One of the most popular centerfire rifle cartridges worldwide. Military designation 7.62x51mm NATO. Excellent all-around performance for hunting, target shooting, and tactical applications.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1952, United States
Parent case: .300 Savage
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.308" (7.82 mm)
Case length: 2.015" (51.18 mm)
Overall length: 2.8" (71.12 mm)
Max pressure: 62,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: Large Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:10 to 1:12
Muzzle velocity: 2600–2850 fps
Muzzle energy: 2400–2700 ft-lbs
Effective range: 800 yd
Common bullet weights: 147, 150, 155, 165, 168, 175, 178, 180, 190 gr
Primary use: Target, Hunting, Military, Competition
Production status: Active
Also known as: 7.62x51mm NATO · 7.62 NATO
History: Developed by Winchester in 1952 as a shorter, more efficient alternative to .30-06. Adopted by NATO in 1954 as standard rifle cartridge. Civilian .308 Win has slightly different chamber specs than military 7.62 NATO.
Notable firearms: M14, M24 SWS, AR-10, M40, FN FAL, HK G3, Remington 700
Military use: {"country":"United States","years":"1952-present","conflicts":["Vietnam War","Cold War","Gulf War","Iraq","Afghanistan"]}, {"country":"NATO Forces","years":"1954-present","conflicts":["Various"]}
Similar cartridges: 7.62x51mm NATO, .30-06 Springfield