please school me about .308

**settingsuns** · 07-03-22, 18:14

Sadly, I'm inheriting a Sako. In.308 Winchester. I'm really not familiar with that round. I understand it's not the same as 7.62x51 but I've also heard that it shoot that round without issue. Is that correct? Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks boys.

**grizzman** · 07-03-22, 18:30

The ammunition is dimensionally identical, and it should be safe to shoot 7.62x51mm NATO in a rifle chambered in 308 Winchester.

I presume the Sako is a bolt action, so I really see no reason why you'd want to, since almost all 7.62 NATO ammo is good for plinking, and pretty much nothing else.

Nice rifles deserve good ammo.

**settingsuns** · 07-03-22, 18:37

Yes, grizzman you are correct. And, yeah, I looked online myself but saw some debate about whether the NATO round can be shot in a rifle chambered for Winchester .308. I wouldn't think so but, again, I'm not familiar with the round. If it can be safely done, however, it would be nice to be able to take advantage of some of the milsurp ammo prices.

**Pappabear** · 07-03-22, 19:28

Its kinda confusing but 556 vs 223, 556 is hotter ammo. 308 vs 762, 308 is hotter ammo. Who'd think ? So your 308 gun will be more than fine with 308 or 762 ammo. And you very lucky to get a Sako in 308.

Edit, misread the OP's post about being sad, my bad on that.

PB

**Uncas47** · 07-03-22, 19:38

I'm sorry for the loss that led to your inheriting the Sako, but it's a beautiful heirloom and a fine way to remember someone. I hope you get much pleasure from shooting it.

**kerplode** · 07-03-22, 19:41

Yeah, it's backwards from the 5.56 vs 223 situation as Pappabear notes above. 7.62x51 is safe in a 308, but the reverse isn't always the case.

So you should be GTG.

And, FWIW, I suspect OPs sadness at coming into possession of this rifle is likely due to it's previous owner having passed...

**markm** · 07-03-22, 23:58

Oddly enough the XM-180 we've shot is hot stuff and seemed hotter than 308 ammo. I wouldn't run nasty NATO ammo in any decent gun.

**223to45** · 07-06-22, 12:08

Originally Posted by SteyrAUG

OK, get me up to speed. How is "bi metal" any different from things like "steel core", especially since we can't have "steel core" .308 anymore because some asshat manufactured a .308 handgun making it "armor piercing" ammo.

Bi metal is 2 jackets, soft metal jacket covered by a very thin copper jacket.

Steel core has a hardened steel rod in the lead ,

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