7.62 and 308 HELP!!

brushbustin · 06-02-2008, 04:10 PM

I just got back from the gun shop with my new M1A and the gun shop owner said he ordered it in 308.But when i get home reading the owners manuel it says to only use 7.62military or nato ammo??I can't find the caliber stamped on the gun anywhere,unless it is on the barrel and i haven't taken it apart yet so,any suggestions?

fariswm · 06-02-2008, 04:17 PM

The 7.62 Nato ammo is the same as .308.

You can shoot interchangeably military 7.62 and commercial .308 provided that the cartridge over all length (C.O.A.L.) is the same.

oldsmellhound · 06-02-2008, 06:51 PM

Ditto to whatfariswm said.

7.62 Nato and .308 are the same cartridge. As long as you use commercial .308 ammo youshould be fine with your M1A. The only potential problem could be if you try anduse some funkyhandloads with it (i.e. bullets that are much lighter or heavier than normal for the .308, or loaded to differentspecs.).

brushbustin · 06-02-2008, 07:11 PM

Any of you guys have a reccomened load for it?

CalHunter · 06-03-2008, 03:25 AM

If you're just plinking, any commercial .308 ammo in 150 grain bullets should do. If you want to maximize accuracy, Federal Gold medal ammo is awesome. I have an older refurbished M-14 (pror military version) and these guns are fun to shoot.

Swampdog · 06-03-2008, 03:27 AM

See if you can find some mil surp 168 grain lake city rounds .Should do well.

deke12ga · 06-03-2008, 06:44 AM

I might be wrong but isn't the .308 the same as the 7.62x54?
Most SKS's and AK's shoot the 7.62x39.

doubleA · 06-03-2008, 07:19 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: deke12ga

I might be wrong but isn't the .308 the same as the 7.62x54?
Most SKS's and AK's shoot the 7.62x39.

No, The .308 Win/7.62 Natowould be considered a 7.62x51.

Briman · 06-03-2008, 11:12 AM

The only difference between 7.62 nato and .308 is that the 7.62 brass is a bit thicker- though not true in all cases.

M1s and M1as beat the hell out of brass, if you handload for it, you might want to consider LC 7.62 brass for better longevitiy, but I'll use the same disclaimer as above- its not true in all circumstances.

For loads, try 165-168 gr bullets with IMR 4064 or 150 gr bullets with IMR (or Hodgdon)4895.

brushbustin · 06-03-2008, 01:35 PM

Thanks guys for the info.I don't handload so i won't have to worry about that.I called springfield armory today and they said that i can shoot 308 and 7.62x51.I was just alittle confused because there are serveral different 7.62's out there.