What is the true/actual caliber of the Springfield Armory M1A Standard?
The SAI website states "7.62 x 51mm NATO (.308 WIN)" which suggests that 7.62 is my answer. However, I believe SAI stopped stamping "7.62MM" on the receiver heels. Nearly 50% of all other internet references to the M1A (not M14) is .308. I've tried researching my answer on this forum and have not found a conclusive answer.
My SAI M1A Standard has SN 242XXX if that makes any difference.
I'm new to the M1A world and rifles in general. So, if you would, please confirm my understanding:
* generally, it is safe to shoot 7.62 in a .308 rifle
* generally, it is unsafe to shoot a hot-loaded .308 in a 7.62 rifle -- this of course begs the question, what is "too hot" and how can you tell when purchasing the ammo?
* milsurp 7.62 should be fine within my aforementioned M1A? If not, why not? What should I look out for -- hot loads?
* now that SAI is a commercial company (as opposed to the original Armory in Springfield, MA), is the M1A considered a commercial rifle or is it still considered a milsurp rifle?
This isn't a "7.62 vs .308" question. If my M1A is actually 7.62, I just want to be sure I select my .308 purchases carefully. If it's actually .308, I guess I won't care what I feed it.
The SAI website states "7.62 x 51mm NATO (.308 WIN)" which suggests that 7.62 is my answer. However, I believe SAI stopped stamping "7.62MM" on the receiver heels. Nearly 50% of all other internet references to the M1A (not M14) is .308. I've tried researching my answer on this forum and have not found a conclusive answer.
My SAI M1A Standard has SN 242XXX if that makes any difference.
I'm new to the M1A world and rifles in general. So, if you would, please confirm my understanding:
* generally, it is safe to shoot 7.62 in a .308 rifle
* generally, it is unsafe to shoot a hot-loaded .308 in a 7.62 rifle -- this of course begs the question, what is "too hot" and how can you tell when purchasing the ammo?
* milsurp 7.62 should be fine within my aforementioned M1A? If not, why not? What should I look out for -- hot loads?
* now that SAI is a commercial company (as opposed to the original Armory in Springfield, MA), is the M1A considered a commercial rifle or is it still considered a milsurp rifle?
This isn't a "7.62 vs .308" question. If my M1A is actually 7.62, I just want to be sure I select my .308 purchases carefully. If it's actually .308, I guess I won't care what I feed it.