308 vs 7.62?

Jify · #1 02-10-2018, 06:13 PM

I'm in need of help from the pro's and I can't find a solution online.

Pulled some bullets from:

7.62x51 surplus ammo
7.62x39 surplus ammo

And also got both Hornady and Sierra .308 diameter bullets shipped directly from Cabelas.

When I caliper them, they all seem to be in the range of 0.3110 to 0.3120, including the 308 diameter bullets from Cabelas.

Does that mean that 308 and 7.62 bullets are basically the same? There is so much online conversation about not loading 308 bullets in 7.62 (because they are 0.311). Am I going to get in trouble loading these 311 bullets in my 308? (even though they are labeled at 308 bullets)

I've tripled checked the calipers, and they are accurate.

Thanks in advance!

CNP · #2 02-10-2018, 06:40 PM

...

IIRC The 7.62 X 51 should be .308 and the 7.62 X 39 should be .311
Do not use .311 bullets in a .308 for obvious reasons.

DiabeticKripple · #3 02-10-2018, 08:20 PM

You can shoot 7.62 in a .308 rifle.

Dick284 · #4 02-10-2018, 09:02 PM

Something isn’t right here.
Post pics of the Hornady and Sierra bullets you bought.
Also post a pic of your calipers.

Nyksta · #5 02-10-2018, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CNP

...

IIRC The 7.62 X 51 should be .308 and the 7.62 X 39 should be .311
Do not use .311 bullets in a .308 for obvious reasons.

+1

7.62x39 pulled = 0.311
7.62x54R pulled = 0.311
7.62x51 NATO pulled = 0.308

what bullets did you order from cabelas? Im pretty sure they do have supplies for both calibers to supply whatever reloaders are looking for.

Jify · #6 02-11-2018, 01:57 AM

Bullets are at my fathers, we'll get pictures. I double checked it all, the bullets are all new, and are all labeled .308". I figure something was wrong too, surprised me that everything was .311ish.

The Hornady's were the SST 165 grains, the Sierra's were 30 cal 175 grains.

Jify · #7 02-14-2018, 09:33 PM

Figured it out. Calipers were doing some wonky things. Thanks

sikwhiskey · #8 02-15-2018, 06:13 PM

I’ve had Czech and Russian surplus 7.62x39 bullets measure .308, they can vary.

Salavee · #9 02-15-2018, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jify

Bullets are at my fathers, we'll get pictures. I double checked it all, the bullets are all new, and are all labeled .308". I figure something was wrong too, surprised me that everything was .311ish.

The Hornady's were the SST 165 grains, the Sierra's were 30 cal 175 grains.

Doesn't the .303 British use .311 dia bullets ?

catnthehat · #10 02-15-2018, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salavee

Doesn't the .303 British use .311 dia bullets ?

I have seen them Anywhere from .308 to .315
But yup the nominal size is .311

Cat