308 vs 7.62x51: Not Close At All?

On this episode of Ultimate Barrier Testing, we will be comparing the performance of the 308 Win to the 7.62x51 (7.62 NATO) on 4 different targets. Each target is worth 25 points (winner takes all), for a grand total of 100 points. Whichever cartridge ends up with the highest score will be the winner. Testing was setup at 50 yards. Steel is A529 grade 55 mild steel. 1 inch = 25.4 mm. Thanks for watching!
Use code "banana10" at checkout for 10 percent off your purchase at WOOX Store.
Use code "BANANA10" at checkout for 10% off of AR500 Armor (Armored Republic) products at MidwayUSA.
*These tests are meant for entertainment and educational purposes only. Do not try any of these tests at home! Always verify your setup is rated for and can safely fire any ammunition that you intend to use. Option quantities listed are based at the time of filming. I get a small commission from purchases using the codes above.
308 WIN: WIN 147 gr FMJ
7.62x51: WIN 149 gr FMJ M80
#midwayusa

[@erikwright4155]

Ive always been told that its the opposite of 5.56 vs .223. In this case the civilian version (.308 win) is actually a higher pressure spec than its NATO counterpart.

[@Rangergeo85]

Thought the same thing. I thought 7.62 ×51 was supposed to be a hotter load for nato

[@fitz2917]

You are correct. Civilian 308 is loaded higher.

[@Grooove_e]

This is true

[@donwyoming1936]

You'll also find our allies load their 7.62 NATO very light. Lighter projectiles and slower velocities. 🤠

[@Sparks00psn]

C.I.P. Says they’re the same thing. Ima keep putting both in my gun interchangeably. Has worked fine for me for 15 years. Never heard of any instances, even anecdotal, that it has ever caused an issue for anyone. Not once. They’re the same.

[@emacstac]

Stock up on both! You can't go wrong with either.

[@idahoshoter]

Got mags with both federal for both

[@sheilaolfieway1885]

agreed never know when you'll need more ammo they may have small diffrences but does the guy getting shot care?

[@idahoshoter]

@@sheilaolfieway1885 bullets hurt doesn't matter size lol

[@KJ-ho6sb]

psa aac for the win

[@OneAngryVelociraptor]

​​@@idahoshoterI believe above a certain size they stop hurting

[@grumpyamerican]

NEVER STOP MAKING THESE KINDS OF VIDEOS. more people are curious as to these exact questions that you notice.

[@dernify]

Only working with 6", but you blew out that box 💪

[@redfaux74]

I thought by his voice he was talking about width anyway. 😅 He should change the name of his show to Eggplant Ballistics. 🍆 🤔 Purple Headed.... 😒 Nevermind.....

[@henrycarpenter4314]

​@@redfaux74❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@HowsyourFather-ks1wo]

Wrecked it

[@zanegardner6488]

Wish I had 6"

[@lemon8513]

6" is way better for penetration lol

[@Mr.Infumus]

"What just happened to my box" That's what she said

[@peternorton5648]

Came here for this comment and would’ve left it myself had you not beat me to it. 😂😂😂

[@youtube.commentator]

Zoomer humor

[@dotarsojat7725]

And with only SIX inches!

[@joewiese4174]

@@dotarsojat7725 Nope it was just the tip! (copper tip) But still just the tip.

[@craigbraswell4269]

🤣

[@TheWhiteBear34]

It’s pretty awesome that you got Ray Ramano to narrate your video.

[@lelandgaunt9985]

If you want a good one, there is a family guy clip, with Ray Romano, Harold Ramis, and Kermit the frog.

[@Warhawk76]

No, this is YT chemistry legend Nurdrage. Love your chem content man! Seriously though, go listen to a Nurdrage vid and tell me it's not the same person!

[@damienluxford4480]

Those brief bursts of elevator music are cool

[@th.burggraf7814]

"Terry, quit making fun of me !" 😂👍🏻

[@youtube.commentator]

9:27 I honestly enjoy your videos with your various tests and commentary. I'm glad to be a subscriber. Thanks for uploading.

[@redfaux74]

Agreed. ❤

[@francobuzzetti9424]

11:24 midway " we have 154 options!! me: "ball.. the cheapest one"

[@PureCountryof91]

If you have a modern rifle that groups m80.. lemme know. My sf308 doesn't like m80. But step up to 155-168 and the 1:10 twist rate does the thing

[@Grooove_e]

To answer your question at the end : Both! They are so similar it is basically negligible. I enjoy collectijg all the different kinds of .308 and 7.62x51 out there. Everything from hunting rounds to API, AP, EPR and even "personal defense" rounds. Such a versatile cartridge. Thanks for another test!

