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View Full Version : Shoot 7.62x51 NATO Ammo in a Rem 700P?



Race
02-09-09, 12:18
Are there any problems with firing 7.62x51 NATO ammo in a stock Rem 700P .308?

Are there any dimensional differences as there are with .223 and 5.56x45?

Thanks.

SHIVAN
02-09-09, 12:57
I have shot M118LR in a Remington 700P with no problems. I believe 7.62N is actually a lower pressure then commercial .308 Win, so it should probably be Ok all around.

Obviously, it would be safest to check each round fired for the first box of ammo to see if there are any pressure signs.

Gutshot John
02-09-09, 13:55
Generally speaking 7.62 has a thicker case, which results in slightly less powder, but there is no dimensional difference other than a slightly different headspace, that is still within the "go" region of both. If you have a tight or "match" .308 chamber you MAY find that 7.62 is a bit sticky in a semi-auto but that shouldn't be a problem in a bolt.

Shivan is correct that civilian .308 is higher pressure mostly because of the increased amount of powder in the charge. IIRC it's the exact opposite for .223/5.56 in that the military round is higher pressure.

Google Fu will probably give you a more definitive answer.

Race
02-09-09, 14:31
Thanks, guys. That's what I was looking for.

sinister
02-09-09, 15:15
Factory Remington 308s and 30-06s usually have extremely LONG throats to allow chambering 200-grain round nose big-game bullets.

I doubt you'll ever have pressure problems shooting either commercial or military ammo (including any brand of military surplus) out of a factory 700, regardless of the identifier (V, VS, VLS, VSSF, or P).

It is tribute that most folks can shoot a factory 700 so well, given the bullet jumps most will have from case mouth to actually touching rifling!

Race
02-09-09, 19:08
Shivan is correct that civilian .308 is higher pressure mostly because of the increased amount of powder in the charge. IIRC it's the exact opposite for .223/5.56 in that the military round is higher pressure.

Is it okay to shoot 5.56 NATO in a factory Rem 700P .223 rifle?

Should I get a buddy to shoot it first, while I stand behind a tree? (Just kidding...)

Thanks again.

Gutshot John
02-09-09, 20:19
Is it okay to shoot 5.56 NATO in a factory Rem 700P .223 rifle?

Should I get a buddy to shoot it first, while I stand behind a tree? (Just kidding...)

Thanks again.

Actually I can't answer that for a Remington 700 in .223. The only .223 I shoot is out of a 5.56 AR/M4.

I'd imagine it's less of an issue for bolt rifles, but that's only a guess.

BIGUGLY
02-13-09, 16:41
5.56 develops higher pressure than a .223. I don't remember the SAAMI specs but it is quite a bit higher than commercial .223.

It would be safe to shoot .223 in a 5.56 chambered rifle due to the rifle built to withstand the higher pressure of the 5.56.

I have known guys shooting 5.56 in a gun chambered in .223 with no problems. Just be aware of the higher pressure.

Littlelebowski
02-13-09, 16:42
It is fine to shoot it.

THT
02-18-09, 06:31
I've shot both 7.62x51 and .308 out of my 5R without ill effect. As it's already been stated, 7.62x51 IS a loaded to a lower pressure than .308 due to the thickness of the brass.

Race
02-18-09, 09:32
Thanks for all the good info, guys.

Best.

rdm
02-18-09, 16:03
I've had difficulty with NATO 7.62x51mm in my very uncommon, but very functional Mossberg 800A in .308. Primarily in light primer strikes and difficult extraction (almost like the bolt is stuck). However with Winchester White box .308 and Remington Core Lokt .308 its been fine.

I was using Paki POF x51 NATO, Hirtenberger x51 NATO, and SA x51 NATO. Same result with all before and after cleaning and lubrication. The very same ammunition was digested through a CETME, and Imbel FAL with no problems. Chamber looks fine so I've not the faintest clue.

Its and oddball rifle and no longer made, but I'd figured I'd share.

renegade0351
02-28-09, 17:18
has anyone experienced problems with nato ammo sticking in the chamber after firing. the brass has to cool down before i can eject empty shell. who else is have this problem or is this just me.:confused:

Gutshot John
02-28-09, 17:55
Never mind

BIGUGLY
02-28-09, 20:07
Never had the problem. Not sure if the chamber is correct spec or the ammo may be a little hot and expanding the brass past what it should be.

M4A1CQBR
03-31-09, 22:19
I've shot a lot of military ammo in my sps tactical .308 and never had any problems, you should be good to go.