.308 M1A and Rem 700 same ammo size?

[defcon]

I have a Rem 700 .308 and I just picked up a M1A standard.

I'm still new to the M1A and haven't even fired it yet.

Dumb question but I've been buying factory ammo of .308 Win and was wondering if the M1A can take in the same .308 Win I'm using for the Rem 700?

Just wanted to make sure I don't need to buy two different types of ammo.

[elk hunter]

This will probably start some sort of argument but the answer to your question is....no it is not the same. The M14 and the clone the M1A are different than a Remington 700 in .308 Win. What does it say on your M1A that it is chambered for? 7.62X51? or .308? Next the gas guns were developed with a specific bullet weight and pressure curve for them to operate at. I hope I didn't confuse you. As to whether or not your M1A can take commercial factory ammo yes it probably can.

[defcon]

I'll check the barrel on the M1A.

I kinda get what you're saying.

If the barrel says 7.62x51, stick to buying 7.62x51 ammo instead of .308 win?

I don't reload yet. Just buying commercial factory ammo.

[evlblkrfl]

I dont think M1As have a stamp on them. At least I dont remember seeing one. I used to shoot the factory stuff all the time. No problems at all. I use 168 grain handloads exclusively now.

[elk hunter]

My LRB M14SA is marked 7.62. The chambers are a little different but the pressures are very different. I agree with you that hand loading is the very best way to go with the clone, you get the most out of the rifle in every way. I still have and shoot USGI ball as well as "quality" foreign 7.62 in both my 7.62 barreled M1 Garand and my M14SA. Good ammo is available for them but I haven't bought any so I cant tell you the name brands. I would be willing to bet that the CMP web page has some for sale.

[popeye4]

Here you go. http://www.fulton-armory.com/faqs/M14-FAQs/308.htm

I'll bet the M1A is chambered in .308 unless otherwise marked. You will probably have to take it out of the stock to see what's stamped on the barrel.

Now, for an important distinction. You can fire a wider range of ammo in a bolt gun than you can in an M1A (or Garand). The M1A gas system is designed to shoot 150-175 grain bullets using a medium burn rate powder (designed around IMR-4895). You need to ensure your ammo is in this range. Of course, milsurp ammo is almost always good to go in this regard, commercial ammo is more of a question. Don't use ammo that has bullet weight outside of the range specified, and stay away from the "lite magnum" stuff as well. I handload for my M14 so I don't buy commercial, but the Federal Gold Medal Match stuff should be good to use (though its pricey).

If you want a ton of good info on your M1A, check out this site: http://m14forum.com/

[micro911]

Federal Gold Medal Match 308Winchester ammo works well in M-1A for me. I didn't even check the chamber of my M-1A. Maybe it will blow up one day.

[3RDGEARGRNDRR]

for a NEW M1a, same factory stuff, no problems.

save your brass
If the twist rate is higher in the 700, then I would suggest a heavier bullet for that rifle FWIW

[ElvenSoul]

There is a Berger that is made to work in the M1a


Fits nice in the mag and loads in the ramp no problem.

[ocabj]

http://www.fulton-armory.com/%5Cfaqs%5CM14-FAQs%5C308.htm

[dc2allday]

FGMM, American Eagle actually makes a round with "for m1a" on the box, Federal M80, pmc bronze says 308 and (7.62x51) on box all work fine.

My LRB M14sa loves FGMM 168gr bthp