308 vs 7.62x51: Not Close At All?
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- On this episode of Ultimate Barrier Testing, we will be comparing the performance of the 308 Win to the 7.62x51 (7.62 NATO) on 4 different targets. Each target is worth 25 points (winner takes all), for a grand total of 100 points. Whichever cartridge ends up with the highest score will be the winner. Testing was setup at 50 yards. Steel is A529 grade 55 mild steel. 1 inch = 25.4 mm. Thanks for watching!
*These tests are meant for entertainment and educational purposes only. Do not try any of these tests at home! Always verify your setup is rated for and can safely fire any ammunition that you intend to use. Option quantities listed are based at the time of filming.
308 WIN: WIN 147 gr FMJ
7.62x51: WIN 149 gr FMJ M80
As a Marine n Vietnam 67 to 68 I used the M-14, 7.62 NATO round, which I experienced also used the M-16 5.56/223 NATO round. Jungle battles in heavy foliage, tracers told the story of heavy rickoache from the 223 where 7.62 did not. No interferrance open ground the 7.62 had more knock down power, even though the 223 did nearly the same, but distance told a different story where the 7.62 took every hit as a knock down, where the 223 was not, and the enemy still wanted to fight wounded... The 7.62 they went down and they stayed down which saved lives. oora RC over and out. Reply with comment Banana... Short, medium, or Long range the 7.62 you don't want to get hit by that round period...
I read a book on powerful weapons. The swap from 7.62 to 5.56 came up. The book explains theory of the 5.56.
What the idea was, the 5.56 was more likely to wound than kill. If you wound that takes 3 people off the battlefield vs killing just one since apparently 2 soldiers are need to tend to the wounded soldier. Whether that's how it's ever worked is irrelevant to this discussion but interesting the 5.56 is still used. Lighter ammo weight allowing a soldier to carry more and ranges fought at is probably part of it.
Ive always been told that its the opposite of 5.56 vs .223. In this case the civilian version (.308 win) is actually a higher pressure spec than its NATO counterpart.
Thought the same thing. I thought 7.62 ×51 was supposed to be a hotter load for nato
You are correct. Civilian 308 is loaded higher.
This is true
You'll also find our allies load their 7.62 NATO very light. Lighter projectiles and slower velocities. 🤠
C.I.P. Says they’re the same thing. Ima keep putting both in my gun interchangeably. Has worked fine for me for 15 years. Never heard of any instances, even anecdotal, that it has ever caused an issue for anyone. Not once. They’re the same.
Stock up on both! You can't go wrong with either.
Got mags with both federal for both
agreed never know when you'll need more ammo they may have small diffrences but does the guy getting shot care?
@@sheilaolfieway1885 bullets hurt doesn't matter size lol
psa aac for the win
@@idahoshoterI believe above a certain size they stop hurting
Only working with 6", but you blew out that box 💪
I thought by his voice he was talking about width anyway. 😅
He should change the name of his show to Eggplant Ballistics. 🍆 🤔
Purple Headed.... 😒 Nevermind.....
@@redfaux74❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Wrecked it
Wish I had 6"
6" is way better for penetration lol
If you are primarily a hunter, like me, the answer is simple. 7.62 is ok for practice but only comes in fmj or a target bullet. You gotta go with a game/species/size bullet when hunting and that means 308.
I've shot over a thousand rounds of surplus 7.62 in my bolt guns with no problems except the occasional hard primer which went off the second time.
Here's the summary that should have been up front.:
7.62 ammo is contract loaded for mil purposes. That means better weather sealing, harder primers to be more to resistant to slam fires in full auto guns, tighter bullet crimps -- same reason, and bullets that comply with Geneva convention legal battle requirements. Also full autos that fire from a closed bolt can sometimes cook off a round due to heat. Not something to worry about in any hunting situation.
It’s pretty awesome that you got Ray Ramano to narrate your video.
If you want a good one, there is a family guy clip, with Ray Romano, Harold Ramis, and Kermit the frog.
No, this is YT chemistry legend Nurdrage. Love your chem content man!
