Israeli Mauser in 7.62 Nato

[lgm270]

I have read that it is dangerous to shoot .308 Winchester ammo in military rifles chambered for 7.62 nato.  So called "Israeli" Mausers are chambered for the 7.62 Nato.  Would it be feasible to set back and rechamber the barrel for .308 Win?

[Mikey]

Igm270:  this became a concern for some folks who were using the older Spanish Mausers re worked from the original 7mm Mauser caliber to 7.62.  Some were concerned that the higher pressures of the 308 hunting loads, which may run to 60k psi, would be too much for those Mausers.  Truth is, the Mauser action was proofed to higher pressures than that. 

Those mausers were Model 93s or 95s I believe.  Your Israeli Mauser is a 98 - much stronger action.  If this rifle feeds and chambers the 7.62 round it should do the same with 308 hunting loads and I don't see a need to set the chamber back or rebarrel.  JMTCW.  Mikey.

[blackpowderbill]

The Spanish Mausers where re-barreled for 7.62x51mm CETME. Same dimensions as 7.62 Nato but loaded to a lower pressure.
The Spanish Mauser will generally take the added pressure of a Nato round in stride, that is not the problem. Gas protection or lack thereof is the problem. Rupture a case in a pre 1898 Mauser and you may get a face lift.