THF,

I recently purchased my "dream rifle": a M1A Super Match and am very excited to quit stroking the rifle and starting SHOOTING the rifle. I have a few questions for those who have personal experience. If you heard from, "a guy" or "know someone who knows someone", I kindly ask you to not respond.

1. The receiver is chambered 308 - can I shoot 7.62x51 safely long-term? I have read several varying reviews

2. I have yet to shoot the rifle (just acquired this weekend) and have read the 147 grain M80 rounds shoot the best and that 168 grain may push the limits. Any suggestions?

This is my first serious MBR and I appreciate the feedback. Thanks.

As I've got no experience with the M1A Super Match, I'll stick to answering what I do know.

Shooting 7.62 in a .308 chamber is safe. .308's maximum pressure (from SAAMI) is 62,000 PSI. 7.62x51's maximum pressure is 60,200. You'll be fine.

HH - I appreciate you sharing the info. That pretty much confirms what I have read: you can shoot the NATO round in the 308 by not vice-versa.

My buddy manu's match grade ammo in 308, http://www.ntaammo.com. Guy's name is Ray, real nice fellow. In 3 shot groupings with his match ammo through my loaded, 2 are touching and one is about a half inch from the other two pretty much every 3 shot group I put through it from a rest. wanted another loaded and was holding off, now that prices have gone up up up, going to have to wait for things to cool off and the correction to gun prices after the cool down.

My loaded loves 168 Federal Gold Metal Match. I can keep 5 rounds in 1.25-1.5" at 100. Thats about all my rifle is good for without doing some work to it.