Seriously though, go listen to a Nurdrage vid and tell me it's not the same person!
NEVER STOP MAKING THESE KINDS OF VIDEOS. more people are curious as to these exact questions that you notice.
To answer your question at the end : Both! They are so similar it is basically negligible. I enjoy collectijg all the different kinds of .308 and 7.62x51 out there. Everything from hunting rounds to API, AP, EPR and even "personal defense" rounds. Such a versatile cartridge. Thanks for another test!
"What just happened to my box"
That's what she said
Came here for this comment and would’ve left it myself had you not beat me to it. 😂😂😂
Zoomer humor
And with only SIX inches!
@@dotarsojat7725 Nope it was just the tip! (copper tip) But still just the tip.
🤣
Those brief bursts of elevator music are cool
11:24 midway " we have 154 options!!
me: "ball.. the cheapest one"
If you have a modern rifle that groups m80.. lemme know. My sf308 doesn't like m80. But step up to 155-168 and the 1:10 twist rate does the thing
@@PureCountryof91 i don't shoot, I'm just an enthusiast looking from somewhere you can't own guns (unless you sign off your SOUL to the govt and the bank). this wasn't really a real comment just a funny thing! but yeah we all know the lighter cheap ones don't work well if you wanna group, but they are great for training! ahahah cheers mate!
@@francobuzzetti9424 the m80 ball ammo is loaded to a minimum, or maximum spec, usually in between. This variance causes velocity peaks, and valleys. This will effectively cause erratic elevation. The inconsistent loading and current barrel twist rates are too fast for the chode loads at 147-150 grains.
9:27 I honestly enjoy your videos with your various tests and commentary. I'm glad to be a subscriber. Thanks for uploading.
Agreed. ❤
"Terry, quit making fun of me !"
😂👍🏻
I compared new Turkish import 7.62 NATO brass with new Starline 308 Winchester brass, the 7.62 NATO brass has about 2 grains less case capacity, I was using IMR-4064 powder for the test, 42.8 grains fits nicely in Starline brass, but crunchy and compressed in 7.62 NATO brass.
Not so big of a difference that it makes a difference.
2 grains less or about 5000psi is 7.62
Cases vary between manufacturers in terms of brass thickness and tolerance. Typically, a manufacturer that loads both will use the same cases and stamp them differently.
The NATO spec requires much more head brass against case burst. The reduced capacity hinders loads a bit but by tinkering with dense powder and slower burn you can probably match muzzle energy.
In hot open bolt machine gun chambers, we occasionally get ripped apart cartridge cases. Only the case head will extract leaving a brass “tube” that the next cartridge is fed and jammed into. Only saw it rarely with M80 7.62 240’s, but a few times with the smaller 5.56 249’s using M855’s. Makes for fun times pulling and setting aside a very hot loaded barrel to set aside and rod out later.
At this point, it all comes down to price and availability. Same as I already thought, but thanks for showing us the results.
I’m more impressed that you got Winchester White box to go where you were aiming!
LOL man, I have never seen so much hate towards the white box products as I have these past few years.
@@fleatactical7390rightfully so. They packed up most of their operations in the Midwest starting about 10 years ago in search of non union cheap labor. You get what you pay for. That being said, as an ex employee they are still about in the middle of the road as far as quality goes IMHO.
Remington green and yellow has got to be worse.
@@owensthilaire8189 LOL Remington UMC!!!
Yep, it's crap. I've had two rifle manufacturers (employees who do function tests) tell me not to use it. Never buying it again, or other Remington ammo for that matter.
I’ve shot ALOT of ammo in varying types manufacturers and many cals. Only Remington ammo I buy anymore is the newer tipped ammo in magnum sizes. And specifically for my late 60’s 700 7remmag. All other Remington ammo is crap.
I just got 700 rounds of .308 in last week! Happy day! Freaking tack driver. Love your videos sir, thank you!
how much that run you?
@@hungdaddy6996 Just over $500
Knock Knock (if you're lucky) ATF here, we would like to inspect your ammo. We feel you are breaking the law, and even if you aren't, you are!
what a moron, brag to the world and cry when you get a visit
Stock up on both especially whichever is cheaper.
