You sure it isn't NW? Northwest Metal - Seattle, WA. No matter how it is marked, it would never be used again if it were mine. Never hammer something into a rifle. Everything should fit correctly. If it doesn't, then it's time for the "oddity bag" or gets deep sixed. More than likely that clip is just defective - either from manufacture or from some type of abuse/alteration. Just don't use it anymore.
As far as .308, I don't know anything about them but I imagine that unless you have one of those shorter Italianrifles, the spring should be the same length as the 30 06 Garand
. I'd contact the supplier and get their input. A new spring shouldn't set, no matter how much or little.