WHY IS IT ALWAYS 5.56 NEVER .308

[sliclee]

Do you shoot own a AR in .308?
I know its a bit more expensive to shoot, purchase but makes more sense to me. Easy to buy or reload lighter loads to play
once a full power accurate cartridge is found for the purpose the rest can be nice lite 100yd loads.
Any comparisons would be appreciated Lee

 

[GunnyGene]

I've shot quite a lot 7.62. And quite a lot of 5.56. As the man said; "Bullets need to penetrate stuff." 5.56 is fine for soft targets. 7.62/.308 is far better for penetrating other "stuff"; like windshields, sheet metal, etc. So once again, the intended target/use rules your choice. Decisions like this should not be made based on how well a bullet penetrates paper - or jello.

That said, the 5.56 is popular among the civilian population, because of low recoil and price. Civilians typically don't consider anything beyond that.

 

[ditto1958]

Depends on what you want a rifle for. For some things 5.56 is better, while .308 is better for other purposes.

At the range where I shoot, both are very popular.

 

[DGW1949]

Re: "WHY IS IT ALWAYS 5.56 NEVER .308?"....

The rifle itself is cheaper, lighter, exhibits very good accuracy, and is quite-capable of doing most anything that I need done. Plus, I can shoot it at least twice as often for X-amount of ammo cost, which also means that I can stock pile at least twice as much ammo per dollar spent.

As for "nice lite 100yd loads" relative to using a .308 semi-auto....me thinks that by the time you get down to the "nice and light" part, ya may as well have just bought an old 30-30 levergun and called it good.

But that's just me and how I look at it.

DGW

 

[gunman42782]

In my experience, although somewhat limited in the .308 AR department, the 5.56 versions are much more reliable. I have only owned one in .308, and it was a nightmare to try to find something it would feed. And yes, I sent it back to the factory once, and they replace the upper, and same problem. Factory ammo, reloads, different brands and weights, it just sucked. Now, I could chalk that up to my bad luck, but I worked at a range for 7 years where we rented guns, and the .308 versions gave us headaches. If the 5.56 versions ever messed up, it was usually just because we had not cleaned them in ages or worn gas rings.

 

[Backlighting]

If I was to own only 1 rifle it would be in .308...probably a M1A, Ruger Gunsite or an AR in .308. Unlike the anemic .223, the .308 covers most bases.

 

[Huhwhat?]

I have a bolt-action carbine in .308. I just bought a Ruger AR556. I'd love to find an AR in .308.

 

[pete44ru]

.


If I wanted a lightweight, I'd pick a .223 AR with a carbon-fiber receiver, like a Windham or Bushmaster.

If I wanted a heavier .308, I'd opt for the SOCOM 16" M-14 CQB.

.

 

[Coyote Hunter]

Re: "WHY IS IT ALWAYS 5.56 NEVER .308?"....

The rifle itself is cheaper, lighter, exhibits very good accuracy, and is quite-capable of doing most anything that I need done. Plus, I can shoot it at least twice as often for X-amount of ammo cost, which also means that I can stock pile at least twice as much ammo per dollar spent.

As for "nice lite 100yd loads" relative to using a .308 semi-auto....me thinks that by the time you get down to the "nice and light" part, ya may as well have just bought an old 30-30 levergun and called it good.

But that's just me and how I look at it.

DGW

Or a .300 Blackout, which is what I did. Planning on buying a matched .308 lower and upper this weekend. Won't bother with light loads.

 

[dfletcher]

Do you shoot own a AR in .308?
I know its a bit more expensive to shoot, purchase but makes more sense to me. Easy to buy or reload lighter loads to play
once a full power accurate cartridge is found for the purpose the rest can be nice lite 100yd loads.
Any comparisons would be appreciated Lee

I've built and own a couple. For fun I just built one "on the cheap" using a PSA lower for $99.00 and an assortment of parts left over from upgrading the guns of other shooters - I get to keep their "spare parts". :D Bought a barrel from Numrich, a few other odds & ends on the cheap & it works well.

As already mentioned, aide from cheaper, more plentiful ammo that there's really only one style of AR 15 taking only AR 15 mags probably helps. The Armalite AR 10 takes a different upper and mag than the DPMS style, I know there are AR 10 styles out there that take M14 type mags too. Takes a bit of getting used to. Then there's the "this works in AR 15, will it work in AR 10" for parts and aftermarket stuff like trigger (yes) and mag release (yes) and charging handle (no) and BHO (it does, but you shouldn't) or stock (usually yes). Buying a completed rifle sidesteps these uncertainties, but then you get hit with a much higher price. And AR folks love to upgrade.

A 308 AR definitely gives you a bit more recoil, but not alot. And it's heavier, I suppose that may matter to the "run & gun" types but I'm a "sit at the bench with an iced tea" shooter.

 

[COSteve]

Deleted

 

[DGW1949]

Who says it's only 5.56 or .308?

I own rifles in 22lr, .223, 5.56, 6.5mm Jap, 7.5 French, 357mag, 30 Carbine, 30-30 (30 WCF), 300 Savage, .303 British, 7.62 Nagant, .308, 7.62x51, 30-06, US Cal 30, 7.7 Jap, 8mm Mauser, .40s&w, and 45 Colt. :D

Me thinks that the OP was speaking in terms of AR-style rifles.