[@johnknouse8846]

I’m more impressed that you got Winchester White box to go where you were aiming!

[@fleatactical7390]

LOL man, I have never seen so much hate towards the white box products as I have these past few years.

[@04droppedsilvy]

​@@fleatactical7390rightfully so. They packed up most of their operations in the Midwest starting about 10 years ago in search of non union cheap labor. You get what you pay for. That being said, as an ex employee they are still about in the middle of the road as far as quality goes IMHO.

[@owensthilaire8189]

Remington green and yellow has got to be worse.

[@fleatactical7390]

@@owensthilaire8189 LOL Remington UMC!!! Yep, it's crap. I've had two rifle manufacturers (employees who do function tests) tell me not to use it. Never buying it again, or other Remington ammo for that matter.

[@DrewPWeenie1]

I’ve shot ALOT of ammo in varying types manufacturers and many cals. Only Remington ammo I buy anymore is the newer tipped ammo in magnum sizes. And specifically for my late 60’s 700 7remmag. All other Remington ammo is crap.

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

Stock up on both especially whichever is cheaper.

[@jeremyabbott9909]

I just got 700 rounds of .308 in last week! Happy day! Freaking tack driver. Love your videos sir, thank you!

[@hungdaddy6996]

how much that run you?

[@jeremyabbott9909]

@@hungdaddy6996 Just over $500

[@bobwiley6221]

Knock Knock (if you're lucky) ATF here, we would like to inspect your ammo. We feel you are breaking the law, and even if you aren't, you are!

[@Cindy-xm2xs]

what a moron, brag to the world and cry when you get a visit

[@VeniVidiPerii]

I'm surprised, not enough difference to make a difference

[@chrisgualtieri]

I just wanted to say that I absolutely love your channel. You provide fantastic information and do it in an entertaining way. Thank you for making these videos.

[@user-ih6cl5bm2c]

I compared new Turkish import 7.62 NATO brass with new Starline 308 Winchester brass, the 7.62 NATO brass has about 2 grains less case capacity, I was using IMR-4064 powder for the test, 42.8 grains fits nicely in Starline brass, but crunchy and compressed in 7.62 NATO brass.

[@carnage77]

Not so big of a difference that it makes a difference.

[@blackhawk7r221]

2 grains less or about 5000psi is 7.62

[@0529mpb]

Cases vary between manufacturers in terms of brass thickness and tolerance. Typically, a manufacturer that loads both will use the same cases and stamp them differently.

[@richardkudrna7503]

The NATO spec requires much more head brass against case burst. The reduced capacity hinders loads a bit but by tinkering with dense powder and slower burn you can probably match muzzle energy.

[@blackhawk7r221]

In hot open bolt machine gun chambers, we occasionally get ripped apart cartridge cases. Only the case head will extract leaving a brass “tube” that the next cartridge is fed and jammed into. Only saw it rarely with M80 7.62 240’s, but a few times with the smaller 5.56 249’s using M855’s. Makes for fun times pulling and setting aside a very hot loaded barrel to set aside and rod out later.

[@julianjames2899]

The answer is chamber pressure. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk

[@MavHunter20XX]

Just like Ted talks, is not as clear as they make it sound. KPSI is not the same as CUP.

[@gocygo63]

...your video showed up in my KZbin "suggestions"...had never seen it before...really enjoyed the ammo comparisons, commentary & how you've got your target area set up...very cool! ...so I watched a couple more ammo comparison videos...really enjoy your laid-back presentation, comparison graphics & periodic jazz riffs...your conversations w/ "Terry" freaked me out a little though...LOL! ...this is kinda like listening/watching Ray Ramano do a gun presentation, LOL! ...wIll be back to watch more in the near future...Kudos from Iowa & keep up the helpful content!

[@accur81]

Great vid! Love the fairness using the same ammo manufacturer.

[@mikerodent5205]

The double meanings. . . Awesome!

[@kellscorner1130]

Another suggestion for you. 308 M80 147gr vs 300 blackout supers with 147gr M80 bullets. I wanna see the difference in power.

[@connorburnes7697]

It’s about 800-1000fps depending on all the variables.

[@Arkancide]

It's a big difference. 300 blackout just doesn't have the powder/power to make actual 308 rounds work, typically. Much better to use bullets actually designed for the 300 bl.

