NORMA .308 WIN. WHITETAIL 9,7 G

Norma Whitetail .308 Winchester is loaded with a 9.7 g soft-point hunting bullet for deer and other suitably sized game. Its traditional bullet design is intended to expand reliably, while Norma’s premium brass case supports consistent function and repeatable shot-to-shot performance.

The 150 gr bullet has a manufacturer-listed muzzle velocity of 860 m/s and muzzle energy of 3587 J. The Whitetail line focuses on straightforward, effective and reasonably priced hunting ammunition.

Suitable for use

• Rifles chambered in .308 Winchester

• Deer hunting

• Hunting appropriately sized medium game

• Stand and stalking hunts

• Woodland and open-country hunting

• Close- to mid-range shooting

• Hunters who prefer a traditional soft-point bullet

• Zeroing with the same ammunition intended for hunting

• Users seeking a reasonably priced Norma hunting load

Why choose Norma Whitetail .308 Winchester?

• 9.7 g / 150 gr soft-point hunting bullet

• Traditional soft-point construction

• Designed to expand inside game

• Muzzle velocity of 860 m/s

• Muzzle energy of 3587 J

• G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.274

• Relatively flat trajectory from a 150 gr .308 bullet

• Premium Norma brass case

• Consistent shot-to-shot performance

• Suitable for conventional hunting distances

• Proven Whitetail product line offered in multiple calibres

• Practical balance between price and performance

Technical specifications

• Calibre: .308 Winchester

• Bullet type: Soft point

• Bullet weight: 9.7 g

• Bullet weight in grains: 150 gr

• Ballistic coefficient: 0.274 G1

• Muzzle velocity V0: 860 m/s

• Velocity V100: 749 m/s

• Velocity V200: 647 m/s

• Velocity V300: 553 m/s

• Muzzle energy E0: 3587 J

• Energy E100: 2721 J

• Energy E200: 2030 J

• Energy E300: 1483 J

• Manufacturer-listed most recommended zeroing distance: 166 m

• Sight height used for ballistic calculations: 40 mm

• Ballistic test-barrel length: 610 mm

• Case material: Brass

• Primary purpose: Hunting

• Bullet core: Lead

• Lead free: No

Ballistic performance

• 0 m: 860 m/s and 3587 J

• 100 m: 749 m/s and 2721 J

• 200 m: 647 m/s and 2030 J

• 300 m: 553 m/s and 1483 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. The exposed core at the bullet’s nose initiates expansion on impact, allowing it to transfer energy more effectively inside game than a full-metal-jacket bullet.

Is Whitetail intended only for white-tailed deer?

No. Whitetail is the name of the product line. Suitability depends on game size, shooting distance, shot placement and the calibre and energy requirements of local hunting regulations.

Is this a bonded bullet?

Norma does not describe Whitetail as a bonded bullet. It uses a traditional soft-point construction. Norma Oryx may be the more appropriate choice when higher retained weight, more controlled expansion and deeper penetration are preferred.

Is Whitetail lead free?

No. Whitetail SP is a jacketed lead-core bullet. Where lead-free ammunition is required, Norma EcoStrike or another suitable lead-free load should be selected.

How does a 150 gr Whitetail load differ from a 180 gr hunting load?

A 150 gr bullet will normally start faster and produce a flatter trajectory across conventional distances. A 180 gr bullet is heavier and, depending on its construction, may provide greater momentum and penetration. The correct choice depends on the game, distance and bullet design.

Is Whitetail suitable for long-range hunting?

Whitetail is a traditional hunting load intended primarily for conventional distances. Its G1 ballistic coefficient is 0.274, so it loses velocity more quickly with distance than a purpose-designed high-BC bullet. Trajectory and wind drift must be carefully verified before any extended-range use.

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, complete interchangeability must not be assumed.

What does the 166 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, 18 mm high at 150 m and 57 mm low at 200 m. This trajectory must be verified with the individual rifle.

When is Norma Whitetail .308 Winchester the right choice?

Whitetail is a practical choice for hunters who want a straightforward soft-point load for a .308 Winchester rifle. Its 150 gr bullet and 860 m/s muzzle velocity suit conventional hunting distances, while the manufacturer lists 2030 J of remaining energy at 200 m.

Norma Oryx may be more suitable when bonded construction and greater retained weight are preferred. Vulkan prioritises rapid expansion and strong energy transfer, EcoStrike provides a lead-free alternative, and BondStrike is better suited to users prioritising a higher ballistic coefficient.

Expert recommendation

Zero the rifle with the same Whitetail load and production lot that will be carried while hunting. Bullet weight alone does not determine point of impact—150 gr loads with different construction, velocity and ballistic coefficient may group at different locations.

The 166 m MRD is a calculated reference. Actual barrel length, scope height, atmospheric conditions and muzzle velocity alter trajectory. Confirm point of impact at the principal intended distances rather than relying exclusively on the published ballistic table.

Check the firearm’s calibre marking and the condition of every cartridge before use. Also confirm that the selected bullet construction, calibre and remaining energy comply with the requirements for the intended game and hunting area.

Traditional soft-point hunting performance at a practical price

Norma Whitetail .308 Winchester combines a 9.7 g soft-point bullet, 3587 J of muzzle energy and a premium Norma brass case. It is a clearly focused hunting load for users who value straightforward bullet construction, dependable performance and sensible pricing.