The bill of sale for my M1A Loaded bought in 2000, lists it as 308 caliber. Just today, the Springfield web site list the M1A Loaded as 7.62x51 (.308Win). I would take that to mean that it is chambered for the 7.62x51 cartridge, but built strong enough to meet the 308Win SAAMI pressure specifications.
7.62x51 or .308 for M1A
I know i'll probably get hate because this is been asked probably a million plus times, but I haven't found a definitive answer yet. Which is better to shoot from an M1A? I know both will shoot just fine in the M1A. I'm asking because I want to know which will cause the gun to have more wear? Which will shoot more accurately? Thanks in advance.
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As I understand it, any 308 WIN round will safely load in a 7.62x51 chamber, but the obverse isn't true. In reality, all manufactured ammo I'm aware of will fit either chamber. That is, the 7.62x51 allows for a slightly longer headspace dimension than the 308WIN, but everybody makes them to minimum specification which is well within 308 specs.My pre-ban M1A has a military TRW barrel chambered for 7.62x51 NATO. I do not shoot 308 ammunition in it.
LRB told me that their rifles are chambered for 308, so I would think it is safe to shoot 308 ammo in it as long as I stay with bullets that weigh less than 180 grains. That being said, I have only fired 7.62 NATO from it as well. Stay safe.
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