Reloading 308 Win vs. 7.62x51 Brass

[igot105]

I just purchased a 308 winchester bolt action rifle for range plinking (50-100 yards). I'd like to start reloading and purchased my 308 dies .... and accumulated a bunch of brass (range pick-up). I'm finding that some are stamped 308 winchester, and some are lake city military or surplus brass (7.62x51). I've read and seen videos indicating the external dimensions of both cases are identical, but there are internal case capacity and wall thickness differences. Bottom line, I'm hoping I can get your help clarifying:

1. Is it really OK to shoot reloads made with either 308 win or 7.62x51 brass through a 308 win bolt action rifle? I've heard it's OK, but just want to make sure.
2. Do most reloaders separate their brass by head stamp for this caliber, and if so, which brass is preferred by reloaders?
3. If I plan on making light loads (low end of the powder range), or subsonic loads, does it really matter, i.e., will I notice much of a velocity difference between both cases that will require my load to be adjusted? Unfortunately, my chronograph is broken so I can't measure this until I buy a new one.

Hope you guys don't mind commenting on this. Thanks for your help.

[AGGRO]

I shoot reloaded military brass all the time. I do sort by head stamp though and don't usually go over max loads but sometimes max published loads aren't all that close to creating pressure signs. Especially if using a strong bolt gun. But, I don't shoot really hot loads through an AR.

[NukleusX]

I cannot answer the main question although I will say I sort between 223/556 head stamp and 308/762x51 when I sort. I've been told by some that it matters and some that it doesn't. Although I shoot both from AR platforms currently and not bolt yet. IIRC, from what I have read in published books, it depends what you are going to shoot the finished cartridge in.

Awaiting answers to see if I am learning correctly.

[bazineta]

1. Yes, it's OK; you can shoot 7.62 in a 308 chambered rifle.

2. Yes, internal dimensions vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, military brass in 7.62 tends to be of lesser internal volume than 308. There are 308 manufacturers that also produce lower internal volume cases, e.g., Starline. This is important, as it'll increase the pressure, and thus using a max 308 charge in a 7.62 case can be the start of a bad day. There are many preferred brass manufacturers, but let me put it this way: Lapua isn't going to be stuff you find lying on the ground.

3. Light loads in a rifle are Yoda-level stuff, young Padawan. Strong with the Force must you be before consider those, you will.

[NukleusX]

Baz, I've found some Lapua brass at the range... a total of 3rds 223. Lol. And some Norma as well. Little bit more than the Lapua-

[Divernhunter]

1) yes
2) I prefer to separate but if not max loads will not make much difference. I prefer commercial brass. Others like mil brass. Mil brass will need primer pockets swaged or reamed the 1st reloading.
3) Not enough difference to matter. Did you shoot your Chrono?

[robert101]

Yes, see Divernhunter post #6 as I agree. I use NATO and 308 Winchester brass interchangeably. I don't worry about sorting as, 1) I don't shoot to max load, 2) My idea of accuracy needed is about 1 to 1.5 MOA, 3) I shoot Hornady 150 FMJ's (inexpensive bullet), 4) I'm not fine tuning my loads, 5) I'm shooting a stock LR308 action, barrel, and BCG, 6) Long range for me is less than 500 yards. So I can't really expect to be grouping much better than 1 MOA with the components and strategy noted above. I'm ok with that.

[roostersgt]

Have loaded thousands and use them interchangeably just like robert101. Haven't noticed any differences between commercial and surplus, but I think the surplus brass will last more reloadings, due to its being thinker.

[igot105]

BTT

[micro911]

I check the chamber with a chamber gauge, resize to that dimension. I have had no problem with it.

I just sort out the brass to the same lot and same number of fired. I just use Federal and Lake City match brass.

[AGGRO]

Baz, I've found some Lapua brass at the range... a total of 3rds 223. Lol. And some Norma as well. Little bit more than the Lapua-

Get someone to fake a heart attack in the lobby, grab the brass sweeper and reach way out on the range before anyone that works there sees you

[J-cat]

1. Is it really OK to shoot reloads made with either 308 win or 7.62x51 brass through a 308 win bolt action rifle? I've heard it's OK, but just want to make sure.
2. Do most reloaders separate their brass by head stamp for this caliber, and if so, which brass is preferred by reloaders?
3. If I plan on making light loads (low end of the powder range), or subsonic loads, does it really matter, i.e., will I notice much of a velocity difference between both cases that will require my load to be adjusted? Unfortunately, my chronograph is broken so I can't measure this until I buy a new one.

1. Yes it's ok.

2. Yes. Brass preference just depends on the individual. With me, brass preference depends on the load I'm using. For example, there are some loads that are universally accurate across the board but they cannot be used in all brass because of the internal capacity issue you mentioned. They have to be used in an appropriate case. Beware, though, capacities vary even within the same manufacturer especially with these bargain brands. So pay attention to the weight of the brass and don't mix 185gr cases with 165gr cases as this will cause pressure issues.

3. Yes, it still matters. Reloading is about consistency. If you mix brass your point of impact will vary even if the velocity is the same. This is because they all have different bullet release properties due to carrying neck and shoulder thickness, hardness, etc. You'll turn .5" groups into 3" groups. Is that what you want? Do you see yourself shooting your 308 past 100 yards ever?