[@jamesmarkov9570]

@@ArkancideI love the Clinton throwback name lol.

[@blackhawk7r221]

I reload for 300Blk. 147’s can hit about 2100fps max (in an AR) before the pressure becomes too dangerous. Oh the joys of using fast burning magnum pistol powder in a rifle.

[@phillhuddleston9445]

That would be like comparing a mid sized pickup truck to a tractor trailer!

[@thomasburch1260]

I remember a comment on a previous 7.62vs308 video, the civilian .308 may be going faster but the projectile is made with a softer lead.

[@miguellogistics984]

I suppose we could explain that to the steel that the 308 penetrated and the 762 did not?

[@kdw75]

Terry loves keeping you on your toes with his witty comments and stoic manner.

[@BasedF-15Pilot]

Not a coincidence you uploaded this on 3/08 / 2024 is it. edit: Missed opportunity 308 vs 224 Valkyrie. :)

[@irafowlerjr.7492]

Good info, really enjoy, thanks

[@bob_mosavo]

Thanks 👍

[@Q2bFF]

I just want to say, I love your videos. Thanks for the joyful content.

[@RMM--uv7uk]

Terry is awesome. He is my new favorite UTube guest. He is always right in the action and never complains.

[@BigDogDaddyD]

308... more options. Thanks for another great video.

[@TerryCheever]

Thanks for the testing! Glad I stocked up on 1k rounds each of these for my long-range battle rifle.

[@michaelherrell5381]

Good show, very entertaining and informative. Michael

[@williemickbillie]

terry laughing at you for the sand box fail is classic, i bet a solid copper (not the polymer tip which I do like for its expansion) would do well

[@pweter351]

Prob best comparison test I have seen To many don't secure their targets well enough

[@publicdefender77]

Great video! I love these tests.

[@grogan6459]

Fantastic video. As usual!

[@mikemurr536]

You post a lot of very informative videos. Thanks for your work. I really appreciate that you're saving me a lot of money by not having to run the tests myself. But I'm still gonna do it just for the fun! Stay safe my friend. BTW, I'm gonna copy your sleds. Great idea

[@SOCMMOB]

308/762 is a beast. An amazing combination of terminal ballistics and potential capacity.

[@KingJesus101]

Of course 308 is a hunting cartridge so obviously I’m gonna choose an A.R. 10 I had no idea there were that many options and thanks for the advice going to Midway

[@preppy890]

Informative and entertaining. Well done.

[@markchapman2585]

Awesome channel. I seen so many videos of 5.56. Keep up the great work. Think Terry needs danger pay lol

[@jeffapplewhite5981]

Like your bullet/shell collection!

[@TheOM719]

Now I want to see a difference between the 556 and the 308!

[@gregturnbow7089]

What a voice, you sound like a radio DJ. Thank for the video.

[@noahtoombs9351]

I love him, a very entertaining man 😂

[@TrashAnyway]

"Uhhh WUT just happened to my box!?" Hahaha

[@JohnDoe-mt8rf]

I do stock up on both

[@stephenbarnes2604]

A rum dum in the hold of a ship sold my grandfather his 308 and almost 3 boxes of ammunition. He always gets his deer and sometimes 2 depending on the population. Forty years later, after he passed he had 7 rounds left. Other than cleaning that gun never left it's case except to hunt and the fact he had 7 bullets left he never missed a shot either

[@jameslong3731]

Since I do a lot of blinking at the range, I always stock up or not. 7.62 because it's a lot cheaper than the 308.But when I go hunting, I take the 3LA because it's usually much fresh air ammunition.Sometimes that achieve stuff that you buy is actually reloads that are made from various corporations or government surplus

[@MrKingArthurhk]

Hornady.308 Black.

[@liggerstuxin1]

6 inches COMPLETELY blew out that box. 👁️ 👄 👁️

[@paulpuglia8480]

Enjoy your videos. I ordered a couple of t-shirts from your merch . I think you should go 4' inches instead of 6' Sand give the bullets a little bit more of a chance.

[@bananaballistics]

I appreciate it! I found the ticket to 6” in some future videos. Pretty surprising

[@nonayerbidnet6974]

I run both interchangeably. No problem in the bolt gun, ar10, or the m14s. Yes, some minor headspace differences, but function is good for all. May be some accuracy variations at longer ranges

[@SaanMigwell]

I've had .308 expand and fail to eject in my M1A match a few times. Maybe 1 in 40. It could've been the ammo, but I just quit shooting the .308 through it, no issues since. I've never seen the ammo destroy a weapon though. I have .308 bolt, it shoots both with no issues and no sight adjustments out to about 400 yards.

