Brown bear 308 : is this stuff safe?

[Sergi762]

assuming using a L1A1 would using brown bear ammo prematurely wear out/damage the chamber or extractor assemblies? and given that brass expands more than steel casings how bad does this ammo foul?

[Dr. Gonzo GED]

assuming using a L1A1 would using brown bear ammo prematurely wear out/damage the chamber or extractor assemblies? and given that brass expands more than steel casings how bad does this ammo foul?
If actually using L1A1, the answer is no, but not for the reasons yo think. L1A1 is chambered for 7.62 Nato, not .308. While the dimensions are all but identical, .308 is loaded to higher pressure specs than 7.62x51. This means milsurps in 7.62x51 may not be strong enough to fire the .308 safely. Such is the case with "Ishapore" enfields.

(However, guns chambered for .308 can often throw 7.62 with no problems.)

[Sergi762]

well the gun in question is a mid eighties CAI L1A1 sporter with a canadian made receiver and while it wa sstamped 308 I know this used to be a commonwealth gun. at one point it had the thumbhole stock but tat was damaged beyond repiar long ago and replaced so... yeah.. do I still need to worry?

[O.S.O.K.]

I will say this - the mild steel cases do allow more fouling. As to wether or not they wear extractors and such faster than brass, that's debatable.

I don't think its unsafe to fire this ammo in your FAL though - just check to be sure that the bullets are not being jamed into the rifling (I am pretty sure they won't be). The gas system is adjustable so you can change that as needed.

I used to shoot 308 rounds in my metric FAL with no problems - brass cased stuff.

Personally, I reserve the russian steel cased stuff for my Saiga which is desinged for it.

[Sergi762]

well thank ya one and all but Lord... anybody know where I can get a sweet deal on some 7.62 NATO? when I can find .50 BMG cheaper than 308/7.62 there is a problem

[AKTexas]

well thank ya one and all but Lord... anybody know where I can get a sweet deal on some 7.62 NATO? when I can find .50 BMG cheaper than 308/7.62 there is a problem

Try this link.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=A308Ger&name=German+.308+FMJ+NATO+%287.62x51%29+200rd+Batt le+Pack&groupid=26

This is very accurate out the M1A NM. Non corrosive, 1,000rds (5 packs): $389.75ea

[imanaknut]

Been using Silver Bear .308 in my STG-58 for years and have not had any problems.

[O.S.O.K.]

keep an eye on the hot ammo deals sticky up top - the latest and greatest is posted ongoing.

[btcave]

If you want to know a place that will update regularly for .308/7.62x51, here it is. This is an M14 forum, but the Mod for that forum updates regularly the prices at many online vendors.

http://m14forum.com/ammunition/23308-cheapest-7-62x51mm-surplus-internet-updated-often-so-check-back.html

[Penguin]

Thanks for that link. I am sure it will come in great use when I have some funds to buy ammo.

[btcave]

Thanks for that link. I am sure it will come in great use when I have some funds to buy ammo.

Yup, I wont see funds again for ammo for a few years yet... but I keep on looking.

[O.S.O.K.]

Man, that is awsome!!! If you hang there, please cherry pick some of the best deals and post them here from time to time :)

I'm not above borrowing from such sources so long as it's benefiting our board/members - anybody can do the same with us afterall... ;)

[Sergi762]

while I thank you all for the replies I have one thing to say: mooching is still mooching

[Schuetzenman]

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=A308Ger&name=German+.308+FMJ+NATO+(7.62x51)+200rd+Battle+P ack&groupid=26
Aim Surplus has German DAG 7.62 NATO in stock. This is quite good ammo and has a jacket that allows fragmentation that is superior to other Surplus NATO rounds of this caliber. I consider it your basic SHTF put it back ammo.

[romak10/63UF]

have you tried the good stuff ? the chinese copper washed 308 ammo ?

[Schuetzenman]

have you tried the good stuff ? the chinese copper washed 308 ammo ?

YOu asking me? Yes I've shot some corrosive copper washed Chicom .308 type ammo. It had mild steel cores, not real AP. It was OK but a PITA to clean up after in a gas operated weapon. IMO nothing special really except in the day it was cheap, under 11 cents a round.

[El Laton Caliente]

I've shot the .308 steel case out of roller lock actions and AK actions for some time with no problems.

[Sergi762]

have you tried the good stuff ? the chinese copper washed 308 ammo ?

seen it ,never had the chance to buy any around here and frankly I am in the market for more than just 20 rounds...on a somewhat related note I am beginning to think the Chinese stuff isn't as great as everyone makes it out to be. steel is steel but it isn't true AP and it is so scarce it really isn't an option for the cash strapped shooter. and to be blunt it isn't 'Winchester white box' grade and with the hype so high it just isn't worth the pain and misery to get.

[Sergi762]

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=A308Ger&name=German+.308+FMJ+NATO+(7.62x51)+200rd+Battle+P ack&groupid=26
Aim Surplus has German DAG 7.62 NATO in stock. This is quite good ammo and has a jacket that allows fragmentation that is superior to other Surplus NATO rounds of this caliber. I consider it your basic SHTF put it back ammo.

sold out but yes I have drooled/er I mean seen that ammo. looks good for what it is but again catch is as catch come

[romak10/63UF]

You want some bad @ss ammo check this out 200 rounds for 85 bucks ! WOW

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=225014553

[Schuetzenman]

sold out but yes I have drooled/er I mean seen that ammo. looks good for what it is but again catch is as catch come

http://www.wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=10000011&dir=18|830|848 OK if they're sold out try Widners. Their web site says In Stock now. They also have some Privi Partisan new stuff and some probably corrosive Pakastani M80 type surp.

Update: read the description and it says noncorrsive, powerful, reliable. Not sure about the accuracy part. Priced $360 / 1000

[Sergi762]

I don't even know what to say about the Pakistani stuff...haven't had the chance to try it but given the country of origin I am leery about it