7.62 vs .308

82trooper

August 23, 2009 16:03

Can someone tell me, in plain and simple terms (I am apparently not near as smart as I once thought I was) what is the difference between 7.62 NATO and .308 Winchester. I have heard may folks say they are basically interchangeable, and others warn of grave consequences. My local sporting good store (Dunham's) even has plain cardboard boxes of 20 shells for sale, obviously imported from somewhere but not indicated, but the box IS marked both ".308" Win and "7.62 X 51". Can anyone help me before I shoot mySpringfield for the first time? Thanks to all for any information.

Regards,
Mike

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  iwannausername

  August 23, 2009 16:06

  308 is about 10% higher pressure than the nato loading.
  
  If you reload, the nato cases are typically thicker and need a reduced loading to avoid over pressure.

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  Mossbergboogie

  August 23, 2009 16:07

  What are you shooting a springfield m1A???? 308 and 7.62 NATO differ in the pressure they create. They are the same dimentionally but 308 win is hotter and not to be used in guns marked 7.62 NATO; although people have done just that without troubles. If your gun is marked 308 win you will have no problems.

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  babun

  August 23, 2009 16:41

  308 Winchester (SAAMI) Gauges
  
  GO - 1.6300"
  NOGO - 1.6340"
  FIELD - 1.6380"
  
  Shop (Military) Gauges 7.62x51
  
  GO - 1.6350"
  NOGO - 1.6405"
  FIELD - 1.6455"
  
  And with that said, almost all nato ammo is closer to .308 sized ammo. But they are NOT the same cartridge. Bob

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  mcaso

  August 23, 2009 17:15

  Then there is the story that the two differences in pressure is because each is measured at different place. Say What!

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