The .308 Winchester is arguably the most versatile centerfire rifle cartridge ever developed. Accurate, powerful, and widely available, it’s the go-to choice for deer hunters across North America. Whether you’re hunting whitetail in thick timber or mule deer on the open plains, a quality .308 rifle will serve you well for decades.
Why .308 Winchester Is the Perfect Deer Caliber
- Energy: A 168-grain .308 bullet delivers over 2,600 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle — more than adequate for any deer at any ethical hunting distance
- Accuracy: The .308 is inherently accurate and is used by military snipers and precision shooters worldwide
- Ammo availability: .308 Winchester is available everywhere — from small-town hardware stores to big box retailers
- Moderate recoil: Even sensitive shooters can manage .308 recoil comfortably with a quality recoil pad
Best .308 Rifles for Deer Hunting in 2026
Howa 1500 .308 — Best Value Deer Rifle
The Howa 1500 in .308 Winchester offers a factory sub-MOA accuracy guarantee backed by a cold-hammer-forged barrel and the excellent HACT two-stage trigger. It’s light enough to carry all day in the field, accurate enough for clean one-shot kills at 400+ yards, and priced to put real money back in your pocket for ammo and accessories.
Savage 110 Hunter — Best Factory Trigger
Savage’s AccuTrigger is adjustable right down to 1.5 lbs with no tools and delivers a clean, crisp break that improves accuracy immediately. The 110 Hunter’s detachable box magazine, matte finish, and AccuFit stock system make it an outstanding all-weather hunting rifle at a mid-range price.
Ruger American — Best Budget .308
The Ruger American Rifle delivers a factory 1 MOA guarantee at a price under $500. It’s lightweight at just 6.1 lbs, features a three-lug 70-degree bolt for fast cycling, and comes with Ruger’s Marksman adjustable trigger. Exceptional value for hunters who want reliable accuracy without a premium price tag.
Tikka T3x Lite — Best Premium Hunting Rifle
The Finnish-made Tikka T3x is regarded as having the smoothest factory bolt of any production bolt-action rifle. The cold-hammer-forged barrel delivers exceptional accuracy, the magazine feeds flawlessly, and the overall fit and finish is premium in every way. The T3x Lite version keeps weight low for hunters who cover serious ground.
Best .308 Deer Hunting Loads
- Federal Trophy Bonded Tip 165gr: Excellent bonded construction for penetration through shoulder bone
- Hornady SST 150gr: Flat-shooting, rapid expansion, excellent terminal performance on deer
- Nosler Partition 165gr: The gold standard for controlled expansion on big game
Shop .308 Rifles and Rifle Ammo at TX Firearms
TX Firearms carries a wide selection of .308 bolt-action rifles and rifle ammunition in stock. Browse our full inventory and get ready for deer season.