[@jeremyfrix522]

Enough with the sarcasm big guy not all of us are trolls some of us like your videos more than we complain !

[@craigbraswell4269]

Handloads for the win! 🏆

[@ryimscaith1593]

I prefer the 308 and not in FMJ. While penetration is always important, delivering a forceful impact is just as needed. You get more feels if you don't just slide through, but stay a while. As with anything in this endeavor, personal preference is key. Both in what you like, as well as what is needed for a happy ending.

[@Logan-py8we]

Good post. Don't think many got your cheekyness

[@charlesroer972]

I’ve shot both from same firearm since 1965 ,armer piercing, red n green tracers . Then the hunting rounds . Just depends what u want to do

[@SaltyMaverick]

How was that last test a tie? The .308 went all the way through when the 7.62 NATO didn't.

[@paullevins5448]

Hey Professor great comparisons over the two. enjoyed that!!

[@calikid3336]

I have a Century Arms FAL in .308 and an HBAR FAL in 7.62 and the .308 rounds will expand or 'stovepipe in the 7.62, turning it into a repeater every round and vise versa. The 7.62 likes all the cheaper old military surplus. The Russian steel case rounds work in both while they were available, but the 7.62 and .308 won't interchange for me. I really enjoyed the video and I like shopping at Midway for AR-15 accessories.

[@elektro3000]

I'd have to go back through your videos but I don't remember ever seeing a single projectile exit the back of that sand box. It's just an automatic fail no matter the cartridge! 😂

[@bananaballistics]

I due time we will change that

[@youtube.commentator]

@@bananaballistics you do time? How does she feel

[@paulboissiere1278]

TEEEEEERRYYYYYY!! We love you bro!!!!

[@mavericknonconformist69721]

Used to run Winchester brass, large RP, 175gr. BTHP, 4895 or 4064. Both mega accurate. Ran 168gr. BTHP for hunting.

[@drysori]

Depends on what your using the round for. Range practice, 7.62, hunting, .308

[@benmelich8220]

I knew that neither one would make it through this sand. That’s why they’ve always used sandbags on foxholes and trenches.

[@jerg7942]

Pressure 7.62 NATO is rated for a lower max pressure than .308 Winchester. 7.62 NATO’s rating is about 60,000 PSI, and .308 Win’s is 62,000. It’s not much of a difference, but it’s a difference.

[@vernonbarbee1351]

That's bananas!!! Also, does laying Terry in front of the door to your house change his name to Matt?

[@carlosdiaz2688]

Can’t believe for young person You have the best show Your gonna be number one .. I’m good at knowing who is good Congrats

[@robbehr8806]

I have no complaints.

[@robbabcock_]

Good tests! I'd stock up on 7.62 NATO- when in doubt I always go with military rounds. Maybe less options but they're almost always a good amount cheaper and easier to find.

[@Cloud_Seeker]

Pretty sure that a 308 rifle can also shoot 7.62 NATO while a 7.62 NATO rifle can't shoot 308.

[@Ghostrider-71]

Excellent video and entertaining testing. Your baritone voice works great. Have you considered becoming a radio personality?

[@richiseler5433]

Put a 1/4” plate about 2” behind the plywood in the concrete test to see the remaining energy of the bulletin.

[@leocadena6844]

Great caliber for sure!...$$

[@gusbiv8282]

I generally stock 7.62x51 nato ammo for my AR-10's in bulk, milsurp ammo is usually alot cheaper. .308 win ammo has tons more bullet, load and configuration options and that being said, is mostly more expensive. For my Bolt guns in .308 I stock several bullet types for different needs but they are more often much more expensive than milsurp ball ammo so I don't stock as many rounds of .308 win.

[@martinmckowen1588]

Milspec 7.62 velocity is 823 m/s or 2,700 ft/sec. Would be interesting with actual military ammunition

[@DinoNucci]

Wrong

[@user-pi5qw3bf2s]

Wat is actual military ammo?

[@davidjernigan8161]

Since the bullets are different weights and seeing the different behavior penetrating the lumber brings into question if the bullet construction is the same.

[@markcole6475]

I’ve always been told you can’t shoot a 308 rd out of a military gun designed for 7.62 nato but you can shoot a 7.62 nato in a civilian gun designed for 308..

