Have you ever wondered about the different types of ammo used in guns? Two popular kinds are the 7.62 NATO and the .308 Winchester.
They might look the same, but they have some important differences.
Here, you can learn all about these two types of bullets. You can also find out which option is best for your needs.
A Brief History of Bullets
Before we dive into the differences between the 7.62 NATO and .308 Winchester, let’s take a quick look at how bullets have changed over time.
Bullets have been around for hundreds of years.
They started as simple balls of lead or other metals. People made better bullets that could fly farther and accurately hit their targets as time passed.
In the late 1800s, a new bullet called the “smokeless powder cartridge” was invented. It used a special powder that made less smoke when the bullet was fired.
This made it easier for soldiers to see their targets. It also made guns work better and last longer.
The 7.62 NATO and .308 Winchester are both examples of smokeless powder cartridges. Now, let’s learn more about each one.
All About the 7.62 NATO
The 7.62 NATO is also known as the 7.62x51mm NATO. It was created in the 1950s for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
NATO is a group of countries that work together to keep each other safe. They wanted a bullet that all their soldiers could use in their guns.
The 7.62 NATO was designed to work well in many types of guns, like rifles and machine guns. It became popular with soldiers because it was powerful and could shoot far.
Today, many countries still use the 7.62 NATO in their guns.
All About the .308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester was created in 1952, just a few years before the 7.62 NATO. It was made for hunting and shooting sports.
People liked it because it was powerful enough to take down big game animals, like deer and elk, but not too heavy to carry around. The .308 Winchester is also known as the 7.62x51mm, which resembles the 7.62 NATO.
That’s because they are very similar in size. But there are some important differences between the two, which we’ll discuss next.
What Makes Them Different?
Even though the 7.62 NATO and the .308 Winchester look almost the same, they have a few key differences.
Let’s break it down:
Pressure
The pressure between the 7.62 NATO and the .308 Winchester bullets differs and affects how they work.
Pressure happens when the gunpowder inside the bullet burns, making the bullet go out of the gun. It is measured psi for pounds per square inch.
The .308 Winchester bullet creates more pressure than the 7.62 NATO bullet. The .308 Winchester has about 62,000 psi, while the 7.62 NATO ammo has around 60,000 psi.
This difference might not seem like a lot, but it can change how a gun works and whether it is safe.
If a gun is made for the 7.62 NATO bullet, it might not be strong enough for the extra pressure from the .308 Winchester bullet. Using the wrong bullet could break the gun or even cause an accident.
Case Thickness
The case thickness of the 7.62 NATO and the .308 Winchester bullets is another important difference between them. The case is the part of the bullet that holds the gunpowder.
It looks like a little cup made of metal. The thickness of this metal cup can change how the bullet works.
The 7.62 NATO has a thicker case than the .308 Winchester. This means the metal cup is stronger and can better handle the lower pressure from the 7.62 NATO.
But it also means the bullets are slightly different in size, even though they look very similar.
The different case thicknesses can affect how well the bullets fit in some guns. So, it’s important to know which bullet your gun is designed for and to use the right one.
Bullet Shape
The 7.62 NATO and the .308 Winchester bullets are shaped differently. The bullet shape can affect how the bullet flies through the air and how well it hits a target.
The 7.62 NATO bullets are usually slightly longer and heavier than the .308 Winchester bullets. This can make the 7.62 NATO bullets fly more steadily and accurately when shot from a gun.
On the other hand, the .308 Winchester bullets might be faster and lighter, which can be helpful when you’re hunting or doing target shooting.
Knowing the difference in bullet shapes can help you pick the right bullet for your needs. Choosing the correct bullet for your gun is important so it works how it’s supposed to and keeps you safe while shooting.
Headspace
Headspace is another consideration when comparing the 7.62 NATO and the .308 Winchester bullets.
Headspace is the space inside the gun where the bullet fits before you fire it. The right amount of headspace is important for the gun to work safely and correctly.
The headspace might be slightly bigger in guns designed for the 7.62 NATO than in guns made for the .308 Winchester. This is because the 7.62 NATO has a thicker case, and the gun needs more room for the bullet to fit just right.
Using the wrong bullet in a gun can cause problems with the headspace. If the headspace is too big or small, the gun might not work right and could even be dangerous.
Can You Use Them in the Same Gun?
You might wonder if you can use 7.62 NATO and .308 Winchester bullets in the same gun. The answer is: it depends.
Some guns can handle both types of bullets, while others are not. It’s important to know what kind of bullets your gun can handle before you try to use it.
If you have a gun designed for the 7.62 NATO, it’s usually not a good idea to use .308 Winchester bullets. Remember, the .308 Winchester creates more pressure when fired, and your gun might not be able to handle it.
This can be dangerous and damage your gun or cause an accident.
On the other hand, if you have a gun designed for the .308 Winchester, you can usually use 7.62 NATO bullets in it without any problems.
The gun should be able to handle the lower pressure just fine. But it’s always a good idea to check the owner’s manual for your gun or ask an expert if you’re unsure.
Choosing the Right Bullet for You
Now that you know the differences between the 7.62 NATO and the .308 Winchester, how do you choose the right one? It depends on what you want to use the bullet for.
If you’re a hunter or a sport shooter, the .308 Winchester might be a better choice. It’s powerful and accurate, which makes it great for taking down big game animals or hitting targets at long distances.
If you’re in the military or need a bullet for self-defense, the 7.62 NATO might be the better option. It’s designed to work well in many different types of guns and is still used by many countries today.
Remember, it’s important always to use the right type of bullet for your gun. Check the owner’s manual or ask an expert if you’re unsure which one to use.
Signs You Are Using the Wrong Bullet for Your Gun
Sometimes, people might accidentally use the wrong bullet in their guns. It’s important to know the signs that you might be using the wrong bullet, so you can fix the problem and stay safe.
Here, you can learn the tell-tale signs you are not using the right bullet for your gun.
Trouble Loading
If you have difficulty putting the bullet into your gun or it doesn’t fit right, it could be the wrong bullet. Never try to “force” a bullet into a gun.
Misfires
If your gun doesn’t fire when you pull the trigger, or if it fires but the bullet doesn’t come out as it should, you might be using the wrong bullet. Misfires can be dangerous, so find the issue before firing the gun again.
Too Much Recoil
Does your gun suddenly kick back more than usual? If so, it might indicate that the bullet puts too much pressure on your gun.
Strange Sounds
Guns are loud. However, you know the normal sounds your gun makes.
You could be using the wrong bullet if you notice a loud “pop” or a noise you do not usually hear when you pull the trigger.
Damaged Brass
After you shoot, look at the brass case that held the bullet. If it looks damaged or cracked, it might be a sign that the bullet was not right for your gun.
Now You Know the Difference between 7.62 Nato and .308 Winchester Ammo
The 7.62 NATO and the .308 Winchester are two popular types of bullets that look similar but have some important differences.
It’s important to know which type of bullet your gun can handle and to choose the right one for your needs. If you’re ever unsure about which bullet to use, it’s always a good idea to ask an expert or check the owner’s manual for your gun.
If you want to purchase ammo, check out our selection or contact us to learn more. We offer a wide array of bullets at fair prices.
