Saltech Swiss AA "308"

[JonVan]

I recently got some 147 grain Saltech Swiss AA "308" it says .308 Win (7,62x51 mm). They sell both a 147 grain 308 and a 150 grain 7.62 NATO at outdoor limited. My 308 ammo all says 7.62 ST 22 and has a green sharpy mark around the primer. The brass appears to be 2 tone. According to online sources it's loaded to 7.62 standards. My first concern is was this loaded with 308 casings (for reloading purposes) and was this ammo reloaded as I found it claims to be new brass. Is this actually new 308 casing brass?

 

[Enigma]

AFAIK, it's all new production. I've been reading about some failures to extract, and pierced or popped (out) primers over on the FAL Files. I'd be interested to kear of any issues that you experience.

 

[JonVan]

I read the Ruger SFAR (which I own) likes them I just am concerned about reloading them if 308 data will work I want to load only 308 178 ELDX.

 

[NikA]

Definitely new brass, the "two tone" look is annealing of the case mouth and shoulder. As far as .308 versus 7.62x51 casings, guessing 7.62 from the headstamp but since you'll be using sound reloading practices and working up loads safely with new combinations of components, shouldn't really matter as long as you watch for appropriate pressure signs.

Could fire or pull down one and weigh/check volume of case to know more definitely.

BTW, "green marker" could be primer sealant, could make life interesting for both decapping and cleaning.

 

[Mobuck]

#1: .308 and 7.62x51 cases are the same size externally by MAY have different internal capacity due to thicker cases on the mil-spec 7.62.
#2: Not mentioned but check if these are Berdan primed vs Boxer primed. Berdan primed is virtually worthless for reloading IMHO.
#3: As mentioned, the annealing marks only indicates the brass wasn't polished after annealing-typical of mil-spec type ammo. It does NOT indicate the brass has been reloaded.
#4: See #1. Mil-spec brass often takes a bit less powder to reach similar pressures.
#5: I've not found primer sealant to be an issue but if the primers are crimped, this IS an issue and added step in the initial reloading prep.

 

[Lou]

I recently got some 147 grain Saltech Swiss AA "308" it says .308 Win (7,62x51 mm). They sell both a 147 grain 308 and a 150 grain 7.62 NATO at outdoor limited. My 308 ammo all says 7.62 ST 22 and has a green sharpy mark around the primer. The brass appears to be 2 tone. According to online sources it's loaded to 7.62 standards. My first concern is was this loaded with 308 casings (for reloading purposes) and was this ammo reloaded as I found it claims to be new brass. Is this actually new 308 casing brass?View attachment 27030View attachment 27031View attachment 27032

I just picked up 200 rounds to zero in the scope on a 308 AR-10 build I just completed. The add stated that it was 308win and the box says 308win but on looking at the head stamp it says 7.62x on them. First three rounds were FTE. A buddy of mine that did his build had shot 100 rounds of different a different brand with no problems tried them with the same thing happening, FTE. Two different rifles, same experience. We both had to tap the cases out with an aluminum rod.

 

[Mobuck]

same thing happening, FTE. Two different rifles, same experience. We both had to tap the cases out with an aluminum rod.

FTE (meaning failure to extract?) Did the bolt cycle leaving the the fired case in the chamber? Was the rim torn off or mangled? Was the primer excessively flattened?
Over the years, I've seen several instances of foreign brass being 'soft' and showing pressure signs even with conservative loads.