There is a large amount of copper-plated steel-jacketed Portuguese 7.62mm NATO ammunition available on the surplus market. Is there any reason not to use this ammunition for practice in an "expensive" hunting rifle?

I've heard that it can damage the barrel and I've heard that it's no problem at all.

Thanks,

Jeff

Is it legal to hunt with steel jacketed?

Be very careful using surplus 7.62mm NATO ammo in a .308 Winchester. Contrary to popular belief, there are some small dimensional differences between the two. A rifle chambered for the slightly larger 7.62mm NATO will be safe with both cartridges; a tightly chambered .308 Winchester may not.

I'd suggest against using surplus in a sporting .308.

you need to be carefull with that stuff not only may it be sized differently, it may be steel cased as is the case for some machine gun ammo, which could damage your chamber. They did that because steel casings dont expand and "stick" when fired because its a harder metal. I know the spanish went to this for their cemte rifles. That and check to may sure you are shooting non-corrosive ammo.
Also they are not designed to expand with means that if your state in like pa you cant use that ammo for hunting, I wouldnt just because its going to drill a .308 hole through the target leaving you with wounded game and a bullet that is going to hit something you didnt intend to hit and you are still liable....