The answer is chamber pressure. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk
Just like Ted talks, is not as clear as they make it sound. KPSI is not the same as CUP.
...your video showed up in my UA-cam "suggestions"...had never seen it before...really enjoyed the ammo comparisons, commentary & how you've got your target area set up...very cool!
...so I watched a couple more ammo comparison videos...really enjoy your laid-back presentation, comparison graphics & periodic jazz riffs...your conversations w/ "Terry" freaked me out a little though...LOL!
...this is kinda like listening/watching Ray Ramano do a gun presentation, LOL!
...wIll be back to watch more in the near future...Kudos from Iowa & keep up the helpful content!
I just wanted to say that I absolutely love your channel. You provide fantastic information and do it in an entertaining way. Thank you for making these videos.
I have a Century Arms FAL in .308 and an HBAR FAL in 7.62 and the .308 rounds will expand or 'stovepipe in the 7.62, turning it into a repeater every round and vise versa. The 7.62 likes all the cheaper old military surplus. The Russian steel case rounds work in both while they were available, but the 7.62 and .308 won't interchange for me. I really enjoyed the video and I like shopping at Midway for AR-15 accessories.
Many will disagree, but most FAL’s are chambered for 7.62NATO. There is a difference.
I'm surprised, not enough difference to make a difference
Another suggestion for you.
308 M80 147gr vs 300 blackout supers with 147gr M80 bullets.
I wanna see the difference in power.
It’s about 800-1000fps depending on all the variables.
It's a big difference. 300 blackout just doesn't have the powder/power to make actual 308 rounds work, typically. Much better to use bullets actually designed for the 300 bl.
@@ArkancideI love the Clinton throwback name lol.
I reload for 300Blk. 147’s can hit about 2100fps max (in an AR) before the pressure becomes too dangerous. Oh the joys of using fast burning magnum pistol powder in a rifle.
That would be like comparing a mid sized pickup truck to a tractor trailer!
I have a SOCOM 16 for which Springfield specifies only NATO ammo. Yes, it will probably handle the higher pressures in the commercial .308 but what would be the point? Winchester NATO spec. 7.62 x 51 item number is Q3130 which is on the box. Each cartridge has a NATO cross on the cartridge base. No cross, no NATO. It is great ammo. Never had a misfire or a cycling issue.
Of course 308 is a hunting cartridge so obviously I’m gonna choose an A.R. 10 I had no idea there were that many options and thanks for the advice going to Midway
Terry loves keeping you on your toes with his witty comments and stoic manner.
I remember a comment on a previous 7.62vs308 video, the civilian .308 may be going faster but the projectile is made with a softer lead.
I suppose we could explain that to the steel that the 308 penetrated and the 762 did not?
Not a coincidence you uploaded this on 3/08 / 2024 is it. edit: Missed opportunity 308 vs 224 Valkyrie. :)
Good Day. Excellent. Thank You & best Regards
Since I do a lot of blinking at the range, I always stock up or not. 7.62 because it's a lot cheaper than the 308.But when I go hunting, I take the 3LA because it's usually much fresh air ammunition.Sometimes that achieve stuff that you buy is actually reloads that are made from various corporations or government surplus
308/762 is a beast. An amazing combination of terminal ballistics and potential capacity.
How was that last test a tie? The .308 went all the way through when the 7.62 NATO didn't.
308... more options. Thanks for another great video.
Great vid! Love the fairness using the same ammo manufacturer.
Enjoy your videos. I ordered a couple of t-shirts from your merch . I think you should go 4' inches instead of 6' Sand give the bullets a little bit more of a chance.
I appreciate it! I found the ticket to 6” in some future videos. Pretty surprising
I prefer the 308 and not in FMJ. While penetration is always important, delivering a forceful impact is just as needed. You get more feels if you don't just slide through, but stay a while.
As with anything in this endeavor, personal preference is key. Both in what you like, as well as what is needed for a happy ending.
