?? 7.62x51 and 308

[tazhunter0]

What’s the difference between 7.62x51 and 308 ? Is it basically like 5.56 and 223 ? Seen a rifle chambered in 7.62x51 yesterday and thinking about picking it up since I find ammo for it all the time. Can 7.62x51 be shot safely in a rifle chambered in 308?

Any info would be appreciated.

[westtexducks]

I have always been under the impression they are the same thing with basically 0 difference but I havent messed around with them enough to say I have shot both calibers in the same rifle like I have 5.56 and .223

Sent from my E6910 using Tapatalk

[tps7742]

As I understand it they do not recommend shooting .308 in a 7.62x51 but you can shoot a 7.62x51 in a .308. I am sure some can say they run both ammo in either stamped barrel without any problems.

[Walker]

No difference. 7.62x51 is the Nato designation because all those European countries are on the metric system.

[DUKFVR]

As I understand it they do not recommend shooting .308 in a 7.62x51 but you can shoot a 7.62x51 in a .308. I am sure some can say they run both ammo in either stamped barrel without any problems.

Been told the same thing here.

[tazhunter0]

No difference. 7.62x51 is the Nato designation because all those European countries are on the metric system.

That’s what I thought, but wanted to know more about it b4 I bought it.

[Walker]

After a Google search it seems I'm wrong

[Avid Hunter]

It says .308 has higher chamber pressure, so there must be some difference

[Avid Hunter]

My only experience is that I shoot.308 from my Ruger SR-762 without issue

[bermise]

No difference. 7.62x51 is the Nato designation because all those European countries are on the metric system.

Don’t listen to this.

[Mike D]

There is a difference but it’s reverse of 5.56//.223. .308 runs at higher pressure & velocity than .308. That said unlike 556/223 where there is a difference in the leade dimensions of the chamber, it’s my understanding that there is no difference in the 308/7.62.

I believe you will be fine shooting either but if your gun is stamped 7.62x51, approach with caution shooting .308 loads.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[BLACKFINTURKEY]

Send it you’ll be fine…

[Txhunter3000]

The 308 runs higher pressures and has a shorter headspace. 7.62 cases are thicker and have a longer headspace. I've always read (which can be taken with a grain of salt these days) that you can run 7.62 in a 308 but not the other way around. The headspace is the key.

[muzzlebrake]

I'm guessing that if the bolt closes easily then it would be ok to shoot. If not then don't.

[BlessedVeteran0305]

7.62x51 can be shot from a 308 as long as it is not semiauto. Bolt action or single shot break over 308 will handle it just fine because it doesn't need the pressure to recycle I have done it numerous times with my breakover. I do not believe you can fire 308 in a stamped 7.62x51.