Author: britrifles
Subject: Federal. 308 Ammunition
Posted: January 19 2021 at 7:47am
The “Service Rifle” designation in the Hodgedon reloading data refers to US gas operated 7.62 NATO chambered rifles. For these rifles, consideration must be given to gas port pressure as well as chamber pressure. Gas port pressure and volume is a function of the powder burn rate and bullet velocity. Other reloading manuals published in the US have similar load table, Hornady for example. Sierra has a detailed section in their manual for reloading for “gas guns”. Nothing wrong with using this data for your Envoy.
Subject: Federal. 308 Ammunition
Posted: January 19 2021 at 7:47am
The “Service Rifle” designation in the Hodgedon reloading data refers to US gas operated 7.62 NATO chambered rifles. For these rifles, consideration must be given to gas port pressure as well as chamber pressure. Gas port pressure and volume is a function of the powder burn rate and bullet velocity. Other reloading manuals published in the US have similar load table, Hornady for example. Sierra has a detailed section in their manual for reloading for “gas guns”. Nothing wrong with using this data for your Envoy.
The 7.62 military brass is heavier, meaning a thicker case body, particularly in the web area forward of the case head. This brass is able to withstand the increased strain (stretch) in chambers dimensioned to 7.62 NATO standards.
Most reloading manuals will recommend you drop the charges by 1 to 2 grains when reloading .308 Winchester with 7.62 military cases. Sierra Reloading Manual: “The thicker construction of these cases decreases capacity, making a reduction in charge weight a necessity.”
Military 7.62 cases will likely give you a longer case life (more reloads) than the thinner .308 brass.