Good post. Don't think many got your cheekyness
terry laughing at you for the sand box fail is classic, i bet a solid copper (not the polymer tip which I do like for its expansion) would do well
Enjoyed the shootin and humor as allwayz.
The double meanings. . . Awesome!
I’ve shot both from same firearm since 1965 ,armer piercing, red n green tracers . Then the hunting rounds . Just depends what u want to do
A rum dum in the hold of a ship sold my grandfather his 308 and almost 3 boxes of ammunition. He always gets his deer and sometimes 2 depending on the population. Forty years later, after he passed he had 7 rounds left. Other than cleaning that gun never left it's case except to hunt and the fact he had 7 bullets left he never missed a shot either
I'd have to go back through your videos but I don't remember ever seeing a single projectile exit the back of that sand box. It's just an automatic fail no matter the cartridge! 😂
I due time we will change that
@@bananaballistics you do time? How does she feel
Solid copper projectiles are very erratic if you don't clean your barrel between firing a jacketed bullet and a monometal bullet. Something about the gilding metal from the jacketed bullet doesnt interact well with solid copper. Ron Spomer and Backfire have both made mention of it in several video's.
Check the bullets. Winchester offers 2 different 308 FMJ Projectiles. One is reportedly magnetic.
I wonder if the Winchester 7.62 NATO has the magnetic projectile.
If they are magnetic, then they are AP rounds. 😮
@@3gunshooter60not true
A lot of the 7.62-39 projectiles are magnetic and they are not AP they tend to shatter when they hit something made of metal even sheet metal
Terry is awesome. He is my new favorite UTube guest. He is always right in the action and never complains.
I chose an 18" Ballistic Advantage "optimized" barrel it handles both no issues.
I love these comparisons. I like the sand box test just wish there was a way to tell what the depth was on it.
6 inches COMPLETELY blew out that box. 👁️ 👄 👁️
Good tests! I'd stock up on 7.62 NATO- when in doubt I always go with military rounds. Maybe less options but they're almost always a good amount cheaper and easier to find.
Pretty sure that a 308 rifle can also shoot 7.62 NATO while a 7.62 NATO rifle can't shoot 308.
@@Cloud_Seeker nailed it.
What to stock up on depends on what weapon system they'll be used in. 7.62x51 has tougher brass that can hold up better to battle rifles like the CETME, HK G3/91 family that are known to tear off rims of .308 cases due to their violent extraction/ejection. M1a/M14 owners should stock 7.62x51 as well as their gas systems are not adjustable and designed/tuned for 7.62x51 pressures. .308 can put a real beating on them. (Similar issue to the M1 Garand being designed for M2 ball pressures and can be damaged/worn out prematurely buy repeated use of much higher pressure commercial 30-06 ammo.)
Here’s the only concern, gas operated military rifles chambered for 7.62x51 are designed to support bullets from 147 to 175 grain so shooting.308 from a military rifle that are loaded with bullets lighter than 147 grain or heavier than 175 grain could be problematic. However, the 110 grain and 220 grain bullets have not been factory loaded in .308 for many years. Now, the best load out there today for long range target shooting from a 7.62 gas gun or a .308 bolt gun is the M118LR round. My scores in NRA Long-Range Competition with that round proved to me it was more accurate than 175 grain FGMM.
"Uhhh WUT just happened to my box!?" Hahaha
Pressure
7.62 NATO is rated for a lower max pressure than .308 Winchester. 7.62 NATO’s rating is about 60,000 PSI, and .308 Win’s is 62,000. It’s not much of a difference, but it’s a difference.
I generally stock 7.62x51 nato ammo for my AR-10's in bulk, milsurp ammo is usually alot cheaper. .308 win ammo has tons more bullet, load and configuration options and that being said, is mostly more expensive. For my Bolt guns in .308 I stock several bullet types for different needs but they are more often much more expensive than milsurp ball ammo so I don't stock as many rounds of .308 win.
Now I want to see a difference between the 556 and the 308!
Prob best comparison test I have seen
To many don't secure their targets well enough
Solid copper has to be cleaned to bare metal for accuracy, Weird but it works, Ron spoomer and Jim at backfire have both confirmed it
Love your vids, keep up the great work!
