Ammo for my Saiga 308

[SKS Ray]

When I got my Saiga 308 the guy at M&Ms sold me a box of Spanish 308 and said it works great in the Saiga rifles. I think its non corrosive because the box says 1979. I know the Saiga is stamped 308 Winchester but from what I've been reading 308 military ammo (NATO) is ok to shoot in them. I'm still a little fuzzy on the differences between 7.62x51 NATO and 308 Winchester ammo. From what I've read its the case thickness and 308 Winchester is a litle hotter.
It figured I wind up buying this rifle when 308 is getting harder to find. I know a lot about different types of 7.62x54, 303 British, 8mm Mauser, and especially 7.62x39, but this ammo is all new to me.
Anyone have suggestions on what I should keep an eye out for as far as ammo for my Saiga?

 

[outofbattery]

I've shot a bunch of Santa Barbara .308 through the FAL,CETME and M1A with no issues.

What are they getting for it BTW,I'm running a little low?

 

[LoginName]

This explains the difference between .308 and 7.62 NATO ammo quite nicely...

http://www.thegunzone.com/30cal.html

 

[madmarc0]

Mil, we have L2A2 Paki ammo (made in Britian from what I'm told) Surp for 6.50 a box of 20 and I have shot it in my FAL's, M14,Ishy,FR8,MAS's,1919,HK91 with no problems.

 

[LORD of WAR]

dont forget...at the end of the day the saiga is still just a big AK...itll eat anything!

 

[The Goose]

dont forget...at the end of the day the saiga is still just a big AK...itll eat anything!

Mine certainly does!

 

[Joe R.]

7.62x51 in a .308 chamber = possible sticky cases in some rifles.

.308 in a 7.62x51 chamber = no chambering issues - possible pressure problems.

That Saiga might be an AK at heart but not all .308 cares that it is. The Santa Barbera .308 is mellow compared to South African. If the rifle shoots it - don't worry too much. If it shoots it and it feels like a 3 1/2' 12 gauge slug going off, I might think about shooting that ammo in the rifle. Guy at the range had a K11 that was converted to .308 Win. He was shooting Cavim or something South American out of it and the bolt had to be hit pretty hard to get them out. Told him about the difference and he switched to his .308 American Eagle and presto, no more banging the bolt open!

Joe R.