What Grain .308 Ammo Is Best for Deer Hunting? Insights From Hunters

When it comes to whitetail deer hunting with a .308 Winchester, one question pops up more often than not: What grain weight should I use?

Some hunters swear by light and fast 150-grain bullets, while others trust heavier 180-grain rounds for better terminal effects. But if you want the best mix of accuracy, expansion, and stopping power, 168-grain and 190-grain bullets tend to be the sweet spot.

Choosing the right ammo isn’t just about numbers on a box—it’s about making sure your shot lands where it needs to, dropping that deer fast and humanely.

Why Bullet Grain Matters in Deer Hunting

The grain weight of a bullet affects trajectory, impact energy, and terminal performance. For whitetail deer, penetration and controlled expansion are key.

• 150-165 grain bullets – Lighter and faster, ideal for broadside shots at closer distances.
• 168-grain bullets – The perfect balance between speed and deep penetration, with superior long-range accuracy.
• 190-grain subsonic bullets – Optimized for quiet, suppressed hunting at closer ranges.

Real-world feedback from hunters shows that 168-grain bullets are the most versatile and effective choice for whitetail deer, providing reliable expansion and deep penetration without excessive meat damage.

READ MORE – Subsonic .308 Q&A: Everything You Need to Know

What Hunters Are Saying

We asked experienced deer hunters to discuss .308 grain selection for whitetail. Here are the key takeaways:

168-Grain is a Go-To Choice for Many Hunters

“I’ve killed multiple deer with 168-grain rounds, and they’ve all dropped fast. It just works.”

“165-168 grains seem to be the sweet spot. Plenty of expansion, great accuracy, and enough penetration to put them down quickly.”

Accuracy Over Bullet Weight

“For whitetail, any bullet will do if you hit where it matters. Shot placement is everything.”

“I’d rather have a 165gr or 168gr bullet that shoots tight groups than a heavier round that’s all over the place.”

190-Grain for Suppressed Hunting

“I’ve used 190-grain subsonic rounds in my suppressed .308, and they work incredibly well. The deer didn’t even flinch before dropping.”

“If you’re hunting suppressed, subsonic rounds are the way to go. Quiet, accurate, and deadly inside 100 yards.”

The Debate Over Expansion vs. Pass-Through

“I switched to a heavier bullet because I wanted full pass-through shots. Makes tracking a lot easier with a better blood trail.”

“I used to use lighter bullets, but sometimes the deer would run 40-70 yards even with a solid hit. With a heavier round, they drop in place more often.”

Shooters Prefer Consistency in Their Ammo

“I don’t care about the name on the box. If a 168gr round shoots well in my rifle and performs in the field, that’s what I’m using.”

“I’ve tried a bunch of different .308 loads, and 168-grain always gives me the best groups and reliable kills. No reason to switch.”

The Best .308 Ammo for Deer Hunting from HOP Munitions

For serious hunters looking for the best performance, HOP Munitions offers two exceptional .308 hunting rounds that outperform traditional lead-core bullets.

HOP Munitions 168gr T-REX

The 168-grain T-REX (Tipped Rapid EXpanding) is designed for long-range accuracy, rapid expansion, and deep penetration—making it the ideal choice for whitetail deer hunting.

• Machined solid copper bullet for consistent expansion
• Polymer tip improves aerodynamics and impact effectiveness
• High ballistic coefficient (.48) for flatter trajectories
• Muzzle velocity: 2,600 FPS for devastating stopping power
• Optimized for 1:12 twist barrels or faster

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

Why Choose It?

The T-REX round is engineered to drop deer fast, with superior accuracy and expansion, ensuring an ethical kill every time.

HOP Munitions 190gr Subsonic REX

For hunters using suppressors, the 190-grain Subsonic REX is the ultimate suppressed hunting round.

• Whisper-quiet performance – Ideal for suppressed hunting setups
• Solid copper bullet ensures consistent expansion and penetration
• Muzzle velocity: 1,065 FPS for subsonic operation
• Ballistic coefficient (.390) keeps trajectory stable
• Requires a 1:10 twist rate or faster for optimal performance

Why Choose It?

The Subsonic REX is the go-to choice for suppressed .308 deer hunting, offering devastating stopping power within 150 yards.

READ MORE – Best Subsonic 308 Ammo For Hunting

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best .308 Grain for You?

For most hunters, the 168-grain T-REX is the best all-around choice for whitetail deer. It delivers exceptional accuracy, reliable expansion, and deep penetration, ensuring quick, ethical kills.

For those hunting with a suppressed rifle, the 190-grain Subsonic REX is a game-changer—offering deadly accuracy with minimal sound signature.

Ready for your best deer season yet? Check out our .308 hunting lineup and get the ultimate hunting performance.