Mossberg Patrol Rifle stamped 7.62x51. Shoots 308??

[RONRON47]

So I recently purchased a Mossberg Patrol rifle. As advertised, I ordered it in .308SWIN and had it shipped from WV to my local FFL in Louisiana.
When I received the rifle, it’s stamped 7.62x51. Called the dealer and he said it will shoot 308 no problem.

However, I wanted some more input on this to clarify. This rifle will be used primarily for whitetail hunting.

Thanks!

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting...ssberg-mvp-patrol-matte-blued-rifle/p/1321642

 

[pandabear]

It's the same thing!

 

[MRBULLRED]

I would double check for sure. I know 5.56 is generally hotter than .223 with slightly different case dimensions. However .223 can be shot in a 5.56 stamped rifle not the other way around.

Now .308 is just the opposite and it is hotter than 7.62x51. Not sure on the case dimensions of that cartridge. I know 7.62x51 can be shot in a. 308 rifle but not sure if it works the other way around.. Check twice, blow up once.

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[DAVE_M]

It's the same thing!

That's not actually correct.

That's like saying .223 Remington and 5.56x45 are the same.

 

[MRBULLRED]

Found this. Check the manual and see if you can find this quote.

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[paddle007]

The damn thing is going to blow up in your hands. Sell it to me now and end your worries.

 

[Gator 45/70]

The damn thing is going to blow up in your hands. Sell it to me now and end your worries.

Yeah man, I'm with you on that, I'd use that fuggly thing for a boat paddle , Go get it, I'm to far away.

 

[Danny Abear]

Yeah man, I'm with you on that, I'd use that fuggly thing for a boat paddle , Go get it, I'm to far away.

Rem. Nylon 66 best boat paddle made

 

[pandabear]

That's not actually correct.

That's like saying .223 Remington and 5.56x45 are the same.

Technically. 308 is hotter. I wouldn't say we're splitting hairs here. How often we find a firearm that's design to shoot 7.62x51 only!

 

[paddle007]

I know I was jesting earlier but it is very likely safe. Under the perfect conditions it "could" end up badly. The 308 operates at a higher chamber pressure and the other factors are headspacing and the 308's thinner case.
Copied from an article discussing it.
The .308 Winchester chamber headspace is between 1.630 and 1.6340 inches. While that for 7.62x51mm NATO is between 1.6355 and 1.6405 inches. The slight difference in size might not seem like a big deal until you fire a thinner brass in a long-chambered rifle. The disaster is that the brass will stretch, perhaps enough to lead to a dangerous case rupture. This text is originally from HuntingHeart.com, you can read more here: https://huntingheart.com/can-you-shoot-a-7-62-x-51-ammo-in-a-308-rifle/

 

[Jlong1691]

If you want to be certain, the easiest way is to buy this https://www.amazon.com/Headspace-Gauge-308-NO-GO/dp/B00703SVZ6 , drop it in, and see if the bolt closes. If so, then no go, if not then shoot away. The pressure difference is minimal when taking into account the differences in measuring pressure between the two rounds, one being CUP, and the other being PSI. 50k CUP is roughly the equivalent of 58k ish psi, both chambers are tested to far greater pressures. You will experience case failures before you experience a chamber failure, absent a barrel obstruction etc. Head spacing would be the main issue, and most manufacturers of 7.62 use the .308 dimension rather than the longer head spacing. I have yet to find a commercially produced firearm with a chamber that size. Even then .0065 is generally not a huge cause for concern, unless you are using some light brass, or many time fired brass that may be weaker through the web due to resizing so many times. Just look for pressure signs if you reload, and if you are using factory ammo, you should be G2G. You will be able to tell easily if there are any chamber size issues after firing, and there are many numbers of ways to measure.

 

[MRBULLRED]

You are good to go. Straight from the owners manual.

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[RONRON47]

I know I was jesting earlier but it is very likely safe. Under the perfect conditions it "could" end up badly. The 308 operates at a higher chamber pressure and the other factors are headspacing and the 308's thinner case.
Copied from an article discussing it.
The .308 Winchester chamber headspace is between 1.630 and 1.6340 inches. While that for 7.62x51mm NATO is between 1.6355 and 1.6405 inches. The slight difference in size might not seem like a big deal until you fire a thinner brass in a long-chambered rifle. The disaster is that the brass will stretch, perhaps enough to lead to a dangerous case rupture. This text is originally from HuntingHeart.com, you can read more here: https://huntingheart.com/can-you-shoot-a-7-62-x-51-ammo-in-a-308-rifle/

In the manual it states it will fire both. Thanks

- - - Updated - - -

Yes. Just discovered that yesterday.

 

[oleheat]

I've hunted for years running .308 WIN through my AR-10 (Armalite) 7.62 x 51 with zero issues. Too many deer and hogs taken with it to remember. It will serve you well.