I've read that the millitary M40 sniper rifles begin their lives as Remington 700 model rifles and that the 7.62mm NATO rounds they fire are equivalent in caliber to a .308 Winchester. If this is the case, could a Remington 700 chambered for .308 fire the 7.62mm NATO rounds? If so, would this cause any sort of exessive wear or damage to the gun?
Is the opposite true? Can the M40 fire regular cheap .308 winchester shells?