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Quick Look
7.62 NATO ammo originated in the 1950s as a standardized cartridge for NATO forces. It balances power and range with reliable performance. Today, it remains a popular choice for military, law enforcement, and precision shooting applications worldwide.
Why It's a Top Choice
- Effective power and range for various rifles
- Widely available and NATO standardized
- Reliable feeding in battle-proven firearms
- Compatible with many bolt-action and semi-auto rifles
- Good balance of recoil and accuracy
Key Variants
7.62x51 NATO M80
Standard ball cartridge favored for training and combat use.
7.62x51 NATO M118
Match grade cartridge optimized for sniper and designated marksmen rifles.
7.62x51 NATO M993
Armor-piercing round used primarily by military and select law enforcement units.
Competitor Comparison Table
| Feature | 7.62 NATO Ammo | .308 Winchester | 6.5 Creedmoor |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $0.80 - $1.20 per round | $0.80 - $1.50 per round | $1.00 - $1.80 per round |
| Capacity/Size | 7.62x51mm, 147-150 gr | 7.62x51mm, ~147 gr | 6.5x55mm, 120-140 gr |
| Weight | Approx. 24 grams per cartridge | Approx. 24 grams per cartridge | Approx. 17 grams per cartridge |
| Optics Ready | N/A (ammo) | N/A (ammo) | N/A (ammo) |
| Trigger Type | N/A (ammo) | N/A (ammo) | N/A (ammo) |
| Notable Pro | NATO standardized military cartridge | Widely available civilian hunting and tactical ammo | Known for long-range accuracy and low recoil |
| Notable Con | Heavier recoil than smaller calibers | Less consistent military specification | Less stopping power than 7.62 NATO |
Best Use Cases
- Military and law enforcement duty use
- Medium to long-range target shooting
- Range practice with standard service rifles
- Hunting medium to large game
- Collection of military-grade ammo
FAQs
Can I use 7.62 NATO ammo in a .308 Winchester rifle?
7.62 NATO and .308 Winchester are dimensionally similar but have different pressure specs. Many rifles handle both, but verify manufacturer guidance before use.
What is the difference between 7.62 NATO and .308 Winchester?
7.62 NATO has slightly lower pressure and thicker cartridge walls; .308 Winchester offers higher pressures, typically giving better accuracy.
How does 7.62 NATO perform for hunting?
It delivers reliable stopping power for medium to large game, favored for hard-hitting effectiveness at moderate ranges.
