7.62 or 308

[junkmanted]

So whats the deal with 7.62 some shops tell me its the same as 308 and some say its not.
I test fired my 1919 this week end and it wouldnt feed more then 3 rounds of Remington 308 then someone handed me some mil surplus 7.62 and she ran fine.

[nalioth]

Not this again.

7.62x51 Nato is not the same as .308 Winchester. Yes they are dimensionally similar, and yes, they interchange in magazines and barrels (sometimes).

Same as 5.56 Nato and .223 Remington.

http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2006/308vs762nato/index.asp

[Geilt]

Not this again.

7.62x51 Nato is not the same as .308 Winchester. Yes they are dimensionally similar, and yes, they interchange in magazines and barrels (sometimes).

Same as 5.56 Nato and .223 Remington.

http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2006/308vs762nato/index.asp

We should really make a sticky about this debate. It comes up often enough and there are some serious repercussions if you shoot full load .308win out of a rifle designed for the NATO 762x51 round.



Junkmanted -

While you can use .308win brass and load your own NATO-like rounds, there are some dimensional differences. The .308win generates a lot more pressure than the NATO rounds. The biggest risk is to your bolt, bolt head, ejector and the whole recoil system. Shooting 308win ammo will eventually damage the rifle, and potentially injure yourself and anyone around you.

TECHNICALLY you can handload 308win brass to achieve similar pressures and velocities as the NATO rounds but its best to stick with the NATO stuff if you can find it (and afford it). If you handload keep on the lookout for once-fired surplus NATO brass. Stuff fired from of machine guns, or other loose chambered arms, will need a closer inspection and run through a small base or full length resizing die. Small base is preferred.

IF you decide to handload virgin 308win brass for NATO 762x51 chambered arms you may run in to issues similar to those as you had with the 1919 initially. Once the brass is fire formed to the NATO chambering you should see fewer issues. Under no circumstances should you ever try to shoot full power 308win loads!! Always back the powder charge off and watch your bullet seating. Also be careful not to crimp the bullets too tightly in the neck as this will also increase pressures. Watch for signs of case head seperation as there are also differences in the thickness of the brass towards the base of casing.

[junkmanted]

Thanks Geilt
For explaining the dangers
They should make it a Sticky !
The dealer that sold me the kit told me to make a cartridge stop by making a shim so the 308 won’t move forward.
I will just look for 7.62

[cma g21]

http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2006/308vs762nato/index.asp

http://www.thegunzone.com/30cal.html