Can.308 rifle shoot 7.62×51? – Uncovering the Truth
When it comes to rimless, bottlenecked cartridge types, the.308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges are often confused or misunderstood. Many shooters may wonder if a.308 rifle can shoot 7.62×51 rounds. In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between these two popular cartridges and explore whether it’s possible to fire 7.62×51 rounds in a.308 rifle.
What is the.308 Winchester Cartridge?
The.308 Winchester is a type of rimless, bottlenecked cartridge designed for sport shooting, hunting, and target shooting. It’s one of the most popular and widely used cartridges today, with a wide range of applications. The.308 Winchester has a:
• Case length: 53.9 mm (2.12 in)
• Rim diameter: 8.15 mm (0.321 in)
• Case capacity: 56.9 cm³ (8.7 grh)
• Bullet diameter: 7.82-8.04 mm (0.308-0.316 in)
• Loaded cartridge length: 76-77 mm (2.99-3.02 in)
What is the 7.62x51mm NATO Cartridge?
The 7.62x51mm NATO is a NATO-standardized cartridge designed primarily for military use. Its dimensions are slightly different from those of the.308 Winchester, with a slightly longer case and a reduced case capacity. The 7.62x51mm NATO has a:
• Case length: 56.5 mm (2.22 in)
• Rim diameter: 8.15 mm (0.321 in)
• Case capacity: 53.9 cm³ (8.3 grh)
• Bullet diameter: 7.86-7.92 mm (0.3084-0.3129 in)
• Loaded cartridge length: 76.6-77.9 mm (3.01-3.06 in)
Can a.308 rifle shoot 7.62×51 Rounds?
Now that we’ve established the differences between the.308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges, the question remains: Can a.308 rifle shoot 7.62×51 rounds? The short answer is: almost, but not entirely. Here’s why:
Why a.308 rifle can’t directly shoot 7.62×51 rounds
- Dimensions: Although the.308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges share similar dimensions, they’re not identical. The 7.62x51mm NATO case is slightly longer and wider, which means it might not fit properly in a.308 rifle chambered for the.308 Winchester cartridge.
- Bullet diameter: The 7.62x51mm NATO has a slightly larger diameter (7.86-7.92 mm vs 7.82-8.04 mm) due to the increased pressure exerted during firing. Firing 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition in a.308 Winchester chambered rifle could cause over-expansion of the case, leading to extraction issues or even chamber stretching.
- Chamber throat: The chamber throat is the area where the bullet exits the chamber during firing. A.308 Winchester chambered rifle designed for.308 Winchester ammo has a shorter throat due to the smaller case. Using 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges, which have a larger diameter, could cause issues with the chamber throat expansion.
What are the Risks of Firing 7.62x51mm NATO in a.308 Winchester Chambered Rifle?
While some rifles might be able to shoot 7.62x51mm NATO ammo, there are significant risks involved:
- Oversize case: This could lead to extraction problems, as the case exceeds the chamber’s dimensions. Over-expansion can also cause chamber stretching or deformation.
- Over-pressure: Firing 7.62x51mm NATO ammo in a.308 Winchester chambered rifle could result in higher pressure levels, potentially exceeding the rifle’s design tolerance.
- Bullet quality: Using 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition in a.308 rifle may not provide the intended results, as the chambered rifle is designed to operate with.308 Winchester cartridges. This could impact bullet accuracy, reliability, and overall performance.
What are the Safe Alternatives?**
To avoid potential issues when using.308 rifles or shooting 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition, consider the following options:
- Conversion chamber: Install a special chamber designed for 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges in your rifle. This ensures proper operation and eliminates the risks listed above.
- Convert your rifle: Modify the rifle to accept 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges by re-building or re-chambering it specifically for this calibre.
- Bolt-action rifles: Stick with bolt-action rifles built specifically for 7.62x51mm NATO, as they’re designed to handle the increased chamber pressure and larger case dimension.
- Avoid mixture of calibers: It’s recommended to operate a rifle with the type of ammunition it was intended for, to ensure performance, reliability, and the longest lifespan for the chambered rifle.
In conclusion, while a.308 rifle can almost directly shoot 7.62x51mm NATO, the differences in dimensions and design require careful consideration before using these cartridges interchangeably. It’s crucial to assess the risks and either use the correct ammunition, install a conversion chamber, or convert the rifle itself. Remember, safety, performance, and reliability must be the top priorities.
