7.62 NATO vs .308 Winchester: What's the Difference and Can You Shoot Them Interchangeably?

7.62 NATO vs .308 Winchester

At first glance, 7.62 NATO and .308 Winchester appear to be identical cartridges. They share nearly the same dimensions, use the same bullet diameter, and can often be found sitting side by side on store shelves. Because of those similarities, many shooters assume they're interchangeable in every rifle.

The reality is a little more complicated.

Although the cartridges look almost identical, they were developed for different purposes and follow different specifications. Understanding those differences can help you make safer decisions, improve your rifle's performance, and choose the right ammunition for hunting, target shooting, or long-range precision work.

If you've ever wondered whether you can safely shoot one in a rifle chambered for the other, this guide explains everything you need to know.

Before buying your next box of .308 or 7.62 NATO ammunition, compare prices from multiple trusted online retailers using AmmoBrowser.

A Shared History

The story begins shortly after World War II.

The military wanted a cartridge that offered excellent power and accuracy while being shorter and lighter than the .30-06 Springfield. After extensive testing, the result became the 7.62×51mm NATO, officially adopted by NATO in the 1950s.

Shortly afterward, Winchester recognized the commercial potential of the cartridge and introduced the .308 Winchester for civilian shooters. While the two cartridges shared nearly identical external dimensions, Winchester optimized its version for sporting rifles, hunting, and precision shooting.

That shared history explains why the cartridges look so similar today.

Are They the Same Cartridge?

Not exactly.

From the outside, a .308 Winchester cartridge and a 7.62 NATO cartridge are nearly impossible to distinguish without reading the headstamp. Both fire a .308-inch diameter bullet and use the same overall case dimensions.

The important differences are found in the chamber specifications, brass construction, and pressure standards rather than in the cartridge's appearance.

For most shooters, those differences are relatively small, but they are still worth understanding.

Chamber Pressure

One of the biggest topics surrounding these cartridges is chamber pressure.

Commercial .308 Winchester ammunition is often loaded to higher pressures than standard military 7.62 NATO ammunition. At the same time, military 7.62 NATO brass is frequently a little thicker and may have slightly less internal case capacity than some commercial .308 cases.

You'll often hear people say that ".308 is hotter than 7.62 NATO." While that is generally true in broad terms, direct pressure comparisons can be misleading because the two cartridges are measured using different industry testing standards.

The important takeaway is simple: commercial .308 hunting ammunition is commonly loaded for maximum sporting performance, while military 7.62 NATO ammunition is designed around military reliability and service requirements.

Can You Shoot .308 Winchester in a 7.62 NATO Rifle?

This is probably the most common question shooters ask.

The answer depends on the specific rifle.

Many modern rifles chambered for 7.62 NATO are also designed to safely fire commercial .308 Winchester ammunition. However, not every surplus military rifle was built with the same chamber dimensions or safety margins.

Because of those differences, the safest approach is to follow the firearm manufacturer's recommendations rather than relying on internet advice or general rules of thumb.

If your owner's manual states the rifle is safe for both cartridges, you can follow that guidance with confidence. If it does not, consult the manufacturer before firing commercial .308 ammunition.

Can You Shoot 7.62 NATO in a .308 Winchester Rifle?

In most modern rifles chambered for .308 Winchester, firing quality 7.62 NATO ammunition is generally not considered a problem because the rifle is designed for commercial .308 pressures.

Many hunters and recreational shooters regularly practice with surplus or commercial 7.62 NATO ammunition before switching to premium .308 hunting loads during hunting season.

Again, always verify your firearm manufacturer's recommendations before using ammunition not specifically marked for your chambering.

Which Is More Accurate?

Accuracy depends much more on the quality of the ammunition and the rifle than on whether the box says ".308 Winchester" or "7.62 NATO."

