Reloading .308/7.62x51mm

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13 years 8 months ago #15856 by super8mm
Reloading .308/7.62x51mm was created by super8mm
Is reloading .308/7.62x51mm use the same data or are they different? :unsure:

are the military cases easier to find or vice versa?

I have a AR10T and just picked up a Dillon BL550 and will be loading 9mm, .40, and .308

Thanks

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13 years 8 months ago - 13 years 8 months ago #15857 by fivewhy
Replied by fivewhy on topic Reloading .308/7.62x51mm
Do not rely on what I am saying here as I (and anyone else) could always be wrong. But basically they are the same. However, a chamber designed for the .308 round is supposed to be able to withstand up to 65,000 PSI, while a chamber designed for the NATO round is supposedly only able to withstand 50,000 PSI. So u can fire a NATO round in a .308 chamber all day long, but not a .308 round in a NATO chamber. this is the exact inverse of the difference between the .223 and the NATO 5.56mm. Hopefully that all makes sense. Having said that, I'm willing to bet a few dollars that if you are asking this question, there are other more pressing things which u might want to be sure you fully understand before you begin hand loading. So no they do not use the same exact data, in a sense.

Theoretically, if youre firing out of a NATO chamber you could load a round on the light side and not create an over pressure. So, if you're firing from a NATO chamber keep your loads light. But the AR10T is not a NATO chamber. Also, mil surplus brass is usually thicker than commercial brass. You will have to take time and get to know the brass u are using. Thicker walled brass tends to last longer, but I'm not a big user of it so maybe others can chime in on that point.
Last edit: 13 years 8 months ago by fivewhy.

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13 years 8 months ago - 13 years 8 months ago #15867 by Libertarian623
Replied by Libertarian623 on topic Reloading .308/7.62x51mm
Actually you will want to read this and draw your own conclusions. :thumbs: how-i-did-it.org/762vs308/chamber.html
Last edit: 13 years 8 months ago by Libertarian623.
The following user(s) said Thank You: LebbenB

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13 years 8 months ago #15869 by LebbenB
Replied by LebbenB on topic Reloading .308/7.62x51mm

Libertarian623 wrote: Actually you will want to read this and draw your own conclusions. :thumbs: how-i-did-it.org/762vs308/chamber.html

That's good data. Thanks for posting the link.

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13 years 8 months ago #15877 by super8mm
Replied by super8mm on topic Reloading .308/7.62x51mm
Good read, in fact i just got my AR10T out and it is stamped as follows

Armalite
Rifle 7.62MM
AR-10T
USxxxxxxxxx


so mine is chambered for 7.62 and not .308 right??

So in theory I need to use7.62 cases and powder charges with a .308 bullet? :ohmy:

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13 years 8 months ago #15882 by fivewhy
Replied by fivewhy on topic Reloading .308/7.62x51mm

Libertarian623 wrote: Actually you will want to read this and draw your own conclusions. :thumbs: how-i-did-it.org/762vs308/chamber.html

wow that's a good read. Suffice it to say headspace is important. I kind of assume all loaded cartridges will be thrown into a casegauge bc it's so easy. However, I did not realize there was such a difference in headspace'ing on factory NATO round. I picked up a couple boxes of M80 ball, a bit ago, that I will have to check once I go down back down state (the place with the bench, etc). Thanks.

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13 years 8 months ago - 13 years 8 months ago #15901 by jdizzle3id
Replied by jdizzle3id on topic Reloading .308/7.62x51mm
www.armalite.com/Categories.aspx?Categor...f3-b335-53f4a7dc8f08

If you take a look at the last section of tech note #74, Armalite states shooting .308 in a 7.62 NATO chamber "functions perfectly". Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

EDIT: I also have an AR10T and have only shot .308 out of it because of this tech note.
Last edit: 13 years 8 months ago by jdizzle3id.

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13 years 8 months ago #15902 by Siscowet
Replied by Siscowet on topic Reloading .308/7.62x51mm

jdizzle3id wrote: www.armalite.com/Categories.aspx?Categor...f3-b335-53f4a7dc8f08

If you take a look at the last section of tech note #74, Armalite states shooting .308 in a 7.62 NATO chamber "functions perfectly". Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

EDIT: I also have an AR10T and have only shot .308 out of it because of this tech note.

I think the best way to resolve this is to send a copy of that report to Armalite and ask for their engineers to give their opinion. I am assuming that Armalite has data for .308 use in the AR10 that they can share. I doubt for liability reasons if they would state that, which I have seen also, unless they have proof it would be safe. That goes for all other manufacturers as well. I believe DPMS used to have a qualifier about using 7.62 in their .308's but I can't find it now for some reason.

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13 years 8 months ago - 13 years 8 months ago #15903 by wolfeel13
Replied by wolfeel13 on topic Reloading .308/7.62x51mm

super8mm wrote: Good read, in fact i just got my AR10T out and it is stamped as follows

Armalite
Rifle 7.62MM
AR-10T
USxxxxxxxxx


so mine is chambered for 7.62 and not .308 right??

So in theory I need to use7.62 cases and powder charges with a .308 bullet? :ohmy:




This is what's in the Armalight AR10 Manual:

"If your AR-10® Series firearm is chambered for 7.62 cartridges, it will fire all standardized U.S.
military 7.62X51 mm cartridges and all factory loaded cartridges in .308 Winchester caliber. Do
not attempt to fire any other cartridges in this firearm. If your AR-10® Series firearm is
chambered for any cartridge other than 7.62mm, it will fire appropriate cartridges manufactured
to SAAMI standards."

I personally have shot both .308 and 7.62x51 of various manufactureres from my AR10 and no issues with either.

Good Luck!!
Last edit: 13 years 8 months ago by wolfeel13. Reason: more info

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