Sadly, I’m inheriting a Sako. In.308 Winchester. I’m really not familiar with that round. I understand it’s not the same as 7.62x51 but I’ve also heard that it shoot that round without issue. Is that correct? Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks boys.
The ammunition is dimensionally identical, and it should be safe to shoot 7.62x51mm NATO in a rifle chambered in 308 Winchester.
I presume the Sako is a bolt action, so I really see no reason why you’d want to, since almost all 7.62 NATO ammo is good for plinking, and pretty much nothing else.
Nice rifles deserve good ammo.
Yes, grizzman you are correct. And, yeah, I looked online myself but saw some debate about whether the NATO round can be shot in a rifle chambered for Winchester .308. I wouldn’t think so but, again, I’m not familiar with the round. If it can be safely done, however, it would be nice to be able to take advantage of some of the milsurp ammo prices.
Its kinda confusing but 556 vs 223, 556 is hotter ammo. 308 vs 762, 308 is hotter ammo. Who’d think ? So your 308 gun will be more than fine with 308 or 762 ammo. And you very lucky to get a Sako in 308.
Edit, misread the OP’s post about being sad, my bad on that.
PB
I’m sorry for the loss that led to your inheriting the Sako, but it’s a beautiful heirloom and a fine way to remember someone. I hope you get much pleasure from shooting it.
Yeah, it’s backwards from the 5.56 vs 223 situation as Pappabear notes above. 7.62x51 is safe in a 308, but the reverse isn’t always the case.
So you should be GTG.
And, FWIW, I suspect OPs sadness at coming into possession of this rifle is likely due to it’s previous owner having passed…
Oddly enough the XM-180 we’ve shot is hot stuff and seemed hotter than 308 ammo. I wouldn’t run nasty NATO ammo in any decent gun.
Nothing nasty about Hirtenberger or FMP, my HKs loved them. Radway Green was literally made for FALs.
I’m mostly talking about XM-180. I haven’t shot other ball ammos in years. The bi-metal bullets freak me out because most of our guns are more target oriented instead of battle/combat guns.
Just so we’re clear, do you mean XM80? The “surplus” 147ish gr FMJ 7.62x51 ammo made by Winchester and Lake City? If so, very odd that it would ever be hotter than most .308 loads. In my experience, it’s about average with normal 150gr .308 hunting loads, but nowhere near the top.
I recently inherited a number of firearms, including an AR my father and I built together. I’ve been shooting the heck out of it as a response and he’d be thrilled as age had reduced his ability to shoot it well or frequently.
I also received many many cases of 7.62X39 he had stockpiled, so bought a Ruger american bolt gun in that caliber, shooting it frequently and enjoying the simplicity.
Your Sako .308 inheritance can be a great way to remember where it came from and Sako’s brand history and lineage alone is fascinating.
Sako makes nothing but good accurate rifles. Whether a hunting bolt or a TRG-22 you have a great gun.
If you share what model you are inheriting, we may be able to give you additional insights.
I have a 7MM rem mag LR61 bolt gun from the 1960’s that is both beautiful and accurate.
And the TRG-22 in 308, which is in a class by itself.
OK, get me up to speed. How is “bi metal” any different from things like “steel core”, especially since we can’t have “steel core” .308 anymore because some asshat manufactured a .308 handgun making it “armor piercing” ammo.
There is some concern that the soft, mild steel used in the jacket can accelerate bore wear. Personally, I don’t worry about it too much. Of course, I don’t have anything in 308 that would be considered a precision rifle with a good barrel…Most of my 308s are battle rifles and are, like, 3MOA on a good day, so they’re a good fit for shitty M80-spec ball.
Bi metal is 2 jackets, soft metal jacket covered by a very thin copper jacket.
Steel core has a hardened steel rod in the lead ,
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Was it that RUAG 5.56 ammo that was wearing out Swedish barrels years back? They dumped a bunch of the ammo on the US commercial market. I just tend to steer away from any bullet that a magnet will grab.
Yeah, I think I remember that. Bi-metal and possibly the jackets were on the thick side, IIRC. It was beautiful ammo otherwise, though.
So I do think it’s a legit concern. The copper wash over the steel is super thin so there is likely contact between the steel jacket and the lands. And the steel is soft, but still…
You and PB have nice things, so steering clear of magnetic bullets is a good plan.
If I had a nice, accurate, 308 bolt gun I’d likely not shoot mil ball through it unless I really needed to. Barrel wear not withstanding, it’s usually fairly inaccurate stuff anyway.
But for a FAL that’s good for 3-4MOA on a good day, sure…Blast that shit.
Pappabear is nuts. He’ll shoot anything through is nice barrels. I don’t even like shooting ball ammo in my chrome lined ARs. 
Oh yea I’ll dump some shit down some shit. What is that MEN 147 considered.
PB
I can’t remember what powder they run. I don’t think the bullet is bi-metal though.