Can you use 'Match' ammo in MilSurp/FAL?

[J MOSBY]

I keep reading about someone using match grade ammo in their FAL. Isn't that a no no ?

[ August 10, 2001: Message edited by: EMDII ]

[BUFF]

From a technical standpoint, 7.62x51 NATO and .308 Winchester are two different cartridges.

From a real-world standpoint, the two are so close that the differences in tolerances between rifles so chambered overlap.

Commercial .308 ammo fired in a 7.62 chamber may (note: MAY) stretch enough to cause head separations if the brass is then reloaded, but again it depends on the individual rifle's chamber dimensions.

You can safely fire U.S. made (and probably foreign as well) commercial ammo in your FAL, M-1A, H&K 91, CETME or AR-10. In fact, lots of serious highpower rifle target competitors shoot Federal 168 grain Gold Medal Match .308 in their M-14's.

But if you do, and your FAL blows up, I guess I am wrong about this!

[J MOSBY]

Thanks Buff, I think I get the picture!

[GySgt D]

The only problem that I've personally experienced was when using 7.62 surplus in civillian .308 rifles. I had to use a mallet to open up the bolts on a Browning A-Bolt and a Remington 700 after every round fired. :confused:

[BUFF]

It will depend on the individual rifle, I guess. I have shot Radway Green and Hirtenberger from my Remington Model 7 Scout without problem and had shot the same through a Rem 700 Varmint, also without problem.