.308 Norma Mag
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.308 Norma Mag: At a Glance At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle Magnum |
| Used For | Long-range Hunting, Target Shooting |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 1960 |
.308 Norma Mag: At a Glance Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Excellent long-range performance
- ✔ High velocity and energy retention
- ✔ Suitable for large game hunting
- ✔ Good barrel life compared to other magnum cartridges
- ✔ Versatile for both hunting and target shooting
Cons
- ✘ Significant recoil, especially in lighter rifles
- ✘ Ammunition can be expensive and less readily available
- ✘ Requires a long action rifle
- ✘ Overkill for smaller game animals
- ✘ Not as popular as some other magnum cartridges
.308 Norma Mag: A Comprehensive Overview
The .308 Norma Magnum, also known as the 7.62mm Norma Magnum, is a powerful rifle cartridge developed by Norma Precision AB in Sweden. Introduced in 1960, this cartridge was designed to offer superior ballistic performance compared to the .308 Winchester, while still maintaining reasonable recoil levels. The .308 Norma Mag has gained popularity among long-range shooters and big game hunters for its excellent accuracy, high velocity, and substantial energy delivery at extended ranges.
Development and Design
The .308 Norma Magnum was developed in 1960 by Nils Kvale at Norma Precision AB. It was created to bridge the gap between the .308 Winchester and larger magnum cartridges like the .300 Winchester Magnum. The cartridge is based on a necked-down .338 Winchester Magnum case, offering a significant increase in powder capacity compared to the .308 Winchester.
The .308 Norma Mag features a case length of 2.560 inches (65 mm) and an overall length of 3.340 inches (84.8 mm). It can accommodate bullets ranging from 150 to 200 grains, with 180-grain bullets being particularly popular for their balance of velocity and energy retention. The cartridge's design allows for higher velocities and flatter trajectories than the .308 Winchester, making it suitable for long-range shooting and hunting larger game at extended distances.
Performance and Applications
The .308 Norma Mag is known for its exceptional long-range performance. It typically achieves muzzle velocities of 2,900 to 3,200 feet per second with 180-grain bullets, depending on the specific load and barrel length. This high velocity, combined with the heavy bullet weight, results in excellent energy retention downrange, making it effective for hunting large game at distances beyond 500 yards.
In terms of hunting applications, the .308 Norma Mag is suitable for a wide range of big game, including elk, moose, and large African antelope. Its high energy delivery makes it capable of ethical kills on these animals at longer ranges than many standard cartridges. For target shooting and long-range competitions, the cartridge's inherent accuracy and flat trajectory make it a favorite among precision shooters.
Timeline of .308 Norma Mag Development:
.308 Norma Mag Performance Characteristics
The .308 Norma Magnum offers impressive ballistic performance, making it suitable for long-range shooting and big game hunting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,900-3,200 fps (180-grain bullets) Varies based on specific load and barrel length |
| Effective Range | 1,000+ yards Suitable for long-range target shooting and hunting |
| Energy | 3,500-4,000 ft-lbs at the muzzle (180-grain bullets) Provides excellent terminal performance on large game |
| Recoil | Moderate to heavy More recoil than .308 Winchester, but manageable for experienced shooters |
| Accuracy | Sub-MOA potential in quality rifles Excellent for precision long-range shooting |
.308 Norma Mag: Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .308 Norma Mag loads.
.308 Norma Mag: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .308 Norma Mag ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Range Hunting | 0-1000 | Excellent for large game at extended ranges |
| Precision Target Shooting | 0-1200 | Capable of extreme accuracy with proper loads and equipment |
| Military/Law Enforcement Sniper | 0-1300 | Used in specialized long-range precision rifles |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .308 Norma Mag is known for its exceptional long-range performance and energy retention. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .308 Norma Mag
The .308 Norma Mag's powerful performance profile makes it suitable for specific long-range applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .308 Norma Mag's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .308 Norma Mag with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 9 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .308 Norma Mag with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .308 Norma Mag with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .308 Norma Mag with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison
Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's mass relative to its diameter. Higher sectional density generally indicates better penetration and energy retention.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density | Relative SD |
|---|---|---|---|
| .308 Norma Mag | 180 | 0.271 |
|
| .300 Winchester Magnum | 180 | 0.271 |
|
| .30-06 Springfield | 180 | 0.271 |
|
| 7mm Remington Magnum | 175 | 0.310 |
|
| .338 Winchester Magnum | 250 | 0.313 |
|
Note: Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². Higher sectional density generally indicates better penetration, but other factors like velocity and bullet construction also play significant roles in overall performance. The .308 Norma Mag offers excellent sectional density, comparable to other popular .30 caliber cartridges, making it suitable for long-range shooting and big game hunting.