Why the 168-Grain .308 T-REX Is the Ultimate Big Game Hunting Cartridge for North America

The world feels increasingly uncertain. With economic instability, rising crime rates, and natural disasters making headlines daily, it’s become clear that being prepared is more than just a hobby—it’s a necessity. You’ve considered it before: how do you protect your family if things worsen? Should you shelter in place, defend your property, or bug out to a safer location? As you stand at the crossroads of this decision, there’s one thing you know for sure—you’ll need a reliable rifle to protect what’s yours and hunt for food in the long days ahead.

But here’s the question: What do you grab if you can only take one rifle to hunt every legal big game animal in North America—from elk to whitetail?

If this question hasn’t sparked a debate with your hunting buddies yet, it’s only a matter of time. Few discussions are more passionate than the “one rifle” scenario. But let’s make it even more practical. Imagine a friend telling you they’re getting into big game hunting and only want to invest in one cartridge—one that will handle everything from hunting to protection. What do you recommend?

There are several good options, but in my opinion, only one cartridge checks all the boxes: the 168-grain .308 T-REX from HOP Munitions. In this article, we’ll explain why this cartridge, built for long-range accuracy and stopping power, is the best choice for big game hunting and self-defense across North America.

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Trajectory and Long-Range Performance

When it comes to big game hunting, long-range accuracy is often the difference between success and failure. Whether you’re shooting across a wide-open field or through dense mountain terrain, you need a cartridge that offers a flat trajectory and reliable performance over distance. The 168-grain .308 T-REX from HOP Munitions excels in this category.

With a velocity of 2,600 feet per second (FPS) and energy transfer of 2,522 foot-pounds (ft/lbs), the T-REX maintains a flat trajectory, making it an excellent choice for long-range shots. The polymer-tipped, solid copper bullet minimizes drag, helping it maintain speed and energy over longer distances. This combination of speed and aerodynamics ensures the round stays on target, even at extended ranges where lesser cartridges might drop off or lose accuracy.

In practical terms, the T-REX allows for more precise shot placement, reducing the need for complex holdovers or adjustments. Whether taking down a mule deer at 300 yards or targeting an elk at 500 yards, you can trust the 168-grain T-REX to deliver consistently.

What’s more, the solid copper design adds another level of reliability. Unlike traditional lead-core bullets, the copper construction doesn’t fragment as easily, maintaining its structural integrity during flight and impact. This ensures that, at the moment of truth, the bullet hits where it’s supposed to and performs as expected, even after traveling long distances.

Penetration and Terminal Performance

One of the most critical aspects of big game hunting is the bullet’s ability to penetrate deep into the animal, reaching vital organs and ensuring a clean, ethical kill. The 168-grain .308 T-REX is built specifically for this task. Thanks to its solid copper construction, this round offers exceptional penetration, even with tough barriers like bone, thick muscle, or dense hide—common challenges when hunting large game such as elk, bear, or moose.

Traditional lead-core bullets sometimes suffer from jacket-core separation upon impact, limiting their ability to penetrate effectively. The T-REX, however, is machined from a single piece of solid copper, ensuring that it retains its weight and structure upon impact. This feature is particularly important for big game, where deep penetration is often needed to reach the vitals from less-than-ideal angles.

The tipped rapid-expanding (T-REX) design adds to its performance by delivering a wide, consistent expansion upon impact. The polymer tip helps initiate expansion when the bullet impacts, creating a larger wound channel and increasing the likelihood of a quick, humane kill. This rapid expansion doesn’t come at the cost of penetration—rather, it enhances the bullet’s ability to transfer energy effectively while still driving deep into the target.

In short, the T-REX’s design means that even if your shot encounters a heavy shoulder or thick bone, the bullet will punch through and continue to expand once inside the animal, delivering the kind of terminal performance that hunters rely on when facing tough big game. Whether you’re after elk, wild hogs, or even African game, the 168-grain T-REX will get the job done.

Recoil and Shootability

For many hunters, managing recoil is a critical factor when selecting a cartridge, especially when quick follow-up shots are needed. The 168-grain .308 T-REX strikes an ideal balance between power and shootability, offering manageable recoil while delivering the energy necessary to take down big game.

The .308 Winchester has long been a favorite among hunters and tactical shooters, known for its reliable performance and relatively mild recoil compared to larger magnum cartridges. The 168-grain T-REX load continues this tradition, allowing hunters to maintain control and accuracy without the punishing kick that heavier rounds can produce. This can be especially beneficial for hunters who may need to make rapid follow-up shots in high-stress situations.

While the T-REX is designed to deliver exceptional terminal performance, it does so without the overbearing recoil that might make other rounds uncomfortable to shoot for extended periods. This balance makes it an excellent choice for hunters who spend long days in the field, whether sitting in a stand or stalking game over varied terrain. Less recoil also means less flinching, directly translating to better accuracy and more consistent shot placement.

For those who need a versatile round that can handle a wide range of scenarios—from dense woods to open plains—without sacrificing shootability, the 168-grain T-REX is an excellent option. Its ability to deliver serious stopping power without punishing your shoulder makes it a reliable choice for hunters of all experience levels.

Tactical Applications

While the 168-grain .308 T-REX is undoubtedly a powerful and reliable cartridge for big game hunting, its versatility extends beyond the wilderness. This round has proven equally valuable in tactical scenarios, making it a go-to option for law enforcement and military professionals who need a cartridge capable of performing in high-pressure environments.

One of the standout features of the T-REX round is its ability to penetrate barriers without compromising accuracy or terminal performance. Whether it’s glass, doors, or even light vehicle materials, the solid copper projectile maintains its integrity as it punches through obstacles, delivering precise hits on target. This makes it ideal for SWAT teams, tactical units, or other professionals who may need to engage threats in urban or complex environments.

Ryan Patete, owner of Rifle & Pistol Defense Training, has put the 168-grain T-REX through its paces in tactical testing. He notes that the round’s tipped design improves aerodynamics and delivers a flatter trajectory—crucial when precision shooting is required at extended distances. Additionally, the rapid-expanding tip enhances stopping power, creating a larger wound channel upon impact, which can be vital in high-stress situations where immediate incapacitation is necessary.

The 168-grain T-REX’s balance between weight and velocity also provides a significant advantage for tactical units. Its manageable recoil allows for faster follow-up shots while still delivering enough energy to neutralize threats effectively. Whether in open-air scenarios or urban engagements, the T-REX is a versatile cartridge capable of adapting to various operational demands.

In summary, while the 168-grain .308 T-REX excels as a big game hunting round, it’s equally suited for tactical applications, offering both the penetration and expansion needed to succeed in the field or life-threatening situations.

Conclusion

Few options can match the versatility and performance of the 168-grain .308 T-REX when selecting a cartridge that can handle everything from big game hunting to tactical engagements. This round covers all the bases, from its flat trajectory and deep penetration to its manageable recoil and tactical effectiveness.

Whether taking down elk in the backcountry, protecting your family in uncertain times, or on a local SWAT team or other tactical unit, the 168-grain .308 T-REX offers the reliability, power, and precision you need. 

Loaded with a polymer-tipped solid copper projectile guarantees consistent performance shot after shot, making it the ultimate big game hunting cartridge for North America—and so much more.