7.62x51 is .308, isn’t it?
Essentially yes. The M1-A (semi-auto only)is the civilian version of the M-14 and will chamber and digest either ammo marked as 7.65 X 51 or .308 although I am told that the commercial .308 ammo (Win, Rem, Federal, etc. is loaded to higher chamber pressures. I’ve used both kinds and never had a problem.
The M1-A is a sweetheart to shoot. It has probably the best factory trigger I’ve ever shot and the weight and gas operation make recoil very easy to deal with. The only thing I don’t like is the factory scope mount puts the scope up too high to get a good cheek weld. But the thing sure does shoot! I can consistently put rounds in a 12” circle at 400 yards off of a rest. And this is a standard model, not the match grade.
Not exactly the same. Here is a link that gives great details on the differences.
I was shooting a .308 (7.62 x 51) before I joined the Army in 1965. I was thrilled when they issued me one (M14) and later an M60. When I was just about to get out of the service, they “qualified” me on the M16! I thought then and still think it is a piece of junk for a battle rifle compared to the M14. I’m glad the military is finally seeing the error of its ways. Today, in the civilian world, I still shoot .308. My son, in Iraq, though disagrees with me, hehehehehe!
The two cartridges are interchangeable for all practical purposes.