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7.62x51 Hunting Ammo Question

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06 June 2014, 10:23
Beretta682E
7.62x51 Hunting Ammo Question
I have just finally gotten my Larue Predator in 7.62x51. May be the perfect hog rifle.

Problem is I don't see much 7.62x51 hunting ammo. I don't reload. Anyone have any recommendations for 7.62x51 ammo that would be good for hunting (maybe match ammo)?

The new remington 308 hog hammer with barnes tsx seems like a sweet load but I don't want to shoot 308 in the 7.62 x 51.

Thanks,

Mike
06 June 2014, 10:57
Cowboy_Dan
As you probably know, 7.62x51 is the military designation. As such, it is all either ball or ap. .308 Win is 99% the same, why not use it?


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06 June 2014, 11:06
Beretta682E
Been told not to shoot 308 in 7.62x51 guns.

Mike
06 June 2014, 13:54
boet
Some chambers can be fussy. If yours chambers 308 hunting ammo, then use it, no prob. Military chambers usually have broad tolerances to allow for dust etc in harsh conditions so you should be ok. If your chamber is blueprint, then 308 will be sticky going in, then don't use it. In 12 years military, I saw a sticky bolt once and heard of it once and we used to interchange ammo freely when hunting off duty in RSA
06 June 2014, 15:41
ted thorn
It is a .308 simple


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06 June 2014, 16:23
Nick Adams
quote:
Originally posted by Beretta682E:
Been told not to shoot 308 in 7.62x51 guns.
Mike


Depends on how tight the chamber is, which is a function of its intended purpose, i.e, match shooting or military use.

The GAP gas guns, for example, are set up for 308 match ammo or their equivalent in precision reloads. The 308 GAP rifles in particular virtually require their users to reload w/ match-grade small base dies for reliable function.

On the other hand, my 16" LMT LM8 (MRP) was intended for military use. It runs 100% w/ either 308 or mil 7.62 ball, and I've put several hundred rds of both types thru it. While it's accurate w/ either, it'll still hold MOA w/ the match 168gn ammo. With the 18" SS tube installed, it will shoot those sub-MOA.

But there's certainly enough variety in .308 "hunting" ammo, using what are essentially match-grade hunting bullets (e.g.,Bergers), that you should be able to test a few samples & find one that's accurate & functionally reliable in your LaRue.


"Only accurate rifles are interesting."
06 June 2014, 16:49
scottfromdallas
If you are worried about 308 being over pressured, use 308 Federal Fusion MSR. It's loaded specifically for AR type rifles and much cheaper than hog hammers. You get a bonded bullet for about $25 a box.



06 June 2014, 19:07
tjroberts
Call the manufacturer.
I can't see any risk to shooting .308 in a .308
No offence intended , but 7.62x51 is the same as .308.
You might have feeding or edjaction problems with some loads but i can't see how you would break anything.
...tj3006
06 June 2014, 19:26
tiggertate
+1. Call LaRue.


"Experience" is the only class you take where the exam comes before the lesson.
06 June 2014, 21:26
ColoradoMatt
You, or someone you spoke to might think the difference in pressure and chamber specs are like that of the 223 and 5.5, but they are not. The 308 and 7.62 are close enough to just not worry about. Call larue to set your mind at ease and then go hunting.


Matt
FISH!!

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07 June 2014, 01:05
Beretta682E
Larue said 308 win is fine. Time to get some barnes hog hammer bullets.

Mike
07 June 2014, 15:57
Nick Adams
quote:
Originally posted by scottfromdallas:
If you are worried about 308 being over pressured, use 308 Federal Fusion MSR. It's loaded specifically for AR type rifles and much cheaper than hog hammers. You get a bonded bullet for about $25 a box.


Hadn't heard of this load before. What's the bullet-weight? And has anyone here used it on hogs?
Thanks.


"Only accurate rifles are interesting."
07 June 2014, 17:46
tiggertate
Just about anything you find in 308 on the shelf will hammer hogs. Even a box of Remington Accelerators would do the job. I wouldn't worry about buying premium bullets for them unless it just makes you feel more confident or they shoot the best.


"Experience" is the only class you take where the exam comes before the lesson.
07 June 2014, 18:15
scottfromdallas
quote:
Originally posted by Nick Adams:
quote:
Originally posted by scottfromdallas:
If you are worried about 308 being over pressured, use 308 Federal Fusion MSR. It's loaded specifically for AR type rifles and much cheaper than hog hammers. You get a bonded bullet for about $25 a box.


Hadn't heard of this load before. What's the bullet-weight? And has anyone here used it on hogs?
Thanks.


Here is a link.

http://www.federalpremium.com/...s/rifle.aspx?id=1033

I'm sure people have used Fusions on hogs, they have been out several years. Tiggergate is right, really any 308 hunting bullet will hammer any hog to the dirt with good bullet placement.



07 June 2014, 21:18
Nick Adams
Scott - thanks for the link.

Federal refers to the "caliber" as .308 (7.62x51mm). I agree with others here there's so little difference between them that it's not an issue, whereas sometimes that's not true of .223 & 5.56mm chamberings. Federal also describes this Fusion load as a 150gn "deer bullet" @ 2770fps.

quote:
This specialized deer bullet electrochemically joins pure copper to an extreme pressure-formed core to ensure optimum performance. The result is high terminal energy on impact that radiates lethal shock throughout the target.


I'll give it a try and see how my LMT LM8 likes it.

Cool