NORMA BONDSTRIKE .308 WIN. 11,7 G

Norma Bondstrike .308 Winchester 11.7 g is a high-ballistic-coefficient hunting cartridge developed for precision at conventional and extended hunting ranges. Its polymer-tipped, bonded lead-core bullet and aerodynamic boat-tail profile support velocity retention while providing controlled expansion on impact.

Suitable for use

• Rifles chambered in .308 Winchester

• Medium and large game where local regulations permit

• Stand and stalking hunts

• Hunting in open terrain

• Conventional and extended hunting distances

• Hunters prioritising precision and velocity retention

• Situations requiring controlled expansion

• Users who prefer a heavy 180-grain hunting bullet

Why choose Norma Bondstrike .308 Winchester 11.7 g?

• Polymer-tipped bonded hunting bullet

• Lead core bonded to the jacket

• Aerodynamic boat-tail construction

• High G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.615

• Controlled and relatively rapid expansion

• Effective velocity and energy retention

• 11.7 g / 180 gr bullet

• Muzzle velocity of 800 m/s

• Muzzle energy of 3744 J

• Manufacturer-specified MRD of 166 m

• Developed for precision across different hunting ranges

• Quality Norma brass case

Technical specifications

• Calibre: .308 Winchester

• Bullet type: Tipped Bonded BT-SP

• Bullet construction: Polymer-tipped bonded boat-tail soft-point

• Bullet core: Lead

• Bullet weight: 11.7 g

• Bullet weight in grains: 180 gr

• Ballistic coefficient: 0.615 G1

• Muzzle velocity: 800 m/s

• Muzzle energy: 3744 J

• Manufacturer-specified MRD: 166 m

• Test-barrel length: 610 mm / 24"

• Intended use: Hunting

• Lead-free: No

• Case material: Brass

• Ignition: Centrefire

Manufacturer ballistic data

• 0 m: 800 m/s and 3744 J

• 100 m: 752 m/s and 3308 J

• 200 m: 707 m/s and 2924 J

• 300 m: 662 m/s and 2564 J

The manufacturer’s figures are based on a 610 mm test barrel. Actual velocity may vary with barrel length, chamber dimensions, temperature and ammunition lot.

Example trajectory with a 100 m zero

Sight height above the bore: 40 mm.

• 50 m: 0 mm

• 80 m: +5 mm

• 100 m: 0 mm

• 150 m: –44 mm

• 200 m: –133 mm

• 300 m: –464 mm

With the manufacturer’s 166 m MRD setting, the indicated trajectory is approximately +20 mm at 50 m, +40 mm at 100 m, +17 mm at 150 m, –52 mm at 200 m and –342 mm at 300 m. These factory figures are reference values and do not replace confirming the point of impact with the individual rifle.

Frequently asked questions

What does Tipped Bonded BT-SP mean?

Tipped refers to the polymer tip, bonded to the lead core being joined to the jacket, and BT to the aerodynamic boat-tail base. SP identifies a soft-point hunting bullet. The design combines effective external ballistics with controlled expansion.

What does a G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.615 indicate?

A higher ballistic coefficient generally means the bullet retains velocity and energy more effectively and is less affected by crosswinds. Actual trajectory still depends on muzzle velocity, atmospheric conditions and the rifle’s configuration.

Is Norma Bondstrike lead-free?

No. Bondstrike is a bonded bullet with a lead core. A suitable lead-free .308 Winchester load, such as Norma Ecostrike, should be selected where lead ammunition is prohibited or restricted.

How does Bondstrike differ from Norma Oryx?

Bondstrike uses a polymer tip, boat-tail base and high-ballistic-coefficient profile intended for precision and velocity retention at longer ranges. Oryx is a more traditionally shaped, general-purpose bonded hunting bullet.

Is a 180-grain bullet suitable for .308 Winchester?

Yes. A 180-grain bullet is a heavy but established hunting weight for .308 Winchester. It generally starts more slowly than a lighter bullet but can retain energy effectively and suits users who prioritise additional bullet weight.

What game is this cartridge intended for?

Bondstrike 11.7 g is intended for medium and large game. Suitability depends on the species, range and applicable calibre, bullet-weight and energy requirements.

Is 166 m the maximum shooting distance?

No. MRD is the manufacturer’s recommended sight-in distance for keeping the point of impact relatively close to the line of sight across practical hunting ranges. Longer shots depend on the rifle’s precision, conditions, target and shooter’s demonstrated ability.

Are .308 Winchester and 7.62×51 NATO completely identical?

No. Their dimensions and performance are closely related, but chamber tolerances and pressure specifications may differ. Use only ammunition that the firearm manufacturer has approved for the specific rifle.

Can the zero from another .308 Winchester load be used?

Not without verification. Bullet weight, profile, muzzle velocity and ballistic coefficient all affect the point of impact. The zero should be checked whenever the ammunition load or production lot is changed.

When is Norma Bondstrike .308 Winchester 11.7 g the right choice?

This load suits owners of .308 Winchester rifles who want a heavy bonded hunting bullet with effective ballistic performance across different ranges. Its G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.615 supports velocity and energy retention, but the actual trajectory of the 180-grain bullet must be verified with the individual rifle.

Norma Oryx may be more suitable for general-purpose hunting when a very high ballistic coefficient is not the primary requirement. Ecostrike is the relevant choice where lead-free ammunition is required, while a lighter load may suit users who prefer higher muzzle velocity or reduced recoil.

Expert recommendation

Bondstrike’s high ballistic coefficient supports velocity and energy retention, but it does not remove the need to verify actual trajectory. Confirm the zero at least at 100 and 200 metres and, when planning longer hunting shots, at the distances that will genuinely be used.

Factory data is based on a 610 mm barrel and a 40 mm sight height. A shorter barrel may produce lower muzzle velocity and a different trajectory. Use the cartridge only in a serviceable rifle chambered for .308 Winchester, and check the point of impact whenever changing the load or ammunition lot.

Heavy bonded performance with effective energy retention

Norma Bondstrike .308 Winchester 11.7 g combines a 180-grain bonded bullet, a G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.615 and muzzle energy of 3744 J. It is a precision-oriented hunting load for users seeking controlled expansion and effective velocity and energy retention across different ranges.