Sometimes higher power makes the less result because it dumps the energy too quickly. Some say a 30-06 is better that 300 win mag for grizzly bears because it is less energy and will go deeper. A 7.62x39 at point blank will push through or deeper into a tree than 308. I once heard it said a 308 will shoot through a tree if the tree is 200 yards away (but not up close). Of course, it seems many people try tests and different results are given.
Put a 1/4” plate about 2” behind the plywood in the concrete test to see the remaining energy of the bulletin.
.308. As a hunter I don't want the bullet just sliding through. I want damage! Your tests show the .308 does more damage ( i.e. exit hole on the plywood.). The .308 did go all the through the last steel shot as well......
Hornady.308 Black.
I knew that neither one would make it through this sand. That’s why they’ve always used sandbags on foxholes and trenches.
I would have liked to see tests on ballistic gel comparison to see wound channels and depth but also more time & detail of cell velocities.
That's bananas!!! Also, does laying Terry in front of the door to your house change his name to Matt?
I run both interchangeably. No problem in the bolt gun, ar10, or the m14s. Yes, some minor headspace differences, but function is good for all. May be some accuracy variations at longer ranges
I've had .308 expand and fail to eject in my M1A match a few times. Maybe 1 in 40. It could've been the ammo, but I just quit shooting the .308 through it, no issues since.
I've never seen the ammo destroy a weapon though. I have .308 bolt, it shoots both with no issues and no sight adjustments out to about 400 yards.
I do have to admit, it is very fun to watch new generation people Learning for themselves all the things the rest of us have known for 100 years. Reinventing the wheel, so to speak.
You've known about 7.62x51 NATO for 100 years? Wow, check out Nostradamus over here
Milspec 7.62 velocity is 823 m/s or 2,700 ft/sec. Would be interesting with actual military ammunition
Wrong
Wat is actual military ammo?
@@user-pi5qw3bf2s surplus? South African? Portuguese? Hirtenberger?
"These thing just opened up."
In "Across an Angry Sea" by Cedric Delves (then CO D Sqdr 22 SAS) relates how, during the Falklands War, they captured an Argentine officer, who acted like he just could not care. That did not endear him to his captors. When they found a hunting rifle with a powerful scope in this possession, that kicked his image down a few rungs of the ladder. Still he did not care. Only when they found in his possession very Non-Geneva Convention hunting ammo did he twig on from the now very angry faces around him that he was a long way from home and entirely without friends.
I blew my neck disks out. The 30-06 hurt so bad, I thought hunting was done UNTIL I got S&W AR10 AWESOME I was back in the game. I use very very expensive ammo for hunting, for farting around I used mil surplus. I have 2 great scopes, both on quick detach scope mounts. For who is woundering, it kept the zero. Yes shocking. Great video.
I'll take the .308, seen the holes they leave. I never had to shoot through concrete walls or steel. The piece of plywood with the back blown out, is the desired effect in Combat, not straight through penetration. Also it destroyed the box, found a way to move its energy through the barrier.
Enough with the sarcasm big guy not all of us are trolls some of us like your videos more than we complain !
I do stock up on both
What a voice, you sound like a radio DJ. Thank for the video.
So the 762/51 is mil spec. Sealed and crimped primer and a slightly tighter crimp on the bullet. The shell casing is also slightly thicker. I think they also have a specific powder that meets NATO spec. 308 On the other hand has a wide variety of powder and velocity options, each proprietary to the brand. For sure, 308 is much easier to reload than 7.62/51. ALL DAY LONG!!!
Please explain to me why exactly you feel that 7.62x51 NATO is so much harder to reload than 308win. I have loaded thousand of 308 and many many thousands of 7.62 NATO. I full length size and trim if necessary all of them. Maybe the primer pockets may need a little extra to clean but that's absolutely the only difference. If you aneal the brass first then I don't find any difference. Please explain yourself.
Can’t believe for young person
You have the best show
Your gonna be number one ..
I’m good at knowing who is good
Congrats
Depends on what your using the round for. Range practice, 7.62, hunting, .308
Since the bullets are different weights and seeing the different behavior penetrating the lumber brings into question if the bullet construction is the same.
