Can You Shoot 7.62 NATO in a .308 Winchester? The Truth About Cartridge Compatibility
The short answer is: generally, yes, but with caveats. The 7.62 NATO and .308 Winchester cartridges are very similar, leading to much confusion and sometimes dangerous practices. Understanding the subtle differences is crucial for safe and responsible firearm handling.
Understanding the Similarities and Differences
Both 7.62 NATO and .308 Winchester are nominally the same caliber—meaning they fire bullets of approximately the same diameter. However, the crucial difference lies in their cartridge specifications. These specifications cover factors like case length, chamber dimensions, and pressure limits.
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Case Length: The 7.62 NATO cartridge case is slightly longer than the .308 Winchester case. This seemingly small difference is significant.
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Chamber Dimensions: While similar, there are variations in chamber dimensions between rifles chambered for 7.62 NATO and those chambered for .308 Winchester. These subtle differences can impact the safety and accuracy of firing one cartridge in a rifle designed for the other.
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Pressure: 7.62 NATO ammunition is loaded to higher pressure than .308 Winchester ammunition. Firing 7.62 NATO rounds in a rifle only chambered for .308 Winchester could lead to catastrophic chamber pressure, resulting in a dangerous malfunction or even rifle destruction.
The Risks of Interchangeability
Firing 7.62 NATO ammunition in a rifle chambered only for .308 Winchester carries substantial risks:
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Overpressure: The higher pressure of 7.62 NATO rounds could cause the rifle to malfunction, resulting in damage to the firearm or injury to the shooter.
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Chamber Rupture: In extreme cases, the increased pressure could rupture the chamber or barrel of the rifle, causing severe damage and posing a significant safety hazard.
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Accuracy Issues: Even if the round fires without incident, the slightly different cartridge dimensions can lead to reduced accuracy compared to using the correct ammunition.
When It Might Work (With Extreme Caution)
Some .308 Winchester rifles have chambers that are slightly oversized to accommodate both cartridges. However, identifying these rifles with certainty requires expertise and careful examination of the firearm's specifications. Relying on visual inspection alone is insufficient and extremely risky.
Never assume your rifle can handle 7.62 NATO ammunition simply because it fires .308 Winchester ammunition. Always consult your firearm's owner's manual for explicit information on compatible ammunition. If the manual doesn't explicitly state that both calibers are safe to use, do not attempt to fire 7.62 NATO in your .308 Winchester rifle.
The Bottom Line: Safety First
When dealing with firearms, safety should always be the paramount concern. The potential risks of firing the wrong ammunition outweigh any perceived convenience or cost savings. Always prioritize safety by using only the ammunition specifically recommended for your firearm, as indicated by the manufacturer. Ignoring this advice can lead to serious injury or damage.
