The .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO are often considered interchangeable cartridges due to their similar dimensions and ballistic performance. However, there are subtle differences between the two that can impact their compatibility and performance in certain firearms. In this article, we will discuss the differences between the .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO, as well as their benefits, drawbacks, and potential issues when using each caliber.
Popular .308 Ammo In Stock
Sale!
Norma BONDSTRIKE .308 Win 180 Grain Bonded Ballistic Tip – 400 Rounds (2 CASES) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $499.95.$459.00Current price is: $459.00.
$1.14 / per round
Sale!
Norma BONDSTRIKE .308 Win CASE 180 Grain Bonded Ballistic Tip – 200 Rounds (CASE) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $249.00.$239.00Current price is: $239.00.
$1.19 / per round
Sale!
Norma BONDSTRIKE .308 Win 180 Grain Bonded Ballistic Tip – 20 Rounds (Box) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $25.95.$23.95Current price is: $23.95.
$1.19 / per round
Sale!
Saltech SwissAA .308 Win 147 Grain FMJ – 560 Rounds (Ammo Can) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $519.95.$509.00Current price is: $509.00.
$0.90 / per round
Norma .50 Cal Gasket Sealed, Lockable Polymer AMMO CANS with Carry Handle – 12 Cans (BULK PACK)
$99.95
Sale!
Saltech SwissAA .308 Win WHITE BOX 147 Grain FMJ – 20 Rounds (Box) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $18.95.$16.95Current price is: $16.95.
$0.84 / per round
Sale!
Fiocchi Range Dynamics .308 Win 150 Grain Full Metal Jacket – 20 Rounds (Box) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $21.95.$19.95Current price is: $19.95.
$0.99 / per round
Sale!
Norma Whitetail CASE .308 Winchester 150 Grain JSP 20177382 – 200 Rounds (CASE) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $249.95.$239.95Current price is: $239.95.
$1.19 / per round
Sale!
Atomic Subsonic .308 Win 175 Grain HPBT – 50 Rounds (Box) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $99.95.$79.95Current price is: $79.95.
$1.59 / per round
Sale!
Norma Whitetail .308 Winchester 150 Grain JSP 20177382 – 20 Rounds (Box) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $25.95.$22.95Current price is: $22.95.
$1.14 / per round
Differences Between .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO:
- Pressure Ratings: One of the main differences between the .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges is their respective pressure ratings. The .308 Winchester is rated for higher pressure than the 7.62x51mm NATO, which can result in increased velocity and energy. However, this difference in pressure may cause issues when firing .308 Winchester ammunition in a firearm designed specifically for 7.62x51mm NATO, as it can lead to excessive stress on the firearm and potentially result in malfunction or damage.
- Case Thickness: The brass cases of the 7.62x51mm NATO are generally thicker than those of the .308 Winchester. This difference in case thickness can affect chamber dimensions, leading to tighter clearances and potentially increased pressure when firing .308 Winchester ammunition in a 7.62x51mm NATO chamber.
- Headspacing: The headspace dimensions of the .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO differ slightly. While most modern firearms are designed to accommodate both cartridges safely, using .308 Winchester ammunition in a firearm designed specifically for 7.62x51mm NATO may result in increased bolt thrust and excessive headspace, potentially leading to case separation or other malfunctions.
Benefits of .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO:
- Versatility: Both .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges offer excellent versatility, providing effective performance in a wide range of applications, from hunting and target shooting to military and law enforcement use.
- Availability: As two of the most popular rifle cartridges worldwide, both .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition are widely available, making them easy to find and affordable for most shooters.
- Ballistics: Both cartridges deliver impressive ballistics, featuring flat trajectories, excellent wind resistance, and effective terminal performance, making them well-suited for long-range shooting and taking down medium to large-sized game.
Drawbacks and Potential Issues:
- Compatibility: While most modern firearms are designed to accommodate both .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO safely, using .308 Winchester ammunition in a firearm designed specifically for 7.62x51mm NATO may result in excessive stress, increased bolt thrust, and potential malfunctions or damage.
- Recoil: Both cartridges produce moderate to heavy recoil, which can be challenging for some shooters to manage effectively, particularly during rapid-fire or extended shooting sessions.
- Weight: The weight of both .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition can be a drawback for some shooters, particularly when carrying large quantities of ammunition in the field or during extended shooting sessions.
While the .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges share many similarities, it is essential to understand the subtle differences between the two and the potential issues that may arise when using each caliber. When selecting a firearm or ammunition, be sure to consider your intended application, the firearm’s compatibility with each cartridge, and the benefits and drawbacks of each caliber to make the best choice for your needs.
Get a Great Deal on .308 Ammo
Sale!
Norma BONDSTRIKE .308 Win 180 Grain Bonded Ballistic Tip – 400 Rounds (2 CASES) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $499.95.$459.00Current price is: $459.00.
$1.14 / per round
Sale!
Norma BONDSTRIKE .308 Win CASE 180 Grain Bonded Ballistic Tip – 200 Rounds (CASE) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $249.00.$239.00Current price is: $239.00.
$1.19 / per round
Sale!
Norma BONDSTRIKE .308 Win 180 Grain Bonded Ballistic Tip – 20 Rounds (Box) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $25.95.$23.95Current price is: $23.95.
$1.19 / per round
Sale!
Saltech SwissAA .308 Win 147 Grain FMJ – 560 Rounds (Ammo Can) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $519.95.$509.00Current price is: $509.00.
$0.90 / per round
Norma .50 Cal Gasket Sealed, Lockable Polymer AMMO CANS with Carry Handle – 12 Cans (BULK PACK)
$99.95
Sale!
Saltech SwissAA .308 Win WHITE BOX 147 Grain FMJ – 20 Rounds (Box) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $18.95.$16.95Current price is: $16.95.
$0.84 / per round
Sale!
Fiocchi Range Dynamics .308 Win 150 Grain Full Metal Jacket – 20 Rounds (Box) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $21.95.$19.95Current price is: $19.95.
$0.99 / per round
Sale!
Norma Whitetail CASE .308 Winchester 150 Grain JSP 20177382 – 200 Rounds (CASE) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $249.95.$239.95Current price is: $239.95.
$1.19 / per round
Sale!
Atomic Subsonic .308 Win 175 Grain HPBT – 50 Rounds (Box) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $99.95.$79.95Current price is: $79.95.
$1.59 / per round
Sale!
Norma Whitetail .308 Winchester 150 Grain JSP 20177382 – 20 Rounds (Box) [NO TAX outside Texas]
Original price was: $25.95.$22.95Current price is: $22.95.
$1.14 / per round