Caliber Question

[Rimfire]

Hey folks

I see a lot of posts that speak of 7.62mm being interchangable with .308 Winchester.

Exactly what version of the 7.62 round does .308 Win equate to? If they are the same, can a firearm that's chambered specifically for 7.62 safely take the .308 round? (Say in particular a converted Lee Enfield...)

Thanks!

 

[Will I Am]

7.62x39mm=.308win, with some minor differences, Typically 7.62 ( military name) will be a little hotter, and apparently has thicker brass. Probably a good idea to use it in new firearms that are .308s

 

[Hitzy]

7.62x51(7.62 NATO) is more or less interchangable with .308 winchester. There are some situations where this is not advisable.

 

[Will I Am]

Ooops, my bad I meant to say 7.62x51mm...

 

[Rimfire]

Cool guys thanks! I just figured it would be easier to get .308 than the 7.62, but I'm sure it depends on the firearm in question

 

[sunray]

Long ago, before there was an Internet, the 7.62NATO and the .308Win were the same thing. Lots of shooters had FALs, HK-91's, some M1A's, Win 70's, Rem 700's, etc, etc. We loaded for them without 'milspec' primers, LC brass and used whatever factory ammo we could afford. No fuss. No bother.
"...easier to get .308..." It is. Better to reload though. Factory ammo is expensive.