Available configurations
| SKU | Grain | Bullet | Count | Typical CPR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 308A | 150gr | Soft Point | 20 | $0.75–1.00 |
| 308B | 180gr | Soft Point | 20 | $0.80–1.05 |
About Federal Power-Shok .308
Federal Power-Shok is the budget hunting line from Federal — a no-frills soft point that gets the job done for deer-sized game. The 150gr is the most popular weight for whitetail. Reliable expansion and adequate penetration for medium game at typical hunting distances. Brass-cased, reloadable. One of the cheapest expanding .308 loads available.
150gr vs 180gr — Which Weight for Your Hunt
The 150gr (308A) is the default for whitetail deer — it's flatter shooting, lower recoil, and the most widely stocked configuration. Choose the 180gr (308B) for elk, black bear, or any situation where deeper penetration matters more than trajectory. The 180gr retains more energy at longer range and penetrates better through heavy bone and muscle on larger game. For most eastern whitetail hunters inside 250 yards, the 150gr is the right pick.
How It Compares
Power-Shok sits at the entry point of the .308 hunting market. It competes directly with Remington Core-Lokt ($0.80–1.10/rd) and Winchester Super-X Power-Point ($0.90–1.30/rd) — all three use traditional cup-and-core soft point bullets that expand reliably on deer-sized game. Premium bonded bullets like Hornady InterLock and Federal Fusion cost $0.90–1.50/rd and offer better weight retention through heavy bone. For whitetail at moderate ranges, Power-Shok kills just as effectively as loads costing twice as much.
Buying Tips
Power-Shok is available in 20-round boxes only. It's widely stocked at online retailers and in-store at most sporting goods chains — availability is rarely an issue. If you're sighting in a hunting rifle, pair Power-Shok with Federal American Eagle FMJ in the same 150gr weight to save money on practice rounds while maintaining a similar point of impact. Stock up before hunting season (September–October) when demand peaks and some retailers raise prices.
Related
- All .308 Winchester ammo prices
- .308 hunting loads
- Federal Gold Medal Match .308 — precision option
- All Federal ammo
- Best .308 ammo for whitetail deer — how Power-Shok compares to other hunting loads
- FMJ vs hollow point — when to use each — understanding soft point vs FMJ for hunting