Re-chamber an FR-8?

[Yoda]

Friends - - -

I have two FR-8s that I one day will pass on to kids or grandkids.

I've been told over and over that they should not be loaded with commercial US .308, although they are safe with NATO 7.62 or Spanish CEMTE rounds. I'm concerned that some future descendent might put too hot a load in one of them and blow it up.

So, I'm wondering if it would be safer if they were re-chambered for .30-06? Does this round generate lower pressures than .308? Would the sights be too far off? Would the bolt face and ejector work?

Suggestions? Ideas? Comments?

- - - Yoda

 

[Jim Watson]

I think there is a lot more fuss made over the difference between .308 Winchester and 7.62 NATO than the ammunition warrants. After all, there haven't been warnings of dangerous .308 like there has been crap third world surplus 7.62.
The FR-8 is on the '98 Mauser action and was originally built in 8x57 which the Europeans load a lot hotter than we do. I consider the .308 in a 7.62 flap a nonissue as long as you don't get so sloppy a surplus chamber as to cause case head separation with thin commercial brass.

A .308 chamber won't clean up to .30-06 anyhow, the barrel would have to be set back. Cost you more gunsmithing than the guns are worth.

If you are scared of them, trade them off and get the heirs something you trust. It isn't worth agonizing over.

 

[AK103K]

I would have thought by now this myth had been put to rest.

I've had a couple of FR8's for years, and have shot commercial .308 as well as surplus 7.62x51 and my reloads out of them, and never had any problems.

 

[ChromeLibrarian]

I shot commercial ammo in my FR-8 with no problems.

 

[GBExpat]

The FR-7 is the one with .308Win issues, not the FR-8.

 

[jonnyc]

Internet foolishness. Use 7.62 or .308 and enjoy both rifles.

 

[paintballdude902]

i think as long as its a solid rifle then you are fine shooting commercial and nato spec ammo

 

[RaferJanders]

I have shot both through my Fr-8, No problem, that mauser action is tough, I love my rifle, great game getter, Look for my artical in "BackWoodsman" Baseball bats that shoot, A backwoodsman's guide to big bore carbine's, Fr-8, M-38, M-44, Enfield #5, and the Handyrifle in 45/70

 

[LeibstandarteAdH]

They are built on mauser actions. The FR-7&8's are not any more of an issue then any other .308 vs 7.62x51 situations.