Cartridge of the Day:

.308 Winchester (7.62x51 NATO)

The .308 Winchester and the 7.62×51mm NATO are similar rifle cartridges with overlapping dimensions and performance. Introduced in the 1950s, the .308 Winchester was developed by Winchester and is a popular caliber for hunting, target shooting, and military use. The 7.62 NATO, a military adaptation, was standardized at approximately the same time.

The cartridge typically features a bullet diameter of .308 inches (7.8mm) and a case length of 51mm. It is known for its accuracy, moderate recoil, and effectiveness at medium to long ranges, making it suitable for hunting large game like deer and elk. In the military sphere, it is commonly used in designated marksman rifles and machine guns.

One key difference is that NATO specifications require the 7.62 NATO to handle slightly higher pressures for military use, while the .308 Winchester may offer a broader range of commercial loadings and can sometimes be loaded to higher pressures in civilian applications. Despite these differences, the two are often interchangeable in many firearms designed for either cartridge, though caution and proper verification are always advised.

Use cases include hunting, competitive shooting, and military applications.

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