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Hi Michael - no, they are not identical. The 308 is a more powerful round than the 7.62X51 NATO. It is perfectly safe to use the 7.62X51 rounds in any firearm chambered for .308, however one should not shoot .308 ammo in a gun chambered for 7.62X51. This rifle will safely fire either cartridge.

Michael, 308 and 7.62x51 are interchangeable in firearms physically. Although not identical, the 7.62×51mm NATO and the commercial .308 Winchester cartridges are similar enough that they can be loaded into rifles chambered for the other round, but the Winchester .308 cartridges are typically loaded to higher pressures than 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges. ***Note: A 308 Chambered rifle such as this one will fire the lower pressure 7.62x51 round just fine***.

In my experience the 308 is a little more slight kick than the 7.62, i think its how they load. They are pretty darn close. Just to be safe I always recommend, shoot 308 out of a 308 and shoot 7.62 out of a 7.62. You need to be sure to check the manufacturer specs. I don't recommend it, because the rounds are different and loaded at different pressures. Also the 7.62 is slightly larger than the 308. A 308 can shoot both. But you need to watch the condition of that rifle and be mindful your using it the way it wasn't fully intended for.

Michael, although the 7.62 and 308 in theory are similar rounds I would definitely refer to the manufacturers suggestion on ammo type and load as a lot of firearms have specific ammo that they suggest for optimal use of the firearm.

yes you can use 7.62 nato in a .308 but do not use .308 in a 7.62 NATO gun