[@leroyjenkins4811]

You’re right, as .308 Win is a higher pressure round. However, read your owner’s manual. Many firearms can shoot both out of the same weapon.

[@markcole6475]

@@leroyjenkins4811 yes, that’s what I stated ..typically a rifle designed to use 308 caliber can use 7.62 rd.

[@clangerbasher]

I think it is nice of Terry to let you be in his videos.

[@maverickmac1797]

Sometimes higher power makes the less result because it dumps the energy too quickly. Some say a 30-06 is better that 300 win mag for grizzly bears because it is less energy and will go deeper. A 7.62x39 at point blank will push through or deeper into a tree than 308. I once heard it said a 308 will shoot through a tree if the tree is 200 yards away (but not up close). Of course, it seems many people try tests and different results are given.

[@Washoejim]

good video.

[@josephsearls5142]

I would have liked to see tests on ballistic gel comparison to see wound channels and depth but also more time & detail of cell velocities.

[@TheYeti308]

Kind of fond of the SAE Camp ; 300 Win Mag , 30 -- 06 Rem , 308 Win .

[@claymclaren5788]

Solid copper projectiles are very erratic if you don't clean your barrel between firing a jacketed bullet and a monometal bullet. Something about the gilding metal from the jacketed bullet doesnt interact well with solid copper. Ron Spomer and Backfire have both made mention of it in several video's.

[@petehafner3844]

NICE TEST THANKS

[@HypocriticYT]

The difference is in the barrels chamber 😮 No idea why this dead horse continues to be whipped

[@stevelocke5074]

Need to mark those old hits in the steel plate.

[@chrish1585]

So the 762/51 is mil spec. Sealed and crimped primer and a slightly tighter crimp on the bullet. The shell casing is also slightly thicker. I think they also have a specific powder that meets NATO spec. 308 On the other hand has a wide variety of powder and velocity options, each proprietary to the brand. For sure, 308 is much easier to reload than 7.62/51. ALL DAY LONG!!!

[@davidkohler7454]

Please explain to me why exactly you feel that 7.62x51 NATO is so much harder to reload than 308win. I have loaded thousand of 308 and many many thousands of 7.62 NATO. I full length size and trim if necessary all of them. Maybe the primer pockets may need a little extra to clean but that's absolutely the only difference. If you aneal the brass first then I don't find any difference. Please explain yourself.

[@d.l.hemmingway3758]

The primary difference is the powder/ propellant charge in weight and type. Next comes the projectile in weight and type (FMJ, HP, SP, ETC.)

[@abialo2010]

great video. thanks for all the hard work. For 80th anniversary of D DAY in june, you could do a garand 3006 vs a k98 8mm video? please and thank you

[@dinadaughtry8993]

Great idea

[@danbarrette9888]

Either one does the job well.

[@jm6491]

If you had a high speed camera these tests would be even better!

[@angrysheepdog9744]

.308 has a higher pressure spec over 7.62 while .556 is higher than .223

[@non-binaryjesus]

Haha 9:31 "that's what she said!"😂

[@hatchetjack1031]

7.62 fmj is usually cheaper ( or it used to be) if your buying mil surp. I know WW white box is higher. .308 gives you more choices for hunting / expanding bullets. My M1A likes them both. Thx for the test! Poooor Terry!

[@ericbergfield6451]

...Thanks for the content BB

[@johnbodman4504]

The best way of that kind of test, is to hand load with the same projectile and just measure the speed. If you know the speeds, any experienced rifleman can work out the difference.

[@paulkenville445]

Video Suggestion put spearpoint bullets in lever action cartridges like 30-30 45-70 44mag 357mag and test them against factory ammo. I wana see the penetration and velocity differences. Just no a tube magazine explosion

[@TomFynn]

"These thing just opened up." In "Across an Angry Sea" by Cedric Delves (then CO D Sqdr 22 SAS) relates how, during the Falklands War, they captured an Argentine officer, who acted like he just could not care. That did not endear him to his captors. When they found a hunting rifle with a powerful scope in this possession, that kicked his image down a few rungs of the ladder. Still he did not care. Only when they found in his possession very Non-Geneva Convention hunting ammo did he twig on from the now very angry faces around him that he was a long way from home and entirely without friends.

[@jessesando8582]

Hey brother, what kind of handguard is that? Looks sick, been looking for something to upgrade on my M&P10.

[@sergiomurilodantasdossanto3275]

Tudo bem? Uma curiosidade. No teste da caixa de areia, os projéteis dos teste anteriores são retirados ou estão no interior da caixa?