Howa tight chamber?

[Heydeck52]

Recently bought a howa 1500 heavy barrel in .308. I was going to take it out this weekend for the first time so I bought a few boxes of 7.62x51 just to shoot (it was cheaper than local 308).

Now I was under the impression 7.62 and 308 are compatible. I know there are slight differences but overall it should be fine. We'll I went to load a few rounds just to see how they chambered and what not and found that the bolt is real hard to lock all the way.

It does lock up but I'm guessing shouldn't be this difficult. I cleaned it a second time to see if it would help but feels the same. I guess what I'm asking is should I shoot it and see if things smooth out or kick myself in the butt for buying 7.62 instead of 308?

[javalos]

A rifle chambered for .308 Winchester will also safely shoot the 7.62x51mm NATO, but you should not shoot a .308 in the NATO chamber because the .308 is loaded to higher pressure. To get the max out of your rifle, don't shoot the NATO round, shoot quality .308 rounds or reload them to get the max performance and accuracy out of your rifle. Find one specific .308 cartridge or reload and stick with it, develop a ballistic table from it as well.

[baih777]

Buy a box of 308 and try it.

[Heydeck52]

I cycled few more rounds through. Looks like it's getting better.

As soon as I can get the funds together I plan on reloading. I know the ammo I bought wasn't going to provide much in the accuracy department, I just want to send some rounds down range. On another note anyone shoot at the San Joaquin rifle and pistol range? I plan on going there for the first time this Saturday.

[ar15barrels]

Recently bought a howa 1500 heavy barrel in .308. I was going to take it out this weekend for the first time so I bought a few boxes of 7.62x51 just to shoot (it was cheaper than local 308).

Now I was under the impression 7.62 and 308 are compatible. I know there are slight differences but overall it should be fine. We'll I went to load a few rounds just to see how they chambered and what not and found that the bolt is real hard to lock all the way.

It does lock up but I'm guessing shouldn't be this difficult. I cleaned it a second time to see if it would help but feels the same. I guess what I'm asking is should I shoot it and see if things smooth out or kick myself in the butt for buying 7.62 instead of 308?

Sounds like crappy 7.62 ammo.
Try some better quality 308 ammo.