This specific type of ammunition refers to cartridges manufactured by Federal Premium Ammunition under their Gold Medal Match line. Chambered in .308 Winchester, a popular rifle cartridge known for its accuracy and versatility, these rounds feature a 168-grain Sierra MatchKing bullet. Sierra MatchKing bullets are renowned for their precise construction and consistent performance, making them a preferred choice for target shooting and competitive matches. The “for sale” component simply indicates the commercial availability of this ammunition.
High-quality match-grade ammunition is crucial for achieving optimal accuracy and consistency in rifle shooting. The tight tolerances and carefully selected components in such rounds minimize variables that can affect trajectory and impact. This particular combination of cartridge, bullet weight, and manufacturer represents a popular option for long-range target shooters and competitors seeking to maximize their performance. The .308 Winchester round itself has a long and established history in both military and civilian applications, further solidifying its relevance in the shooting sports world.
Understanding the specifications and characteristics of ammunition is essential for safe and effective firearm operation. Topics such as proper storage, appropriate firearm selection, and ethical shooting practices are crucial considerations for all firearm enthusiasts.
1. Federal Premium Ammunition
Federal Premium Ammunition manufactures the specific product “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain.” Understanding this manufacturer’s role is crucial to appreciating the qualities and intended purpose of this particular ammunition.
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Reputation and Quality Control
Federal Premium Ammunition maintains a reputation for producing high-quality ammunition. Their manufacturing processes and quality control procedures contribute significantly to the consistency and reliability of their products, including the “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain” offering. This reputation is a key factor for shooters seeking predictable performance.
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Product Line Specialization
Federal offers various ammunition lines tailored to specific shooting disciplines. The Gold Medal Match line, to which “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain” belongs, focuses on providing premium-grade ammunition designed for accuracy and consistency in target shooting and competitive environments.
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Component Selection
Federal’s choice of components, such as primers, powders, and bullets, directly impacts the performance characteristics of their ammunition. In the case of “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain,” the selection of the Sierra MatchKing bullet contributes to the ammunition’s accuracy and suitability for precision shooting.
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Research and Development
Continuous research and development efforts contribute to advancements in ammunition technology. This dedication to improvement allows manufacturers like Federal to offer products like “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain,” designed to meet the evolving needs of shooters in terms of accuracy, consistency, and performance.
The combination of Federal’s reputation, specialized product lines, careful component selection, and commitment to research and development contributes to the overall value and performance of offerings like “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain.” This understanding allows consumers to make informed decisions when selecting ammunition based on their specific shooting requirements.
2. .308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester cartridge forms the foundation upon which the “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain” product is built. This cartridge, derived from the military 7.62x51mm NATO round, is renowned for its inherent accuracy, manageable recoil, and widespread availability. Its adoption within the Gold Medal Match line by Federal Premium Ammunition underscores its suitability for precision shooting applications. The cartridge’s dimensions, case capacity, and pressure limits directly influence the performance of the loaded ammunition. Selecting .308 Winchester allows for a balance between projectile weight, velocity, and manageable recoil, making it versatile for various shooting disciplines, including long-range target shooting and hunting.
A practical example illustrating the .308 Winchester’s relevance is its prevalent use in competitive shooting matches. Organizations such as the National Rifle Association (NRA) and various long-range precision rifle series frequently feature events utilizing this cartridge. The inherent accuracy of the cartridge, combined with the availability of high-quality match-grade ammunition like the “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain” offering, contributes to its popularity among competitive shooters. Furthermore, the .308 Winchester’s effectiveness at moderate to long ranges makes it a practical choice for hunting medium to large-sized game.
Understanding the relationship between the .308 Winchester cartridge and a specific ammunition product like “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain” provides shooters with crucial information for informed decision-making. Cartridge selection influences factors such as trajectory, energy downrange, and recoil. This knowledge allows shooters to select ammunition appropriate for their intended purpose, whether it be competitive target shooting, hunting, or recreational practice. Recognizing the cartridge’s characteristics contributes to safe and effective firearm operation and enhances overall shooting performance.
3. 168-grain
The “168-grain” designation within “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain for sale” specifies the projectile’s mass. Bullet weight significantly influences external ballistics, including trajectory, velocity retention, and energy transfer. Understanding the implications of this specific weight is crucial for realizing the ammunition’s intended purpose and optimizing its performance within the .308 Winchester cartridge.
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Ballistic Coefficient
A 168-grain projectile generally exhibits a higher ballistic coefficient than lighter bullets in the same caliber. This higher ballistic coefficient translates to reduced drag and improved wind resistance, resulting in a flatter trajectory and enhanced long-range accuracy. This characteristic contributes directly to the suitability of “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain for sale” for long-range target shooting applications.