DGW

 

[jkingrph]

My AR types are 5.56 and in 6.5 Grendel( which use a standard AR lower receiver) If I had not started with 30-06 way back in 1963 I probably would have chosen the .308 as my 30 cal, but dad got me a Win 70 featherweight in '06 when I finished high school. I have added another bolt action and a Ruger #1, and finally a M-1, so no desire or need for an AR in .308 plus I have so many different calibers to reload for I really do not care for another.

 

[COSteve]

Deleted

 

[Coyote Hunter]

Hefted a bunch of 308 ARs this weekend at a local gun show. Compared to my 6.25 pound Ruger Scout .308 they felt really heavy. Decided to save my money and not get a stripped lower and upper, at least not now. Bought a brake for the Scout instead and saved a boatload of money. The Scout will do what I want a .308 for anyway, 99% of the time.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

I don't have any need for an AR 10. The 300 blackout is a deer hammer inside of 150 yards. Beyond that, the 6.5 Grendel can do the job out beyond reasonable ranges. None of them weigh more than 6.25 lbs (sans scope). But the 223 is a great round for many purposes. And it's light and cheap to shoot. Nothing wrong with a 308 though.

 

[demented]

I own .308 rifles, all FAL's. When I wanted a 308, the AR 10 was not really viable, nowhere near the reliability of an FAL back then. While my FAL's aren't as accurate as some of the current AR models, their reliability is unquestioned. AND they ain't THAT inaccurate.

 

[sliclee]

I need, want a 308-a bit faster shooting than a bolt, a bit lighter, watched fellow shooter, taller than me,6'4, heavier than me, stronger than me fire off a socum with a full stock against a AR 308. His take, the springfield felt like home, was a bit heavier and the AR firing
was a bit softer in the shoulder, enough to think about it. Stayed with me.

 

[Coyote Hunter]

Hefted a bunch of 308 ARs this weekend at a local gun show. Compared to my 6.25 pound Ruger Scout .308 they felt really heavy. Decided to save my money and not get a stripped lower and upper, at least not now. Bought a brake for the Scout instead and saved a boatload of money. The Scout will do what I want a .308 for anyway, 99% of the time.

That was then.

At the last Tanner gun show in Denver I ran across an Aero M5 (.308 size) lower for $200, the best price I had seen and $150 less than other lowers at the show. Stripped lower/upper combos in .308 size were going for $650 to over $800.

Then I bought a stripped Aero M5 upper, direct from Aero. It was complete with forward assist and dust cover installed, for $155. Had to wait a couple weeks to get it. Might buy another upper while I can as I want to have one before the November elections in case things go south.

Now I plan to build it out over the next few months, probably finishing around February. The big decision will be what chamber to use. Options being most seriously considered are 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win.

 

[edjo]

5.56 ammunition has come a long way. The new MK262 and MK318 loads are very low drag screamers and they don't lose very much elevation/velocity/energy until you start getting past 500 yards. The bullet itself has come a long way, much further in my opinion than the platform itself. Then you can get bulk for it for 30-40 cents a round to have fun with. The cartridge is still alive and well. I bought a RAR in 5.56 due to having lots of it around to shoot. Last thing I need is another round to stock up on.

 

[sliclee]

COYOTE-there you go, thats it, 6.5 orr 6.8 spc2 with a 308; Ive been sitting on that a year orrr get both, 18", single 4,
threaded, removable claw, A10

 

[Coyote Hunter]

COYOTE-there you go, thats it, 6.5 orr 6.8 spc2 with a 308; Ive been sitting on that a year orrr get both, 18", single 4,
threaded, removable claw, A10

OK, I'm not much of an AR guy.

English translation, please?

single 4 = ?
removable claw = ?


Thanks.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I probably would but as I have a Navy Trophy M1 Garand in 7.62 NATO that works and shoots quite nicely, it suits my needs. If not I would certainly have checked into one.

 

[Jeepnik]

The .222 was designed to kill small varmits. Some how a really bright (?) fellow figured that they could rename it and it'd be enough for humans. And at relatively close range on a soft target it works most of the time. Problem is the rifle for which the 5.56 NATO was designed was and iffy proposition to say the least.

Now don't get me wrong, I own an AR in 5.56. It is a wonderful range toy. Would I ever bet on one to save my life? Nope, once was enough.

It's interesting that today a civilian company with what was once a name associated with the government makes a civilianized version of the M14. Several models are shorter and lighter than the original. Too bad they didn't think of this 50 or so years ago.

It is one of these that I will rely on if I ever "need" a rifle.

 

[sliclee]

Back when, the 223 was not only not considered a varmint round, it wasn't considered as anything.
That the military choose it after using 30-06 and 308 was amazing.
It only took 40 years to get it to work.
You know the govts motto,"we'll use your money to prove we're right no matter the cost".

 

[jyo]

I long ago choose the FN FAL in 308---reliable, hits everything I aim at… Oh, and a great investment (bought in mid-80s).

Of course, I still shoot plenty 5.56/223 as well...

 

[ditto1958]

If I was to own only 1 rifle it would be in .308...probably a M1A, Ruger Gunsite or an AR in .308. Unlike the anemic .223, the .308 covers most bases.

The "anemic .223" does the most damage of any cartridge to the steel targets at the range where I shoot.

 

[Jeepnik]

If I was to own only 1 rifle it would be in .308...probably a M1A, Ruger Gunsite or an AR in .308. Unlike the anemic .223, the .308 covers most bases.

The "anemic .223" does the most damage of any cartridge to the steel targets at the range where I shoot.

Never been shot at by a steel target. :roll: