7.62x51 ammo enquiry

[dawncapel]

Hi
I recently acquired a Parker Hale T4, 7.62x51 in good condition and would like to enquire about ammo, other than the obvious ex mil FMJ.
I have read various posts about the .308/7.62 debate and am none the wiser, except that the .308 might cause pressure issues with my rifle which is proofed for 7.62x51. I am also about to embark on buying the kit for reloading, in order to load for long range target (600 yards plus) and maintain a small batch of Sierra HP for stalking.
Initially I will be using the rifle on the 100 and 400 yard range, so I would like to ask if anyone has a PH T4 or the Lee Enfield No4 7.62, that I believe was the basis for the T4 and have used a factory .308 FMJ with any success? If so, can you please share your wisdom and let me know what you use and results, if known?
Many thanks, look forward to reading your replies.

[Stuck]

Welcome to the forum.

A friend of mine shoots a T4 with stoutly loaded .308 rounds but I couldn't tell you exactly what pressure he's running.

If you don't get a definitive answer get your post count up a bit then you can send him a PM, user name on this forum is Leebut.

[dromia]

Stick with published data, work up loads and don't try for absolute maximum.

Beware internet recipes and always cross reference with published pressure tested data.

For the distances you will be shooting at there should be no need to go near maximum pressure to get an accurate velocity for your rifle.

Read the stickies here on safe hand loading practice and pressure.

[Swamp Donkey]

Just use the stuff. You ain't gonna blow a 7.62x51 up using .308 ammo, or vice versa. The minute difference in saami/cip specs for them really isn't enough to worry about

[dodgyrog]

My T4 is fed on 167gr and 200gr lead alloy boolited ammo that I make up for myself.
I have had one batch achieve 2600fps with absolutely no problem. I would suggest, however, (as would Dromia, I have no doubt) that a 311299 200gr (approx) boolit at 1600fps up to 2000fps is more than enough both in accuracy and velocity for ranges up to 600 yards/metres.

[Chapuis]

When you say "and maintain a small batch of Sierra HP for stalking." what exactly do you have in mind? As far as I am aware the only .30 calibre hollow point that is of a type suitable for stalking is only 110 grns in weight and marketed as a varmint bullet so not really suitable.

You aren't confusing HPBT bullets intended for target shooting with true hollow point bullets that are designed to expand and therefore lawful for stalking are you?

You won't go far wrong with a 150grn Gameking or ProHunter from Sierra in a .308win.

[dawncapel]

Thank you to everyone for your replies. I will now cross reference all this info and then post again.
Are any of you going to Llansillin in September with ODRC if so it would be good to meet you and speak face to face, if this is off topic I apologise, but was unsure where to ask the question?

[Dougan]

Hi
I recently acquired a Parker Hale T4, 7.62x51 in good condition and would like to enquire about ammo, other than the obvious ex mil FMJ.
I have read various posts about the .308/7.62 debate and am none the wiser, except that the .308 might cause pressure issues with my rifle which is proofed for 7.62x51.

The .308/7.62 debate is mainly an issue for Target Rifle (TR) shooters - The cases are the same but the bullets may not be...some Enfield TR rifles (either original or conversion), and other TR rifles made when the NRA were using 7.62 as their issued ammo at competitions, were made to quite tight tolerances to make the most of the issued ammo...but the NATO round had a different shaped and slightly lighter bullet than those now typically used in .308 factory ammo; which may not fit a 7.62 without the bullet touching the rifling...

...I'm not sure about the 'proofing/pressure' part of your question, but the main thing is just to make sure that if you do use .308 ammo (factory or reloads) that the bullet used in the round isn't jammed into the lands...if you're not sure, most RFDs could check the rifle for you for the ammo you intend to use.

[dawncapel]

Reloading will have to wait until Christmas as the shed is in a state of flux and even if I had the press etc now, I would have nowhere to put it. So I am still using factory ammo and keeping the fireformed brass for when I can reload it.
To date I have tried the PPU 145gr .308 and these cycled without issue. These seem to have disappeared from the shelves around here, so I fancy buying some of the Milsurp M80 147gr NATO ball made by GGG and for sale through Ammo Zone.

It was very interesting to read of the reloads that you are using and the pressures that your T4's can safely handle.
The more I shoot the rifle the more I like it, so I am looking forward to starting reloading, when there is some space available and learning the process.

Certainly this will solve the availability issue as with components on the bench, I should be able to produce the ammo that I need.

[Dougan]

Certainly this will solve the availability issue as with components on the bench, I should be able to produce the ammo that I need.

Just one of the benefits of home-loading

If you want to be sure of where the bullet is in relation to your throat with your ammo, you can use an OAL gauge - Ovenpaa on here (trading as the SHED) makes a gauge that I recon is much better than another 'well known brand'...he can even tap some of your once-fired cases to fit the gauge...