Can You Shoot .308 Ammo in a 7.62×51 Rifle?

(Photo: Reddit – The HK51B: Belt Fed and the size of an MP5 but in 7.62 NATO/.308 Win)

Yes, you can shoot 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition in a .308 Winchester rifle, but firing .308 Winchester in a 7.62×51 NATO rifle is not always safe due to differences in chamber pressure and headspace tolerances. 

While the two rounds look nearly identical, understanding their key differences is crucial to avoid potential firearm damage or failure.

.308 Winchester vs. 7.62x51mm NATO: What’s the Difference?

The .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges share the same external dimensions, leading many to believe they are fully interchangeable. However, the differences lie in chamber pressures, case thickness, and headspace specifications.

Chamber Pressure Differences

• .308 Winchester is typically loaded to higher pressures than 7.62x51mm NATO. The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) lists the maximum pressure for .308 Winchester at 62,000 PSI, while 7.62x51mm NATO is rated at 60,000 PSI.
• This pressure difference might not seem significant, but prolonged use of .308 in a 7.62×51 chambered rifle could lead to excessive wear or even catastrophic failure in older or surplus firearms.

Case Thickness and Headspace Considerations

• 7.62x51mm NATO cases are generally thicker to withstand the rigors of military use, slightly reducing internal case volume. This means NATO rounds typically have lower pressures even when loaded with similar amounts of powder.
• Military rifles chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO often have looser headspace tolerances to ensure reliable feeding and extraction in adverse conditions.
• In contrast, commercial .308 Winchester chambers tend to be tighter, which improves accuracy but could create excessive pressure when firing .308 in a 7.62×51 NATO rifle.

READ MORE – What Is the Difference Between 7.62×51 and .308 Winchester?

Can You Safely Fire .308 Winchester in a 7.62×51 NATO Rifle?

The short answer is maybe—but it depends on the rifle. 

Many modern 7.62×51 NATO rifles are built to withstand the higher pressures of .308 Winchester, but older military surplus firearms may not be as robust.

Key Safety Considerations:

• If your rifle is chambered specifically for 7.62×51 NATO, consult the manufacturer or your owner’s manual before firing .308 Winchester.
• Rifles such as the FN-FAL, M14 variants, and older bolt-action conversions—may not handle the additional pressure well.
• Headspace should always be checked when firing .308 in a NATO-chambered rifle. If excessive headspace is present, cases could rupture, leading to dangerous failures.

Is It Safe to Fire 7.62×51 NATO in a .308 Winchester Rifle?

Yes. A rifle chambered for .308 Winchester can safely fire 7.62×51 NATO. 

The lower pressure of the NATO round means it won’t cause undue stress on a .308 chamber. 

However, because military 7.62 NATO cases tend to be thicker, some brands of surplus ammo may result in slightly lower velocities or minor extraction issues.

What’s the Best Ammo Choice for Your Rifle?

For reliable performance in .308 Winchester or 7.62×51 NATO rifles, HOP Munitions offers precision-loaded .308 ammunition for hunting and long-range shooting. 

Our rounds are manufactured to strict tolerances, ensuring consistency and accuracy while maintaining safe pressure levels for modern sporting rifles and precision bolt guns.

Final Verdict: Should You Mix and Match?

• If you have a .308 Winchester rifle, you can safely shoot both .308 Winchester and 7.62×51 NATO.
• If you have a 7.62×51 NATO rifle, proceed with caution when firing .308 Winchester. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer or a qualified gunsmith.

Ready to Stock Up on Quality .308 Ammo?

For shooters looking for high-performance .308 Winchester ammunition, check out our lineup! 

Whether hunting, training, or engaging in competition shooting, our ammunition delivers exceptional accuracy and reliability.