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Kinetic Energy and Momentum
While potentially exhibiting slightly lower muzzle velocity compared to lighter bullets, a 168-grain projectile retains more kinetic energy and momentum downrange due to its greater mass. This retained energy is advantageous for both target shooting, ensuring sufficient energy to engage targets at extended distances, and hunting, where adequate energy transfer is essential for ethical harvesting.
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Recoil Management
The increased mass of a 168-grain bullet contributes to increased recoil compared to lighter projectiles. However, within the .308 Winchester cartridge, the recoil generated by a 168-grain bullet remains manageable for most shooters. This balance between performance and manageable recoil further solidifies the suitability of “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain for sale” for a broad range of shooting activities.
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Stability and Accuracy
The 168-grain bullet weight is often considered optimal for the .308 Winchester cartridge, providing inherent stability in flight. This stability contributes to enhanced accuracy, especially at longer ranges. When combined with the precision manufacturing of match-grade ammunition like “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain for sale,” the result is a highly accurate and consistent round ideal for demanding shooting applications.
The selection of a 168-grain projectile in “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain for sale” represents a deliberate choice aimed at maximizing long-range accuracy and performance within the .308 Winchester platform. This weight offers a favorable balance of ballistic coefficient, retained energy, manageable recoil, and inherent stability, contributing to the ammunition’s suitability for competitive shooting, long-range target practice, and hunting applications.
4. Sierra MatchKing
The “Sierra MatchKing” bullet is a critical component of “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain for sale,” directly influencing its performance characteristics and suitability for precision shooting. Understanding the design and attributes of this specific projectile provides valuable insight into the ammunition’s intended purpose and capabilities.
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Hollow Point Design
The MatchKing features a hollow point design, but unlike hollow points designed for expansion in hunting, the MatchKing’s hollow point is intended to optimize ballistic coefficient and enhance in-flight stability. This design contributes to the bullet’s exceptional accuracy, a key factor in its selection for match-grade ammunition like “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain for sale.”
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Boat Tail Profile
The boat tail profile, a tapered or truncated base, further reduces drag and improves ballistic coefficient. This design minimizes the projectile’s aerodynamic profile, allowing it to maintain velocity and resist wind drift more effectively, contributing to enhanced long-range accuracya crucial consideration for applications where “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain for sale” is frequently employed.
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Uniform Jacket Construction
Sierra MatchKing bullets are known for their uniform jacket construction. This precise manufacturing process ensures consistent bullet weight and dimensions, minimizing variations that can negatively impact accuracy. This consistency is paramount in match-grade ammunition like “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain for sale,” where even minor variations can affect performance at long distances.
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Target Shooting Applications
The Sierra MatchKing bullet’s design features are specifically tailored for target shooting. The combination of a hollow point, boat tail profile, and uniform jacket construction results in a projectile optimized for accuracy and stability, making it a popular choice among competitive shooters and those seeking exceptional precision. This explains its inclusion in “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain for sale,” a product intended for discerning marksmen.
The Sierra MatchKing bullet’s contribution to the overall performance of “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain for sale” is significant. Its design features, focused on accuracy and stability, make it a fitting choice for match-grade ammunition. The selection of this specific projectile underscores the intended purpose of the ammunition: to deliver consistent and precise performance in demanding shooting applications.
5. Match Grade
The “Match Grade” designation associated with “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain for sale” signifies adherence to stringent quality control standards exceeding those of standard ammunition. This distinction directly impacts performance, making it a critical factor for precision shooting disciplines. Match grade ammunition utilizes components manufactured with tighter tolerances, resulting in greater consistency in muzzle velocity, trajectory, and point of impact. This consistency is essential for achieving optimal accuracy, particularly at longer ranges. Cause and effect are directly linked: higher quality control standards lead to enhanced predictability and tighter shot groups.
The importance of “Match Grade” as a component of “federal gold medal match 308 168 grain for sale” becomes evident in competitive shooting scenarios. Consider a 1000-yard competition. Minor variations in muzzle velocity or bullet weight can translate to significant deviations downrange. Match grade ammunition mitigates these variations, allowing competitors to focus on technique and environmental factors. Practical examples include achieving consistent scores on target or impacting steel targets reliably at extended distances. Without match grade consistency, achieving predictable long-range results becomes significantly more challenging.
Understanding the practical significance of “Match Grade” empowers informed ammunition selection. While suitable for casual shooting, standard ammunition lacks the precision required for consistent long-range accuracy. “Match Grade” signifies a commitment to quality and consistency, crucial for competitive shooting, long-range hunting, and any application where predictable performance is paramount. Recognizing this distinction allows shooters to align ammunition choice with performance expectations and intended shooting disciplines. Neglecting this distinction may lead to suboptimal results and frustration, especially in scenarios demanding precise shot placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding .308 Winchester 168-grain match-grade ammunition, providing concise and informative responses.
