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Posted: 9/13/2009 8:41:56 PM EDT
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I really don't know anything about these rifles.
I think that most rifles are chambered in 7.62 NATO, if this is true, would I be able to use commercial .308 ammo in a standard FAL rifle by manipulating the gas system or would the rifle blow up in my hands? thanks |
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Specs for the 7.62 NATO cartridge are not identical to commercial .308, but they are similar enough to be safely interchangeable. Therefore commercial .308 is generally fine to use in a FAL, though there is always the possibilty that your FAL might not like certain specific rounds. Also, some say that you should not shoot too much of the heavier bullet weights. I personally stick with ammo in the 147g to 168g range.
If anyone knows otherwise, please chime in...!!! |
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Commercial 308WIN is fine for use in F A Ls or any other rifle chambered for 7.62NATO. The twist rate in surplus barrels is best suited for bullets in the 130 to 168 gr range. Really? Then why would a friend's CETME, chambered in 7.62 NATO, literally blow up in his hands when running .308 through it? |
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Commercial 308WIN is fine for use in F A Ls or any other rifle chambered for 7.62NATO. The twist rate in surplus barrels is best suited for bullets in the 130 to 168 gr range. Really? Then why would a friend's CETME, chambered in 7.62 NATO, literally blow up in his hands when running .308 through it? Because commercial .308 is loaded to a higher pressure, and uses weaker case construction. Add to that the 7.62NATO chamber is generally longer and its a recipe for potential case failure. In a roller-delayed blowback action built by questionable builder (i.e. Century), I'd never run commercial 308 ammo. In fact, I'm of the opinion that commercial .308 should never be run in a NATO chambered rifle, unless you know the headspace (and its tight), have some way to control pressure (like with adjustable gas) and are not shooting a gun not designed for NATO pressure, like a converted M1 or Mauser. |
| I think it depends on the gun and its maker. Example I have an old Enfield rifle that is 7.62 and I have been told never to shot 308 from it. I been told by other people that they do shoot 308 from theirs with no issue. The gun is older then I am so I don't think I will chance it. DPMS says you can shoot 308 from their 7.62 guns but not to shot 7.62 from their 308 rifles (which sounds backwards from everything else I have seen but hey––-they made their guns). As far as the DSA fals go. I have a SA58 that(from webpage because I'm not home to look at the gun for sure) says is a 308. I also have a stg58 that is listed as a 7.62 chamber. I emailed DSA last year and was told I could shoot 308 or 7.62 from either rifle fine with no issue as long as it was not one of the ammo types they have listed as do not use. I can not or prob anybody else here can not tell you why your friends gun blew up. It could be several diff factors from bad luck to he did something wrong with the gun(not saying he did). There is just to much stuff that could casue this and we do not have all the info needed to give you the right answer of why the gun blew up. Somebody here could give you a reason but it doesn't mean its the right one. The very best advice I can give you is if you don't know what ammo your gun can safely shoot then check the book that came with it. If that doesn't work then contact the maker of the gun and ask them. Reloads can get even more complex. |
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Commercial 308WIN is fine for use in F A Ls or any other rifle chambered for 7.62NATO. The twist rate in surplus barrels is best suited for bullets in the 130 to 168 gr range. Really? Then why would a friend's CETME, chambered in 7.62 NATO, literally blow up in his hands when running .308 through it? Excessive head space. |
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Commercial 308WIN is fine for use in F A Ls or any other rifle chambered for 7.62NATO. The twist rate in surplus barrels is best suited for bullets in the 130 to 168 gr range. Really? Then why would a friend's CETME, chambered in 7.62 NATO, literally blow up in his hands when running .308 through it? Excessive head space. Just conjecture but any possibility that your friend was shooting reloads? Factory .308 Winchester is safe to shoot in just about any properly assembled 7.62 semi auto rifle. Some (very few) mil-surp bolt actions may be a bit on the weak side for .308 but for the Cetme I'd be willing to bet the rifle was not in spec (common for Century built rifles) or the ammo had been improperly reloaded. |
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Just conjecture but any possibility that your friend was shooting reloads? Factory .308 Winchester is safe to shoot in just about any properly assembled 7.62 semi auto rifle. Some (very few) mil-surp bolt actions may be a bit on the weak side for .308 but for the Cetme I'd be willing to bet the rifle was not in spec (common for Century built rifles) or the ammo had been improperly reloaded. No, he was using factory .308, we blamed it on Century and sent it back for a refund, but that's besides the point. What should I look for in a used FAL rifle? I am somewhat familiar with building an AR style rifle, would it be as simple to build a FAL from a kit? |
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There have been a number of VERY nice FAL's posted up in the FAL FILES M/Place lately, I would suggest you check there first..
