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Can You shoot .308 ammo in a 7.62×51 rifle?

Can You Shoot.308 Ammo in a 7.62×51 Rifle?

The.308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges are two of the most popular and widely used rifle cartridges in the world. While they may seem similar, they are not exactly the same. In this article, we will explore the differences between the two cartridges and answer the question: Can you shoot.308 ammo in a 7.62×51 rifle?

What’s the Difference Between.308 and 7.62×51?

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The.308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges are both 7.62mm cartridges, but they have some key differences.

  • Case Length: The.308 Winchester cartridge has a case length of 1.64 inches (41.5mm), while the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge has a case length of 1.78 inches (45mm).
  • Overall Length: The.308 Winchester cartridge has an overall length of 2.82 inches (71.5mm), while the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge has an overall length of 2.93 inches (74.3mm).
  • Rim Diameter: The.308 Winchester cartridge has a rim diameter of.473 inches (12mm), while the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge has a rim diameter of.4735 inches (12.06mm).
  • Pressure: The.308 Winchester cartridge is designed to operate at a maximum pressure of 62,000 psi (425 bar), while the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge is designed to operate at a maximum pressure of 60,000 psi (414 bar).

Can You Shoot.308 Ammo in a 7.62×51 Rifle?

In general, it is possible to shoot.308 Winchester ammunition in a 7.62x51mm NATO rifle, but it is not recommended. Here’s why:

  • Case Length: The.308 Winchester cartridge has a shorter case length than the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. This means that the.308 Winchester cartridge may not fit properly in the chamber of a 7.62x51mm NATO rifle, which could lead to issues with feeding and extraction.
  • Pressure: The.308 Winchester cartridge is designed to operate at a higher pressure than the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. Shooting.308 Winchester ammunition in a 7.62x51mm NATO rifle could potentially lead to excessive pressure and damage to the rifle or its components.
  • Rim Diameter: The.308 Winchester cartridge has a slightly smaller rim diameter than the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. This means that the.308 Winchester cartridge may not fit properly in the magazine of a 7.62x51mm NATO rifle, which could lead to issues with feeding and extraction.

Why You Shouldn’t Shoot.308 Ammo in a 7.62×51 Rifle

While it may be technically possible to shoot.308 Winchester ammunition in a 7.62x51mm NATO rifle, it is not recommended for several reasons:

  • Safety: Shooting.308 Winchester ammunition in a 7.62x51mm NATO rifle could potentially lead to excessive pressure and damage to the rifle or its components, which could result in serious injury or even death.
  • Reliability: Shooting.308 Winchester ammunition in a 7.62x51mm NATO rifle could lead to issues with feeding and extraction, which could result in jamming or malfunctioning of the rifle.
  • Accuracy: Shooting.308 Winchester ammunition in a 7.62x51mm NATO rifle could potentially affect the accuracy of the rifle, as the cartridge may not be designed to operate optimally in the rifle’s chamber.

What You Can Do Instead

If you want to shoot.308 Winchester ammunition, it is recommended to use a rifle that is specifically designed for the.308 Winchester cartridge. Here are some options:

  • Buy a.308 Winchester Rifle: If you want to shoot.308 Winchester ammunition, it is recommended to buy a rifle that is specifically designed for the.308 Winchester cartridge. This will ensure that the rifle is optimized for the cartridge and will provide the best possible performance.
  • Use a Conversion Kit: If you already own a 7.62x51mm NATO rifle, you can use a conversion kit to convert the rifle to fire.308 Winchester ammunition. This will allow you to shoot.308 Winchester ammunition without having to buy a new rifle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it may be technically possible to shoot.308 Winchester ammunition in a 7.62x51mm NATO rifle, it is not recommended due to safety, reliability, and accuracy concerns. If you want to shoot.308 Winchester ammunition, it is recommended to use a rifle that is specifically designed for the.308 Winchester cartridge or to use a conversion kit to convert your 7.62x51mm NATO rifle to fire.308 Winchester ammunition.

Table: Comparison of.308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO Cartridges

.308 Winchester7.62x51mm NATO
Case Length1.64 inches (41.5mm)1.78 inches (45mm)
Overall Length2.82 inches (71.5mm)2.93 inches (74.3mm)
Rim Diameter.473 inches (12mm).4735 inches (12.06mm)
Pressure62,000 psi (425 bar)60,000 psi (414 bar)

Bullets:

• Always check the specifications of your rifle and ammunition before shooting.
• Never shoot.308 Winchester ammunition in a 7.62x51mm NATO rifle without proper conversion or modification.
• Use a rifle that is specifically designed for the.308 Winchester cartridge for optimal performance and safety.
• Consider using a conversion kit to convert your 7.62x51mm NATO rifle to fire.308 Winchester ammunition.

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