You don’t always want a clean entry and exit hole in combat, the more damage without killing your opponent is far better…which is why most armies went down to 5.56, however it didn’t have the reach that you get from 7.62 and that’s why many armies are moving back to the 7.62 as it effectively doubles your effective distance to your enemy, 600m to 300m
.308 carries higher pressure and like you said, many more options. I have only shot .308 out of my AR-10.
Used to run Winchester brass, large RP, 175gr. BTHP, 4895 or 4064. Both mega accurate. Ran 168gr. BTHP for hunting.
Who gave Everybody Loves Raymond a UA-cam channel?
Maybe a stint in the Marines....
Under rated comment!
The primary difference is the powder/ propellant charge in weight and type. Next comes the projectile in weight and type (FMJ, HP, SP, ETC.)
If you have a .308 rated barrel, you're going to find that 7.62 x 51 has trouble extracting. It has a thicker walled cartridge and lower pressure. You'd think the lower pressure would mean less expansion on the brass - and maybe it does - but it doesn't matter; the thicker wall will make extracting the brass a little tougher. Especially in a semi-auto. I don't own a bolt action, so can't comment on that. Buyer beware.
I’ve always been told you can’t shoot a 308 rd out of a military gun designed for 7.62 nato but you can shoot a 7.62 nato in a civilian gun designed for 308..
You’re right, as .308 Win is a higher pressure round. However, read your owner’s manual. Many firearms can shoot both out of the same weapon.
@@leroyjenkins4811 yes, that’s what I stated ..typically a rifle designed to use 308 caliber can use 7.62 rd.
I have a Howa 308. Howa is totally against firing 7.62 through it. Kinda nutz
@@leroyjenkins4811 it can
I have found that in my Century Arms .308 Sportster some cheaper .308 ammo will not cycle however the Winchester 7.62 x .51 (the same that U were using) had the power to cycle the rifle perfectly.
It doesn't depend on the ballistic specs. It depends on the velocity and materials in the actual ammo and the targets. In general, Faster = more deformation on impact if you're hitting above the pressure driven shock threshold of the materials and are creating a shockwave. Otherwise, you are just measuring the plastic deformaability of casting and the material it's fired at and the drag through the target in the trans-sonic regime. In both cases you're going to see a classic hydrodynamic instability emerge that occurs whenever a high density wave impinges on a lower density boundary. This instability will cause turbulence and can overcome rifling as well as the aerodynamic stability that comes from having the center of mass behind the aerodynamic center of drag that can initiate tumbling. This is actually a really nice bit of physics that is accessible to most people who did ok in high school math. It shows up literally everywhere from virus particles traveling through an n95 mask to aeroplanes traveling near the speed of sound to sand and rocks moving downstream in rivers, and into the heart of nuclear explosions!
The best way of that kind of test, is to hand load with the same projectile and just measure the speed. If you know the speeds, any experienced rifleman can work out the difference.
7.62 fmj is usually cheaper ( or it used to be) if your buying mil surp. I know WW white box is higher. .308 gives you more choices for hunting / expanding bullets. My M1A likes them both. Thx for the test! Poooor Terry!
Which gun are used for these tests let us know 🎉
Haha 9:31 "that's what she said!"😂
The difference is in the barrels chamber 😮 No idea why this dead horse continues to be whipped
BUT which is more accurate?
Could you do 762x51 vs 762x54R maybe????? If you haven't already
Another great idea
I have a semi-auto gun that shoots 7.62 x 51. (HK-91) When I use factory ammo in 308 it has a noticeable harder kick. I don't like the way it slams the bolt so I only use NATO spec rounds.
I just want to say, I love your videos. Thanks for the joyful content.
"Some" winchester white box 7.62x51 does have a mild steel core...which on soft steel works like a SAP.
Thanks for the testing! Glad I stocked up on 1k rounds each of these for my long-range battle rifle.
You should look at deflection shooting through glass. Glass is actually harder to deal with than most people think. The .308 may be better at it than anything else.