Question about case life with the #4 in 7.62 NATO?

[villiers]

Under different circumstances, I´d have taken this question seriously.

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[Alfred]

Under different circumstances, I´d have taken this question seriously.

Its a simple enough question.

The 7.62 NATO cases are much thicker walled than most .308 cases, so as long as loads are worked up at reasonable pressure levels the cases should last a long time.

Low end 150 grain bulleted loadings of the .308 generate only a few percent more chamber pressure than high end .303 loadings, and there are many .308 handloads that generate pressures equal to the .303 MkVII or even less.

The Winchester semi balloon head match cases were introduced to allow use of the heaviest bullets while maintaining enough powder space to avoid excessive pressures. The same loads considered safe in the larger capacity case loaded in a thick walled 7.62 NATO case could be dangerous in any rifle.

I haven't seen any mention of the headspace specs for the L42 in the articles on this rifle found on this site. As a long range sniper rifle I'd expect it would have tighter headspace than a battle rifle. If so that should allow long case life with loads that don't overly stress the action.