7.62x51 NATO in a .308 Savage Axis SR

[DocNugent]

I've run across some 7.62x51 NATO 147 grain FMJ - from a manufacturer I trust - at a reasonable (given the times!) price. Is it safe to use in a .308 Savage Axis SR, or not?

I've read "they're the same, but not really" . . . which leaves me confused. Thanks in advance for your wisdom on the subject.

[Russell D]

They will fit in your chamber, but the difference between a 7.62x51 nato and 308 is the length of the throat. The nato has a longer throat, which reduces pressure; it's not safe to fire nato ammo in a 308 chamber but you can shoot 308 in the nato's. I don't have a 308 chambered rifle, but I fired 5.56 nato ammo in my 223 chambered ar15 without issue; but I wouldn't make a habit of it.

[DocNugent]

They will fit in your chamber, but the difference between a 7.62x51 nato and 308 is the length of the throat. The nato has a longer throat, which reduces pressure; it's not safe to fire nato ammo in a 308 chamber but you can shoot 308 in the nato's. . . .
Clear and concise! I am much obliged, sir.

[earl39]

Doc, Russell has it backwards. And i don't want to get the whole 223 vs 556 thing started again. The 7.62x51 is loaded to lower pressures than the standard 308win. the throats are different on the 556 which is why the wylde chamber was produced. The 762 is loaded to function in the M14 where higher pressures can bend the operating rod. 308 loads are not recommended for the M14 for this reason. So your mil-spec ammo should be safe in your 308.

[DocNugent]

Doc, Russell has it backwards. . . . The 7.62x51 is loaded to lower pressures than the standard 308win. . . . your mil-spec ammo should be safe in your 308.
Ruh-roh!

Tie-breaker? . . . Anyone?

[Stockrex]

what does mighty savage say?

[DocNugent]

Not a **** thing:
http://www.savagearms.com/customerservice/faqanswer/?id=Xz79Vnfdck

[pitsnipe]

FWIW:

Earl is correct. I own a .308 (not a Mil Spec 7.62X51) and have many Lake City ( Mil Spec) 7.62X51 rounds through it. But if I did own an M-14 (Mil Spec chamber for the 7.62X51 round) I wouldnt put .308 (factory) loads through it unless it was to defend against the zombie apocalypse! And in that case I would be sure to use Hornady's "special" zombie loads they have marketed. But on a serious note, your .308 chamber is good to go with either Mil Spec OR civilian loads.
Good Shootin!

[bootsmcguire]

+1 with earl and pitsnipe. 7.62x51 is ok in a 308 Win.

[squirrelsniper]

As several have already said, the 7.62x51 is safe to fire in a 308 Win chamber. While there is just a bit of throat difference (the military wants any decent ammo to chamber in the 7.62 NATO) the 7.62x51 is loaded to lower pressures than commercial 308 Win. If you've noticed lately, a lot of companies have started making 7.62 ammo specifically for the M1A because too much pressure reaches the operating system when running commercial 308 ammo.