Question 1: What distinguishes match-grade ammunition from standard ammunition?
Match-grade ammunition undergoes more stringent quality control measures, resulting in tighter tolerances and greater consistency in velocity, trajectory, and overall performance compared to standard ammunition.
Question 2: Is .308 Winchester 168-grain ammunition suitable for hunting?
While primarily intended for target shooting, the 168-grain .308 Winchester can be effective for hunting medium to large-sized game, provided appropriate bullet construction is selected. Match-grade ammunition, however, is generally optimized for accuracy rather than terminal ballistic performance.
Question 3: What are the key advantages of the Sierra MatchKing bullet?
The Sierra MatchKing bullet features a hollow point design, boat tail profile, and uniform jacket construction, all contributing to enhanced accuracy and stability, especially at longer ranges.
Question 4: How does bullet weight influence trajectory?
Heavier bullets, such as the 168-grain, generally exhibit higher ballistic coefficients, resulting in flatter trajectories and reduced wind drift compared to lighter bullets.
Question 5: What factors should be considered when selecting ammunition for a specific firearm?
Ammunition selection should consider factors such as the firearm’s chambering, barrel twist rate, intended use (target shooting, hunting, etc.), and desired performance characteristics.
Question 6: Where can one purchase Federal Gold Medal Match .308 Winchester 168-grain ammunition?
This ammunition is typically available from authorized firearms dealers, sporting goods stores, and online retailers specializing in ammunition sales. Local regulations and restrictions may apply.
Careful consideration of these factors and adherence to safe firearm handling practices contributes to a positive and productive shooting experience.
This concludes the FAQ section. Further topics related to ammunition selection, firearm safety, and shooting techniques will be explored in subsequent sections.
Tips for Using .308 Winchester 168-grain Match Ammunition
The following tips offer guidance on maximizing the performance and accuracy potential of .308 Winchester 168-grain match ammunition, such as Federal Gold Medal Match.
Tip 1: Barrel Cleaning and Maintenance: Regular barrel cleaning is crucial for maintaining accuracy. Fouling from propellant and bullet jacket material can accumulate, negatively impacting precision. A clean barrel ensures consistent performance.
Tip 2: Consistent Rifle Setup and Shooting Technique: Consistency in rifle setup and shooting technique is paramount. Factors such as proper stock weld, consistent trigger pull, and breath control contribute significantly to shot-to-shot accuracy.
Tip 3: Understanding Environmental Conditions: Wind, temperature, and humidity influence bullet trajectory. Consider these factors and make necessary adjustments to sight settings or holdover for optimal results.
Tip 4: Ammunition Storage: Proper ammunition storage is essential for maintaining its performance characteristics. Store ammunition in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Tip 5: Verify Rifle Twist Rate Compatibility: Ensure the rifle’s twist rate is compatible with the 168-grain bullet weight. An appropriate twist rate stabilizes the projectile in flight, maximizing accuracy potential.
Tip 6: Zeroing and Practice: Regular practice and proper zeroing of the rifle are fundamental. Confirm zero at various distances to understand the ammunition’s trajectory and ensure accurate shot placement.
Tip 7: Ammunition Lot Consistency: Whenever possible, use ammunition from the same lot number for optimal consistency. Variations between lots can affect point of impact, particularly at longer ranges.
Adhering to these guidelines promotes consistent accuracy, maximizes the effectiveness of match-grade ammunition, and cultivates sound shooting practices.
By understanding these elements, individuals can make informed decisions about ammunition selection and optimize their shooting performance.
Concluding Remarks on .308 Winchester 168-grain Match Ammunition
Careful consideration of ammunition selection is paramount for achieving desired outcomes in any shooting discipline. The exploration of Federal Gold Medal Match .308 Winchester 168-grain ammunition reveals its suitability for precision shooting, owing to the combination of high-quality components, stringent manufacturing processes, and specific design features. The Sierra MatchKing bullet, with its optimized profile and construction, contributes significantly to the ammunition’s accuracy potential. Understanding the interplay between bullet weight, cartridge selection, and firearm characteristics is crucial for maximizing performance. Furthermore, adherence to best practices in firearm maintenance, ammunition storage, and shooting techniques ensures consistent and predictable results.
Ultimately, informed decision-making regarding ammunition selection empowers shooters to achieve their goals, whether in competitive environments or recreational pursuits. Continued exploration of ammunition performance characteristics and advancements in technology promises further refinement of accuracy and shooting efficiency. The pursuit of precision represents an ongoing endeavor, demanding attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement. Selecting the right ammunition serves as a foundational element in this pursuit.