to double tap 80% of their targets. As where a .308 is a one-and-done.”

However, stopping power isn’t the only factor. In a self-defense situation, follow-up shots matter just as much as the first hit.

Recoil & Follow-Up Shots: .223 Has the Edge

The lighter recoil of .223 allows for faster, more accurate follow-up shots, especially in a high-stress SHTF engagement.

If you expect close-range engagements or rapid movement, a .223 makes a lot of sense.

🔹 Winner for Stopping Power: .308
🔹 Winner for Follow-Up Shots & Control: .223

Range & Accuracy: How Far Do You Need to Shoot?

.308 dominates at long distances. If you expect to take shots beyond 500 yards, .308 is the obvious choice.

“A .308 is by far a better long-distance caliber. The .223 can reach out, but it’s made for closer shots.”​

That said, most SHTF encounters will likely happen within 100-300 yards—and both calibers perform well at those distances.

🔹 Winner for Long-Range Shooting: .308
🔹 Winner for Close to Mid-Range: .223

Weight & Ammo Carrying Capacity: Mobility Matters

If you’re bugging out on foot, weight is a huge factor.

🔹 .308 ammo is nearly twice as heavy as .223.
🔹 .223 rifles are lighter than most .308 rifles.
🔹 You can carry almost twice as many .223 rounds for the same weight.

“If it comes to bugging out, I’m likely going with a .223 AR-15 over an AR-10 .308 due to weight… if I knew I needed to punch through something, I might take the .308.”​

This means that for long-term mobility, .223 makes more sense. But if you’re hunkering down in a fixed location, the extra power and reach of .308 may be worth the tradeoff.

🔹 Winner for Mobility & Carrying More Ammo: .223
🔹 Winner for Fixed Defensive Positions: .308

Hunting & Survival: Which One Feeds You Better?

If you’re considering hunting as part of your SHTF plan, your choice of caliber depends on what type of game you’ll be targeting.

🔹 .223 is great for small game like rabbits, squirrels, and coyotes, but many argue it’s not ideal for deer or larger animals.
🔹 .308 is perfect for big game like deer, elk, and even black bear.

“A .308 is a great larger-game hunting round. Deer and bear are taken every year by it. A .223 is a poor hunting round for basically everything.”​

🔹 Winner for Small Game: .223 (maybe. It is better than nothing)
🔹 Winner for Big Game Hunting: .308

Ammo Availability & Stockpiling

Availability is everything in an SHTF scenario or even an ammo shortage.

🔹 .223 ammo is generally more available and cheaper.
🔹 .308 can still be found, but is usually more expensive.

“During the last ammo shortage… although expensive, I could still find .308, .223 was out of the question.”​

The key takeaway? Stock up NOW—regardless of which caliber you choose.

🔹 Winner for Ammo Availability & Cost: .223

The Final Verdict: Which One is Right for You?

If your SHTF plan involves bugging out, moving fast, and needing more ammo on hand, .223 is the better choice.

If you plan to hunker down in a fixed position, defend a homestead, or take longer-range shots, .308 is the clear winner.

For the best balance? Stock both.

“For me, it’s like asking if I want bacon or cheese with my breakfast eggs… the only answer is both.”

​HOP Munitions: Your Trusted Source for SHTF Ammo

Regardless of which caliber fits your survival strategy, quality matters.

✅ HOP Munitions’ .308 and .223 ammo is made in the USA, delivering superior reliability, accuracy, and stopping power.
✅ Whether you need hunting rounds, self-defense loads, or bulk ammo for stockpiling, we’ve got you covered.