.308 bullets in a .310 bore?

[bluealtered]

I guess it's my turn, Yes i know this has been asked many times. However no matter how I ask it, it always gets turned around and the answer i get is .310 bullets in a .308 bore. I have tried three different search engines and it comes out the same on each one.

I am running low on .310 reloading bullets but I have 125gr .308 bullets. I do plan to slug the barrel but I wanted to see what results other members here have come up with as well. Thanks

 

[joshb]

I bought 500 brass cases for a new 7.62x39. I’m going to try some Sierra 125s in it, as I have 5k of them. The “internet” and my Hornady book says it’ll work. We’ll see. Testing will tell!

 

[bluealtered]

No it's 7.62x39. I should have said that. Thanks

 

[MGYSGT]

I have done it many times.

 

[DocBII]

I guess it's my turn, Yes i know this has been asked many times. However no matter how I ask it, it always gets turned around and the answer i get is .310 bullets in a .308 bore. I have tried three different search engines and it comes out the same on each one.

I am running low on .310 reloading bullets but I have 125gr .308 bullets. I do plan to slug the barrel but I wanted to see what results other members here have come up with as well. Thanks

blue,

You can also use .311 150 gr. bullets in the 7.62x39. In their old reloading manuals, VV had loads for the 7.62x39 bolt guns. Start a couple of grains low and work up. I've loaded hundreds of the 150gr. Sierra GKs for folks to use in their hunting rifles, they were very happy with the results. Just use the 200 yd. zero as the 100 yd. zero.

HTH,
DocBII

 

[lb-ft]

I’d go ahead and try it. If you get poor accuracy or insufficient bullet stability, you would have successfully identified one of two possible outcomes.

If you get the accuracy you were hoping for, you’ve found the other possible outcome.

You might end up pleasantly surprised.

 

[PracticalTactical]

I had a scoped Israeli Mauser that shot like garbage with 308 projectiles, so I ran 7.62x39 projectiles in it.

That changed everything and the gun went from about 5 moa at 100 yards to a solid 1 moa rifle at 300 yards.

I wouldn't try it on a gun that is otherwise tight, but on a 5 moa gun you have nothing to lose by trying.

I was thinking that during war time, maybe they were using barrels for a 303 instead of 308 and considered them close enough.

I've often since wondered if we could chase old barrels with fatter bullets and get a little more life out of our "shot out" barrels.

So given this experience I would expect the reverse to be true if you run 308 bullets in a 310 or 311 bore. They will work, but I would be surprised if you get any kind of accuracy out of it.

 

[robert8904]

I've had great results loading .308 bullets in my newer mini 30 and a Howa mini in 7.62X39. Accuracy is better with .308's in both rifles, especially the Howa. The best groups are with short-ish 150 grain like the Sierra Varminter.

 

[bluealtered]

Thanks everybody, that helps alot. While searching last night i also ran across a review of the ruger 7.62x39 carbine in the may 14th 2018 copy of Shooting times by Layne Simpson that includes a chart of .308 loads he tried in the 7.62x39 using both CFE-black and Accurate 1680. You can bring the story up online if interested. Thanks for the help with this project.

 

[6bra1k]

WHAT IS THE GUN AND WHERE WAS IT MADE. LOTS OF USA MADE 7.62X39 BBLS ARE ACTUALLY 308, NOT 310.
basic answer is yes only your rifle will tell you

 

[Loudenboomer]

6bra1k is spot on. My Ruger Mini 30 Has s .308 barrel.
OP says .310. If in doubt you could slug your barrel.

 

[D-4297]

Yes ; you can shoot .308 bullets in a 7.62 x 39 , .310 barrel . Just don't expect a lot in the accuracy Dept. The more rounds fired , the larger the pattern will get . At least that's what my experience was . A definite "can-do" when it's needed . You might get a bit more copper build-up in the barrel from the bullet moving around a little more than normal , as it goes through .