.308 = 7.62X39mm?

[exoduster18]

My question is this: When using an SKS or an AK, can you use .308 Win rounds in it or do I have to use 7.62X39mm? I'm confused becuase I always thought that the 2 were interchangeable.....but I'm guessing they are not?

Any answers would be great.

 

[ocabj]

No. They are not interchangable. The NATO designation for .308 Winchester is 7.62x51mm. Not only is the 7.62x39 round shorter in length than the .308, the bullet in 7.62x39 is .310 in diameter, and not .308 in diameter.

 

[mikec]

The only "common" part about the two rounds is that they are both rifle cartridges. ocabj is 100% correct.

 

[jem375]

If you reload your own, you can use 308 bullets in the 7.62x39MM case, it is a smaller diameter bullet but some reloaders get good groups out of them...

 

[exoduster18]

ok....thanks for the clarification. Now my next question: which is used in an SKS or an AK?

 

[captainkirk]

reload

If you reload and try to use the 308 bullets in the 7.62x39 you may have to get a smaller expander ball for your die set. If yours has the 310-311 one your 308 bullets may be loose in the cases. Crimping them will only make them wobble. Some 7.62 sets may have a smaller ball already. Your mileage may vary.

captainkirk

 

[captainkirk]

7.62X39

sks & ak take the same round.

 

[jem375]

If you reload and try to use the 308 bullets in the 7.62x39 you may have to get a smaller expander ball for your die set. If yours has the 310-311 one your 308 bullets may be loose in the cases. Crimping them will only make them wobble. Some 7.62 sets may have a smaller ball already. Your mileage may vary.

captainkirk

right, my dies for the 7.62x39MM came with a 308 expander ball...

 

[exoduster18]

thanks for the clarifications, guys!!

 

[Gewehr98]

That .308 expander ball serves a function...

There were a few domestic rifles and a couple handguns that were chambered for 7.62x39, with a minor twist. The bores were a true .308", as delivered by some of the better barrel makers in this country. .310-.312 bullets can be made to work in them, if properly resized to .308-.309 inches. When done right, the guns are absolute tackdrivers. (I remember this certain Thompson/Contender that was pure evil at 100 yards...)

However, if .308" bullets are fed into a .311-.312" AK/SKS barrel, accuracy will be suspect, at best.

The confusion with .308 is that the younger generation calls the 7.62x39 Soviet M43 round the "7.62" round, but they are blissfully unaware of the original American 7.62 round, aka 7.62mm NATO, or 7.62x51 NATO, which is very similar to the .308 Winchester. The 7.62 moniker can also be applied to several other rounds that go back in history.



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