7.62 NATO headspace gauges?

[FilJos]

So, I need to make sure that a few mil-surp rifles that I have a properly headspaced, and have been told to use 7.62 NATO gauges instead of .308 guages.

Where can I find 7.62 gauges? I have scoured the net and all I can find are .308 gauges that are labeled as "also good for".

But as I understand it, I NEED 7.62NATO gauges to get the proper specs.

Help anyone?

 

[Jim K]

To me, it is pretty much a nitpick. The mil specs are a bit different, but not enough to worry about. I have fired 7.62 NATO in .308 rifles, and vice versa. Plus, I use the .308 gauges to check milsurp rifles with no qualms and nothing has come apart yet. Some folks seem to specialize in worrying about minute technicalities and scaring the pants off people who don't know enough to disregard the nonsense.

The following link will provide some more info, but I wouldn't worry about a "NEED" to have the mil gauges:

http://www.fulton-armory.com/308.htm

One thing that is not a nitpick is the rechambering of old rifles to 7.62 NATO and then firing .308 in them; the commercial ammo is actually higher pressure than the military spec, and the old rifles (like the Spanish FR-7) won't hold up.

Jim

 

[OzarkExpedition]

I dont know if this will help... but try this link.

http://www.clymertool.com/headspac/index.html

Good luck.

 

[1911Tuner]

Nato

Agree with Jim on this one. While 7.62 NATO and .308 Winchester are interchangeable, they're not exactly the same. Military arms and ammunition
must function under adverse conditions and are normally chambered a bit "looser" than their civilian counterparts to allow for dirt and neglect. Hence, a GO gauge that would barely bolt into a .308 chamber would probably go to battery easily in a rifle chambered for the 7.62 NATO round. As noted, though...the difference between the two is a coin toss. Unless you plan on neglecting to clean your rifle for 500 rounds, the .308 gauges will do nicely if you are having trouble finding a set of NATO gauges. Try contacting Springfield...They may send you a set. The DCM is another route.
Never hurts to ask.

 

[mister2]

Ditto Jim and Tuner.

You can choose Clymer or Forster

www.clymertool.com/headspac/ (you beat me to it, Ozark)


www.forsterproducts.com



and they're available at places like MidwayUSA or Brownell's or

www.gunthings.com(Paul)

My rule of thumb is milsurp for military firearms. Not everything will interchange so I don't even think about it.

I'm glad you're taking headspace seriously. 7.62 NATO can have serious consequences when taken for granted.

Good luck,
MR2

Edited to add: Make sure you get GO, NO GO and FIELD

 

[Bwana John]

I have found that even .308 guages vary in lenght between manufactures. The .308 vs 7.62 thing is a internet thing, and unless you are really worryed about your rifle shooting all military ammo from all piss-ant countrys, or are target shooting it makes little differance.

The same thing could be said about headspace for a M-1 garand vs. a 30-06 target bolt action rifle, they are both chambered for .30-06, but the Garand will be more dependable with longer headspace(not excessive!), and the bolt action target rifle should shoot better with less.

7.62 Nato brass IS different than .308, but the differance is internal. Reduce all loads 10% when using military brass.

IMHO!

 

[Jim K]

Some folks will disagree, but for checking out a used rifle, the only gauge really needed is the Field gauge. The GO and NO-GO gauges are used at the factory or in repair shops where barrels or bolts are replaced. But rifles that have seen much use will often fail the NO-GO check simply due to normal compression of the locking lugs and lug seats. The Field gauge tells the story. If a bolt closes on it (without force being used), the rifle is at or beyond the safety margin. It may seem OK as long as the ammunition is on the long side of the specification, but failure to pass the Field gauge check is a warning to get things looked at pretty quick.

Jim

 

[1911Tuner]

Gauge Afield

No argument from this corner, Jim.

Ever been in an armory? There are more gauges in an armory than peanuts in Georgia...