Commercial .308 Winchester ammunition offers a much wider selection of premium match and hunting loads. Manufacturers such as Federal, Hornady, Berger, Lapua, Nosler, Black Hills, and Sierra produce exceptionally accurate .308 ammunition for precision shooting.

Military 7.62 NATO ammunition is typically designed for reliability under demanding conditions rather than producing the smallest possible groups.

If your goal is precision shooting or long-range accuracy, commercial match-grade .308 Winchester ammunition is usually the better choice.

Which Is Better for Hunting?

This one is easy.

Commercial .308 Winchester offers significantly more hunting options.

Hunters can choose from a wide variety of expanding bullets specifically designed for deer, elk, hogs, black bear, and other game animals. Bullet weights commonly range from 150 to 180 grains, with countless premium hunting loads available.

Military-style 7.62 NATO ammunition is generally loaded with Full Metal Jacket bullets, which are intended for training or military use rather than hunting. In many jurisdictions, FMJ ammunition is not legal for hunting big game.

If you're heading into the woods, .308 Winchester is almost always the better option.

Which Is Better for Range Practice?

If affordable practice is your goal, 7.62 NATO can be an excellent option when reasonably priced surplus or commercial training ammunition is available.

For casual target shooting inside a few hundred yards, many shooters won't notice a meaningful difference between quality 7.62 NATO ammunition and standard .308 FMJ loads.

The biggest deciding factor is often price, and that's where comparing multiple retailers with AmmoBrowser can help you save money.

Common Myths

One myth is that these cartridges are completely identical. While they share nearly the same dimensions, differences in chamber specifications and pressure standards mean they shouldn't automatically be treated as interchangeable without considering the rifle.

Another common misconception is that one cartridge is always more accurate than the other. In reality, ammunition quality, barrel characteristics, optics, and shooter skill have a far greater impact on accuracy than the name stamped on the cartridge case.

Finally, many people assume all surplus ammunition performs poorly. While surplus ammunition is usually built for reliability rather than precision, quality military loads can still deliver respectable accuracy for training and recreational shooting.

Which One Should You Buy?

If your primary goal is hunting, precision shooting, or long-range accuracy, .308 Winchester is the clear winner thanks to its enormous selection of premium hunting and match ammunition.

If you're primarily interested in affordable practice and your rifle is designed to use it, 7.62 NATO can be an excellent choice for range sessions and recreational shooting.

For many shooters, the ideal setup is simple: practice with inexpensive military-style ammunition and hunt or compete with premium .308 Winchester loads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 7.62 NATO the same as .308 Winchester?

No. They are extremely similar and share the same basic dimensions, but they follow different specifications and should not automatically be considered identical.

Which is more accurate?

Commercial match-grade .308 Winchester ammunition generally offers greater accuracy potential than standard military 7.62 NATO ammunition.

Which is better for hunting?

.308 Winchester. It offers a much wider selection of hunting bullets specifically designed for ethical harvesting of game animals.

Which is cheaper?

Prices vary, but military-style 7.62 NATO ammunition is often less expensive than premium commercial .308 hunting or match ammunition.

Can I shoot either cartridge in my rifle?

Always follow the recommendations provided by your firearm manufacturer. While many modern rifles safely accommodate both, not every rifle is designed for the same ammunition.

Final Thoughts

Although 7.62 NATO and .308 Winchester look remarkably similar, they were designed for different purposes. The military cartridge emphasizes reliability and service use, while the commercial .308 Winchester has become one of the most versatile sporting cartridges ever developed.

For most hunters and precision shooters, .308 Winchester offers the greatest flexibility thanks to its outstanding selection of hunting and match ammunition. Meanwhile, 7.62 NATO remains an excellent option for training and recreational shooting in rifles designed to use it.

Whatever your shooting style, comparing prices before you buy can save money especially if you're purchasing ammunition in bulk. AmmoBrowser lets you compare current prices from multiple online retailers, helping you find the best deal on both .308 Winchester and 7.62 NATO ammunition.