Another suggestion would be to contact DUNK RD on the files, he has built rifles ready for sale, or can build a number of diff configs per your desires.. He is a great guy to deal with BTW as are several other smiths on the files.. |
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Commercial 308WIN is fine for use in F A Ls or any other rifle chambered for 7.62NATO. The twist rate in surplus barrels is best suited for bullets in the 130 to 168 gr range. Really? Then why would a friend's CETME, chambered in 7.62 NATO, literally blow up in his hands when running .308 through it? Just something I heard. 308 shouldn't be used in CETME's or HK's because they have fluted chambers and don't support the thinner 308 commercial brass. Anyone care to correct what I heard? TT |
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Look at ANY reloading manual you want, they are the same. Same powder, same amount. No. The brass is thicker on a NATO case, ALL reloading manuals I have read say back off 1-2 grains from MAX to compensate for reduced case capacity when using NATO brass. |
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If I were to get a kit, what kind of kit should I get? How much do you want to spend, and what FAL variant do you want to build?? A nice Matching STG58 Kit (GREAT Choice) will set you back $500.00-$700.00 IZZY H/Bar Kit look to spend $800.00-$1000.00 Aussie L1A1 Kit prolly about $500.00 G1 Kits depending on condition $400.00-$500.00 IMBEL, or S/A kit may match (but prolly not) can still be had for say $200.00-$300.00 It all depends on condition of the kit and the finish & or re-finish... Receivers will be from say a low of $275.00 to as much as $500.00.. |
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If I were to get a kit, what kind of kit should I get? For me, my order of preference is STG58, G1, Imbel, Izzy. Never had an inch gun but I think it would be cool. The only kits I've seen lately are Imbels, and they are good kits. More cost-effective nowadays just to buy a DSA gun. |
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Quoted: Building an FAL from a kit is quite a bit different and more complex than assembling an AR-15 from a kit.Quoted: Just conjecture but any possibility that your friend was shooting reloads? Factory .308 Winchester is safe to shoot in just about any properly assembled 7.62 semi auto rifle. Some (very few) mil-surp bolt actions may be a bit on the weak side for .308 but for the Cetme I'd be willing to bet the rifle was not in spec (common for Century built rifles) or the ammo had been improperly reloaded. No, he was using factory .308, we blamed it on Century and sent it back for a refund, but that's besides the point. What should I look for in a used FAL rifle? I am somewhat familiar with building an AR style rifle, would it be as simple to build a FAL from a kit? Firstly, an AR is typically sold as a preassembled barrel/upper unit. There is not usually a need to headspace, properly time barrels, etc. when putting an AR15 together. With a FAL kit, one must time the barrel to the upper receiver, then properly headsapce the barreled receiver and bolt, and install the proper sized locking shoulder, as well as insure 922r compliance parts are installed. While this isn't overly difficult or impossible to do, it does require more knowledge, skill, and tools than a typical AR15 assembly. Again, putting an AR kit together is merely assembly...building an FAL from a kit takes a modicum of gunsmithing skills and specialized tools. Not trying to discourage you, but just be aware that assembling an AR doesn't really equate to what you'll have to do to put a FAL together. |
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