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The .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO) cartridge provides slightly less velocity than the 30-06 Springfield, but can fire a bullet three times the weight of a .223 Remington bullet, at almost the same velocity. Popular since the early 1960's as a light machinegun cartridge, the 7.62x51mm continues on in military service despite an overwhelming desire for lighter ammunition by the logistical concerns of Western militaries.
A rifle firing this cartridge and using a 150 grain to 180 grain, limited-expansion bullet can be expected to stop all North American animals, both of the two- and four-legged variety. It's close-range effectiveness in gelatin is somewhat less than a 12 gauge but more than a 20 gauge shotgun. In terms of barrier penetration and range, however, the .308 Winchester, being a rifle cartridge, greatly exceeds the effectiveness of any shotgun at ranges beyond 100 yards.
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