308 Winchester vs 7.62 NATO: A Detailed Comparison for Shooters

When it comes to rifle cartridges, few debates ignite as much fervor as the comparison between the 308 Winchester and the 7.62 NATO. While similar in appearance and performance, these two cartridges have key differences that set them apart.

Understanding these differences is crucial for firearms enthusiasts, hunters, and marksmen.

This article delves into the nuances of the 308 Winchester and the 7.62 NATO, exploring their history, specifications, ballistics, and practical applications.

Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a newcomer to firearms, this comparative analysis will provide valuable insights into these two popular cartridges.

History about 308 Winchester and 7.62 NATO

The history of the 308 Winchester and the 7.62 NATO is intertwined, with both cartridges having roots in military applications.

308 Winchester

The 308 Winchester was introduced by Winchester in 1952, based on the 30-06 Springfield cartridge case shortened to fit a shorter action rifle.

It quickly gained popularity among civilian shooters due to its excellent accuracy and relatively mild recoil. The 308 Winchester became a favorite among hunters, target shooters, and law enforcement agencies around the world.

7.62 NATO

The 7.62 NATO, or 7.62x51mm NATO, was developed as a military cartridge by the United States and NATO countries. It was introduced shortly after World War II as a replacement for the 30-06 Springfield cartridge.

The 7.62 NATO was designed for use in military rifles like the M14 and later the M60 machine gun. It became the standard NATO cartridge and was used in a wide range of military firearms.

Relationship

The relationship between the two cartridges is interesting. While they are very similar in dimensions and performance, some subtle differences exist.

The 308 Winchester was designed for use in sporting rifles and is loaded to slightly higher pressures than the 7.62 NATO. As a result, rifles chambered for 308 Winchester may not always safely shoot 7.62 NATO ammunition due to the higher pressures.

Specifications

While similar in appearance, the 308 Winchester and 7.62 NATO cartridges exhibit subtle differences in their specifications that can impact performance and compatibility with firearms.

Dimensions

308 Winchester: The 308 Winchester cartridge typically features a bullet diameter of .308 inches (7.82mm) and a case length of 2.015 inches (51.18mm).
7.62 NATO: Similarly, the 7.62 NATO cartridge shares the same bullet diameter of .308 inches (7.82mm) but has a slightly longer case length of 2.0157 inches (51.41mm).

Pressure Ratings

308 Winchester: The 308 Winchester is loaded to a higher pressure compared to the 7.62 NATO, with a maximum average pressure (MAP) of around 62,000 psi.
7.62 NATO: The 7.62 NATO operates at a lower MAP, typically around 50,000 psi. This lower pressure is designed for the reliable function of firearms under harsh military conditions.

Chamber Differences

While the external dimensions of the cartridges are similar, there are slight differences in the chamber specifications of firearms designed for each cartridge.

308 Winchester: Firearms chambered for 308 Winchester are typically designed to accommodate the higher pressure of the cartridge
7.62 NATO: Firearms chambered for 7.62 NATO are built to handle the lower pressure and may have slightly different chamber dimensions to ensure safe operation.

Ballistics

The ballistics of a cartridge are crucial factors in determining its performance, including velocity, energy, and trajectory. While both the 308 Winchester and 7.62 NATO cartridges are similar in many respects, there are some notable differences in their ballistics.

Muzzle Velocity: The 308 Winchester typically has a higher muzzle velocity compared to the 7.62 NATO. This difference can vary depending on the specific load and rifle, but in general, shooters can expect the 308 Winchester to have a slight edge in velocity.

Energy: A cartridge’s energy is important for its terminal ballistics, especially for hunting or long-range shooting. The 308 Winchester tends to have slightly higher energy levels than the 7.62 NATO, which can result in better performance at longer ranges or when hunting larger game.

Trajectory: Trajectory refers to the bullet’s path as it travels towards the target. Due to its higher muzzle velocity and slightly different bullet weights, the 308 Winchester may have a slightly flatter trajectory compared to the 7.62 NATO. This can make it easier for shooters to make accurate shots at longer ranges.

Military vs. Civilian Use

Both the 308 Winchester and the 7.62 NATO have seen extensive use, but their applications differ between military and civilian settings.

Military Adoption of 7.62 NATO

The 7.62 NATO, developed in the 1950s, was quickly adopted by militaries around the world, including the United States, as a standard rifle cartridge.
It served as the primary cartridge for rifles like the M14 and the FN FAL, known for their reliability and firepower.

Prevalence of 308 Winchester in Civilian Firearms

The 308 Winchester, introduced in 1952, is based on the 7.62 NATO but is commercially loaded to higher pressures.
It has become a favorite among civilian shooters and hunters due to its availability and performance.
Many hunting and sporting rifles are chambered in 308 Winchester, offering excellent accuracy and versatility.

Differences in Military and Civilian Use

The military employs the 7.62 NATO for its combat rifles, focusing on reliability, penetration, and range.
Civilian shooters and hunters prefer the 308 Winchester for its accuracy, moderate recoil, and ammunition availability for various applications.

Compatibility

One key question for shooters is whether rifles chambered for 308 Winchester can safely fire 7.62 NATO rounds and vice versa. While these cartridges are very similar, some subtle differences in their dimensions and chamber specifications can affect compatibility.

