can 7.62x51 be shot in .308 chamber?

From wikipedia

Although very similar to the military 7.62x51mm NATO specifications, the .308 cartridge is not identical and there are special considerations that may apply when mixing these cartridges with 7.62x51mm NATO, and .308 WIN chambered arms.[5] Their interchange is, however, considered safe by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI).
 
My 700P is the most accurate when shooting 762x51 as opposed to 308 winny , never was an issue till the Internet came along
 
They're almost the same... Loaded diffren't thicker vs thinner brass... Most firearms can do both you just have to check it.
 
Depends on the rifle itself. 7.62 nato require higher head speace and using berdan primer(seated deeper than boxer primer), there for, if firearm designed to shoot 7.62 nato, usually can shoot 308 win with same bullet weight. If it designed to shoot 308 win, may have slamfire issue or firing pin could not reach the primer.

my recommendation: check head space and ask a gunsmith.
 
Biggest differences I've found is more "internal" dimensions. The 7.62 Nato with which I'm most familiar is the Canadian (IVI) stuff from the DCRA in the days when it was issued to members for practice and competition. That's reload-able - it has a "boxer" primer which has been crimped into the primer pocket. The crimp makes decapping harder, and requires that one remove the crimp either by reaming or punching with appropriate tools before priming. The case has to fit in the same outside profile (to chamber) so the heavier case is smaller inside (thicker case walls). So it's harder to get "hot" loads into the case because it holds less powder - unless, of course, you stuff it with too much faster burning powder and blow out your primers and expand the case head so it won't take another primer (please don't let me be around if you do that)... If you're thinking 7.62 Nato in a modern rifle chambered for .308, I do it all the time. Well... I used to... Now I only use commercial brass that's been neck-turned, sorted, flash-hole deburred, and usually gets only neck-sized...

If you're shooting OTHER Nato ammo you'd best check to see if it is Berdan or Boxer primed. (not for any firing pin issues, but for reloading considerations) Also what material the case is made from - if it's brass, you might be able to reuse it (although berdan isn't worth the trouble, IMO). If it's steel cased, recycle it.. But first, shoot enough of it to make it worth the trip to the metal recyclers... :D
 
As far as I know, they are close but not the same. You can use both cartridges with 7.62x51 labelled firearm but cannot safely use 7.62x51 ammo with .308 marked rifles.
 
Well I am not so sure about that...the Keltech RFB's are labelled 7.62 in the US but mine is marked .308. Pretty sure they are identical.

dmazay said:
As far as I know, they are close but not the same. You can use both cartridges with 7.62x51 labelled firearm but cannot safely use 7.62x51 ammo with .308 marked rifles.
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