Can You Shoot 7.62 in a.308 Rifle?
The answer to this question is a resounding "maybe." Before we dive into the details, let’s clarify the basics. The.308 Winchester cartridge is a well-known and popular caliber among hunters and shooters, offering a good balance between trajectory, penetration, and kinetic energy. On the other hand, the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge is a popular military caliber used in assault rifles and sniper rifles worldwide.
What’s the Difference Between.308 and 7.62?
At first glance, the.308 Winchester cartridge and the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge may seem similar, but they have some significant differences:
- Cartridge length: The 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge is longer than the.308 Winchester cartridge, with a maximum overall length of 49.5 mm (1.95 in) compared to 44.7 mm (1.76 in) for the.308.
- Case thickness: The 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge has a thicker case than the.308 Winchester cartridge, which can affect chamber pressure and overall cartridge performance.
- Headspace: The 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge has a shorter headspace than the.308 Winchester cartridge, which means the cartridge is shorter and can be chambered in a shorter action.
- Bullet diameter: Both cartridges use a 7.62 mm (0.30 in) bullet diameter, but the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge has a slightly larger bullet shoulder diameter.
Can You Shoot 7.62 in a.308 Rifle?
Now that we’ve covered the differences, let’s get to the main question: can you shoot 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges in a.308 rifle? The answer is, it depends.
Chamber Pressure
The.308 Winchester cartridge is designed to operate at a chamber pressure of around 60,000 psi (4,130 bar), while the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge is designed to operate at a chamber pressure of around 50,000 psi (3,450 bar). This means that using 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges in a.308 rifle can result in higher chamber pressure, which can lead to:
- Increased bolt carrier group stress: Higher chamber pressure can cause increased stress on the bolt carrier group, potentially leading to premature wear or failure.
- Increased risk of rifle damage: Higher chamber pressure can also damage the rifle’s action, barrel, or other components over time.
Cartridge Compatibility
While the.308 Winchester cartridge and the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge share a similar bullet diameter, the case length and headspace differences can affect compatibility.
- Chamber issues: A.308 rifle chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges may experience issues with reliable feeding, extraction, and ejection due to the longer case length and slightly larger bullet shoulder diameter.
- Magazine issues: Some.308 rifle magazines may not be compatible with 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges, or may require modification to accommodate the longer cartridges.
Conclusion
While it is technically possible to shoot 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges in a.308 rifle, it’s not necessarily recommended. The differences in chamber pressure, cartridge compatibility, and potential rifle damage make it a risky endeavor.
Recommendations
If you’re looking to shoot 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges, consider the following:
- Use a.308 rifle specifically designed for 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges: Some rifles, such as the FN SCAR-H or the Savage 10FAE, are designed specifically for use with 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges.
- Use a conversion kit: Conversion kits are available for some.308 rifles that allow them to be converted to use 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges.
- Stick with.308 Winchester cartridges: If you’re not planning to shoot 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges, it’s best to stick with.308 Winchester cartridges, which are designed specifically for use in.308 rifles.
Table: Comparison of.308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO Cartridges
| Cartridge | Caliber | Case Length (mm) | Case Thickness (mm) | Chamber Pressure (psi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .308 Winchester | 7.62 mm | 44.7 | 6.5 | 60,000 |
| 7.62x51mm NATO | 7.62 mm | 49.5 | 7.2 | 50,000 |
Summary
In conclusion, while it is possible to shoot 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges in a.308 rifle, it’s not recommended due to the differences in chamber pressure, cartridge compatibility, and potential rifle damage. If you’re looking to shoot 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges, consider using a.308 rifle specifically designed for the caliber or using a conversion kit.
