by No1Mk3 » 12 May 2017, 5:57 pm
There are an awful lot of myths about the capability of Spanish rifles, particularly the FR rifles, whether small ring FR7 (ex-1916, 1893) or large ring FR8 (ex-M43). The CETME cartridge was designed, not out of consideration of these conversions, but due to the design of the intended CETME slr, and so these rifles were first issued with CETME ammo. They were both later used with 7.62 NATO ammunition, and the FR7 was tested by HP White Laboratories and certified for NATO ammo. We should also recall the original 7x57 cartridge operated at 50300 CUP (55000psi SAAMI piezo), and due to CIP regulations in Europe would have been proofed at 68000psi. I have owned both rifles at one point, and would not hesitate to load NATO ammo in either. High powered heavy weight 308Win sporting ammo is another story. Buy the FR8 wrenchman, they're fun, Cheers.