308 vs 7.62

[ghostrider]

Interesting image I found showing differences between .308Win and 7.62x51 (aka 7.62 NATO):


http://tinypic.com/r/1qfrr9/8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Kadelic]

Thanks for this useful info. A .308 or 7.62x51 chambered rifle is on the top of my "next gun" list. I thought the compatibility with the NATO round versus the "civilian" round would be the same as with the .223/5.56x45 rounds. Turns out it's the opposite. Very good to know!

[android]

I think many AR style 7.62 rifles will handle both.

I have a Ruger SR-762 and it lists both rounds.

Caliber: 308 Win / 7.62 NATO

It's always best to check what is stamped on the barrel.

[ghostrider]

In a previous life when I owned an L1A1 (FN FAL) I used 308 and 7.62 brass interchangeably, but I also never loaded at or near maximum loads.

YMMV with different semi-auto rifles.

[GeekwithaGun]

My Armalite AR-10 is stamped 7.62 NATO on the receiver and the owners manual show it will fire both .308 and 7.62x51mm

[TomsTXCHL]

Good grief OTTOMH I thought it was exactly the other way around--that a .308 firearm would not necessarily like "higher pressures of the 7.62x51".

Must be getting old.

[MeMelYup]

Good grief OTTOMH I thought it was exactly the other way around--that a .308 firearm would not necessarily like "higher pressures of the 7.62x51".

Must be getting old.

The M1 was the same way. Hunting rifled would shoot all military ammo plus hunting loads, but there were cautions against using machine gun and some hunting loads in the M1 because of pressure.

[ghostrider]

Interestingly, my new FAL is stamped:

7.62 (.308 win)

I ordered some 7.62mm once-fired brass for reloading plus tools to remove the primer crimp. At the moment I plan to keep my 308 (bolt-action) and 7.62 NATO (FAL) brass and reloads separate.

I neck-size for the bolt action, which won't likely work for the semi-auto (luckily I already have a full-length resizing die).

[MeMelYup]

Here is some basic ballistics for 308. http://www.ballistics101.com/308_winchester.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The base military/NATO round was 147g to 150g FMJ, FMJBT.

[ghostrider]

some more related links:

http://www.thegunzone.com/30cal.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.fulton-armory.com/%5Cfaqs%5C ... %5C308.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://how-i-did-it.org/762vs308/chamber.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.ballisticallyspeaking.com/th ... s-223.225/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

edited to add:

http://www.303british.com/id36.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ghostrider]

some disagreement here about what's in the image:

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015 ... s-7-62x51/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Rvrrat14]

some disagreement here about what's in the image:

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015 ... s-7-62x51/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This has been my understanding........longer leade in the chamber. But, pressure remains higher in 308 due to shorter chamber leade. 223 vs 5.56, 6.8 vs 6.8 SPC II ,etc.

My 308 Auto shoots both fine.