NORMA .308 WIN. VULKAN 11,7 G

Norma Vulkan .308 Winchester is loaded with an 11.7 g rapidly expanding soft-point hunting bullet for driven hunts and medium- to large-game hunting. Its thin forward jacket promotes quick expansion and effective energy transfer, making Vulkan particularly suitable when strong impact performance is required.

The jacket is folded around the lead core at the tip to protect it against recoil damage inside the magazine. According to Norma, the 180 gr bullet produces a muzzle velocity of 796 m/s and muzzle energy of 3707 J.

Suitable for use

• Rifles chambered in .308 Winchester

• Driven hunts

• Wild-boar hunting

• Red-deer hunting

• Moose hunting

• Medium- and large-game hunting

• Close- to mid-range hunting

• Situations where rapid bullet expansion is preferred

• Hunters seeking a traditional lead-core hunting bullet

Why choose Norma Vulkan .308 Winchester?

• 11.7 g / 180 gr soft-point hunting bullet

• Rapid-expansion bullet construction

• Effective energy transfer on impact

• Well suited to driven hunts

• Recommended by Norma for wild boar and red deer

• Long-established Nordic hunting-bullet design

• Thin forward jacket promotes rapid expansion

• Folded jacket protects the lead core inside the magazine

• Muzzle velocity of 796 m/s

• Muzzle energy of 3707 J

• G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.315

• Heavy 180 gr bullet for the .308 Winchester

• Norma-controlled manufacturing quality

Technical specifications

• Calibre: .308 Winchester

• Bullet type: Soft point

• Bullet construction: Rapidly expanding jacketed lead-core bullet

• Bullet weight: 11.7 g

• Bullet weight in grains: 180 gr

• Ballistic coefficient: 0.315 G1

• Muzzle velocity V0: 796 m/s

• Velocity V100: 705 m/s

• Velocity V200: 620 m/s

• Velocity V300: 541 m/s

• Muzzle energy E0: 3707 J

• Energy E100: 2908 J

• Energy E200: 2249 J

• Energy E300: 1712 J

• Manufacturer-listed most recommended zeroing distance: 157 m

• Sight height used for ballistic calculations: 40 mm

• Ballistic test-barrel length: 610 mm

• Primary purpose: Hunting

• Bullet material: Jacketed lead core

• Lead free: No

Ballistic performance

• 0 m: 796 m/s and 3707 J

• 100 m: 705 m/s and 2908 J

• 200 m: 620 m/s and 2249 J

• 300 m: 541 m/s and 1712 J

The figures above are Norma laboratory data obtained with a 610 mm test barrel. Actual velocity, energy and point of impact depend on barrel length, the individual rifle, atmospheric conditions and the ammunition lot.

Frequently asked questions

What does SP mean?

SP stands for soft point. Vulkan uses a thin forward jacket that allows the bullet to expand rapidly on impact and transfer energy efficiently to the target.

How does Vulkan differ from Norma Oryx?

Vulkan is designed for rapid expansion and strong energy transfer, making it particularly suitable for driven hunts and conventional hunting distances. Oryx uses a bonded core and jacket to provide more controlled expansion, higher retained weight and deeper penetration.

Is Vulkan suitable for driven hunting?

Yes. Norma specifically positions Vulkan for driven hunts and large-game hunting. Its rapid expansion and energy transfer provide strong impact performance at typical driven-hunt distances.

Is this a lead-free bullet?

No. Vulkan is a jacketed lead-core bullet. Where lead-free ammunition is required, a copper-based or otherwise lead-free hunting load must be selected.

Can it be used in a rifle marked 7.62×51 NATO?

This cartridge is designated .308 Winchester and should only be used when permitted by the firearm manufacturer. Although .308 Winchester and 7.62×51 NATO are dimensionally similar, they are not identical in every specification. Compatibility must not be assumed from bullet diameter alone.

Will the published ballistics apply to every rifle?

No. Norma obtained these figures with a 610 mm test barrel. A shorter barrel will normally produce lower muzzle velocity, while chamber dimensions, temperature and ammunition lot can also affect the result.

What does the 157 m MRD figure mean?

MRD is Norma’s calculated most recommended zeroing distance. With the manufacturer’s 40 mm sight-height assumption, the bullet is approximately 40 mm above the line of sight at 100 m, 9 mm high at 150 m and 79 mm low at 200 m. The trajectory must be verified with the individual rifle.

Is Vulkan intended for long-range hunting?

Its G1 ballistic coefficient is 0.315, and Norma primarily positions it as a rapidly expanding hunting bullet. At longer distances, velocity, energy and wind drift require careful evaluation. A purpose-designed higher-BC bullet may be more suitable when extended-range performance is the main priority.

When is Norma Vulkan .308 Winchester the right choice?

Vulkan is a practical choice for hunters using a .308 Winchester rifle who want rapid expansion and strong energy transfer. Its principal applications are driven hunting and the pursuit of medium to large game at close or moderate distances.

Norma Oryx may be more suitable when controlled expansion and higher retained weight are preferred. A lead-free load such as EcoStrike should be selected where lead ammunition is restricted. BondStrike may be a more appropriate option when a higher ballistic coefficient and longer-range performance are required.

Expert recommendation

The effect of a rapidly expanding bullet depends heavily on impact velocity and shot placement. At short distance, Vulkan’s impact velocity is high and expansion can be forceful, potentially increasing meat damage. Select a clear shot and an anatomically appropriate aiming point.

Zero the rifle with the same Vulkan production lot that will be used for hunting. Confirm the point of impact again whenever changing the bullet type or ammunition lot. Even .308 Winchester loads with the same bullet weight can group at different points.

Norma’s 157 m MRD is a calculated reference rather than a universal zero. Barrel length, scope height and actual muzzle velocity all influence trajectory. Confirm the rifle’s point of impact at an authorised range and check all applicable calibre, energy and bullet-material requirements before hunting.

Rapid expansion from a classic hunting bullet

Norma Vulkan .308 Winchester combines an 11.7 g soft-point bullet, 3707 J of muzzle energy and a rapid-expansion design. It is a hard-hitting hunting load for driven hunts and medium- to large-game hunting at conventional distances.