M1a Reloads??

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I'm thinking if getting a SA  M1a   Scout/Rifle. The problem is,what  I read about reloading for it,is either it's O.K. or down right DANGEROUS. I've been loading for a year and a half, 6 diff  calibers,so I'm not to new to the scene.  I  know there is a diff between  7.62 NATO &   .308 Win ammo, and it's my understanding that the .308 factory is too strong for the  operation rod.  So I guess my question is; coundn't I load at  NATO pressure and keep it safe??    My  usage would be range plinking and deer hunting with 150 grain soft points at around 2500-2600 velocity.
     Any load info would be well received?    
                                   Thanks fello shooters!!!        K.L.

[John Traveler]

Relax.

Reloading for the M1A is well within the capability of the careful home reloader.  I've been loading my own competition M1A loads for more than 30 years as have many of my friends.  It is safest to duplicate military ball level loads.

The thing to avoid is pushing heavy bullets to maximum velocities and pressures in the M1A action.  That will strain the gas mechanism and all the recoiling parts.  It is "balanced" for medium-weight (147-73 g) bullets at moderate velocities.  Therefore, firing commercial loads using 180 or 220 g bullets are not advised.

True, there are technical differences between the 7.62x51mm NATO and it's commercial cousin the .308 Winchester.  They are of main interest to benchrest shooters interested in absolute precision.

With the 150 bullets at your 2500-2600 fps using moderate rate powders, your M1A will keep shooting indefinitely.