308 Winchester in a 7.62 NATO Chamber

Firing 308 Winchester ammunition in a rifle chambered for 7.62 NATO is generally considered safe. The 308 Winchester cartridge operates at a higher pressure than the 7.62 NATO round, so it is well within the safe limits of a 7.62 NATO chamber.

7.62 NATO in a 308 Winchester Chamber

The reverse, however, is not always true. The 7.62 NATO cartridge is loaded to a slightly lower pressure than the 308 Winchester. While this is usually not a problem, some rifles chambered specifically for 308 Winchester may have tighter tolerances that could lead to increased pressure when firing 7.62 NATO rounds.

It is generally advisable to consult the manufacturer’s specifications for your rifle before using 7.62 NATO ammunition in a 308 Winchester chamber.

Reloading Considerations

For those who reload their own ammunition, it’s important to note that the brass for 308 Winchester and 7.62 NATO cases is not always identical.

While the two cartridges are very similar, there may be small differences in case thickness or internal volume that can affect reloading practices. Always consult reloading manuals and use proper techniques when reloading either cartridge.

Availability and Cost

Both 308 Winchester and 7.62 NATO ammunition are widely available, but shooters should consider some differences in cost and availability.

308 Winchester ammunition is commonly found in sporting goods stores, gun shops, and online retailers. It is a popular cartridge for hunting and target shooting, so availability is generally good.
7.62 NATO ammunition is primarily used by military forces around the world. While a surplus of 7.62 NATO ammunition can sometimes be found on the civilian market, it may be less consistently available compared to 308 Winchester.

The cost of ammunition can vary based on brand, quality, and quantity purchased. In general, 308 Winchester ammunition tends to be slightly more expensive than 7.62 NATO due to factors such as production volumes and market demand.
Surplus 7.62 NATO ammunition, when available, can be more affordable than new 308 Winchester ammunition. However, the quality and reliability of surplus ammunition may vary, so shooters should exercise caution when purchasing.

Considerations

Shooters should consider their budget and intended use when choosing between 308 Winchester and 7.62 NATO. While cost may be a factor, reliability, and performance should be prioritized to ensure a safe and enjoyable shooting experience.

Recommendation

For shooters who prioritize availability and consistent performance, 308 Winchester may be the better choice. You can also check the list of the best 308 hunting rifles. However, for those on a tighter budget or who can find reliable surplus 7.62 NATO ammunition, it can be a cost-effective option for certain applications.

Performance and Use Cases

Regarding performance, both the 308 Winchester and the 7.62 NATO offer reliable and effective ballistics, but subtle differences can impact their ideal use cases.

Performance Differences

Muzzle Velocity: The 308 Winchester typically achieves higher muzzle velocities compared to the 7.62 NATO, primarily due to variations in load specifications and chamber tolerances.
Energy: While both cartridges deliver significant energy, the 308 Winchester often edges out the 7.62 NATO in terms of raw energy output, making it slightly more powerful.

Use Cases

Hunting: For hunting purposes, both cartridges are effective for medium to large game. The 308 Winchester’s higher velocity and energy may provide a slight advantage, especially at longer ranges.
Target Shooting: Both cartridges are popular in target shooting, but the 308 Winchester’s superior accuracy potential, especially at longer ranges, makes it a favorite among precision shooters.
Military and Law Enforcement: The 7.62 NATO is the standard cartridge for many military and law enforcement applications due to its reliability and effectiveness in combat situations.

Ideal Use Cases

308 Winchester: Ideal for long-range shooting and situations where maximum energy transfer is desired, such as hunting larger game or precision target shooting.
7.62 NATO: Suited for military and law enforcement use, as well as hunting medium-sized game at moderate ranges.

Frequently Asked Questions

1: What are the main differences between 308 Winchester and 7.62 NATO?

While both cartridges have similar external dimensions, their chamber specifications and pressure ratings are the main differences. The 308 Winchester is loaded to higher pressures than the 7.62 NATO, which can affect performance and safety in certain firearms.

2: Can I safely shoot 308 Winchester in a rifle chambered for 7.62 NATO?

In most cases, yes. Firearms chambered for 7.62 NATO are typically able to safely fire 308 Winchester due to the 7.62 NATO’s slightly larger chamber dimensions. However, it is always recommended to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific firearm.

3: Which cartridge is better for long-range shooting?

Both cartridges are capable of excellent accuracy and performance at long ranges. However, the 308 Winchester is often favored for its slightly higher velocity and energy, which can provide a slight advantage in long-range shooting scenarios.

Conclusion

While the 308 Winchester and 7.62 NATO share similarities, they cater to different needs. The 308 Winchester offers higher pressure and superior ballistics, ideal for long-range accuracy and hunting larger game.

In contrast, the 7.62 NATO is favored for its reliability in military and law enforcement applications. Both cartridges are versatile and capable, offering performance to meet various shooting demands.

-By Ben Wilson

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Editor’s Note: The comprehensive piece above was provided to us by subject matter expert and friend of SOFREP Ben Wilson. His work can also be enjoyed on SOFREP’s sister site, The Loadout Room, and at Hunting Mark. –GDM