Weak .308 Win in a 7.62 NATO?

[jesse485]

I know that there is a difference between these two cartridges with the .308 being slighly shorter, yet more powerful. With the surplus 7.62x51 ammo supply dwindling, I can't help but wonder if some commercial ammomaker makes a .308 round that meets or is under the specs for the NATO cartridge. So would a .308 Win loaded to the proper pressures be safe in a 7.62? I realize that the Ishy is probably not the beefiest rifle in the caliber, but isn't exactly the weakest either. Anybody have thoughts on this?

If not commercial ammo, is it safe to reload the NATO caliber with commercial brass? I am wondering if the slight exterior differences in the cartridges will be an issue. Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[aka108]

I've run surplus, commercial and reload some 308 also. Never experienced anything detectable as a problem.

 

[fal 4 me]

Surplus Rifle has had some articles about this very topic. Here's a link to one, http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2006/308vs762nato3/index.asp. Notice, this is the third installment in a series.

Overall the articles say any of the managed recoil type .308 rounds should be safe in a 7.62 NATO chambered rifle. These rounds typically fall under 45,000 psi. Hope this helps.

 

[Ian Sean]

I am sure demand will dictate the market, if the milsurp dries up for good, I am sure one or more of the ammo makers out there will provide round.

I currently have a couple of pet loads I am working up. I reload so its not much of a big deal for me.

You could start a grass roots campaign now, start contacting the ammo manufacturers and letting them know of the demand.

 

[db_tanker]

I believe the Sierra and Speer manuals actually list loads acceptable for military gas-guns...the Sierra manual actually has a page listed for the 7.62x51 whereas the Speer manual has an asterisk next to each load that is gas-gun friendly.

FWIW the last 3 Cartridges of the World (these are the only three I own so I don't know about the ones previously printed) have military loads listed for all US Ordanance made to date...including 30 carbine, 30-06, 7.62x51, 45, 9mm, .50 cal, etc. On most loads they list two seperate powders used...generally one stick and one ball powder...but can't be too sure on this as I don't have the book here at work.

D