.223 or .308?

J

JonathanT

Inactive
I am planning on buying an ar-15 stlye rifle, probably from armalite. The rifle won't really be used for competition but I do want the longer heavier barrel. My question is this, is the .223 a sufficient caliber or will I regret not getting the .308? As far as accuracy, how far out is the .223 accurate to? Is this caliber just for plinking and fun? Is the .308 too big of a round for that rifle? Is it kind of overkill? Your thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks
 
.223 vs .308 here we go again...

It all depends on how, when, and where you plan on using your rifle.

If you want a home defense rifle, both are overkill unless you live on some country ranch with many acres open property. In which case, the .308 might make more sense to some.

If you want to hunt prarie dogs, .308 is overkill. If you want to hunt something bigger than a coyote, .223 may be inadequate.

If you want to imagine a survival scenario, there are pro/cons for both:

.223
pros: lighter weight, carry more rounds, vast availability, DOA (dead on arrival)
cons: designed to maim, delflected by brush unless using steel core

.308
pros: better first shot hits that will count, better penetration thru vegetation, good availabilty, DRT (dead right there)
cons: heavier weight, carry less rounds

As far your question regarding .223 accuracy, this should be irrelevant. Accuracy varies more between weapon systems than between calibers. AR15 type rifles are very accurate semi-automatics in either caliber.
 
I know many people who use a .223 in competitions out to 600 yards. Beyond that, the .308 starts to have a noticable advantage. Keep in mind that these people are shooting paper. I have no idea what .223 will penetrate at 600 yards. The .308 will easily reach out to 1,000 yards.

Follow up shots on .223 are faster due to lighter recoil.

The .308 has significantly higher penetration. You'll have to decide if that's good or bad for your purposes. The .308 does more damage. I think about how hunters use these rounds: .223 for small game and .308 for medium-sized (deer, elk) game.

They're both fine rounds with high ammunition availability.

My feeling is that anything within 100 yards is pistol range. Beyond that, I want to really reach out and a .308 will handle the 100-1,000 yard range nicely.
 
i have use .223 for Deer and i know two of my friends use it to, so i say you can use .223 for Deer, and for small game it's one of the best rounds you can use:)
 
If you want to use the rifle for 2A purposes, and you are of medium build or bigger and if reasonable health, I suggest getting a .308 rifle. You can carry 3X more ammo with the li'l .223 but you will need most of it when compared to the power of the .308. The AR15's light weight is great for toting around given my bad back, but I still go with the FN-FAL.

Here is a test. Shoot a rock with a .223. Then do the same with a similar rock with the .308. You will go with the .308.

I have shot the AR10 and it is quite a shooter. But the magazines are prohibitedly expensive.

I would go with an M1A or, my choice, the FN-FAL from http://www.dsarms.com or http://www.arizonaresponsesystems.com or other smithies. Yes, you can get a FAL for $500-$800, but when you see what $1200+ can get you, you will want to save up and get the good rifle first.

Then, get yourself 2,000 rounds of surplus ammo at $150 per thousand, weight-bearing harness for spare ammo, stripper clips, spare parts kit, etc, bandoleers, and you will be ready for a good week's worth of urban guerilla warfare. ;)

Rick
 
ha .308,s nothin

If you want power accuracy and range get a 50 bmg sure the ammo is kind of expensive and its a bit overkill if your deer hunting but its great for bear or larger and shooting one is more satisfying than anything else.

I dont reccomend small game hunting with one but that would be awesome imagine hitting a praire dog 1000 yards away with an 800 grain hollow point.
 
JonathanT,
simple problem,...with a very simple solution !!!
BUY BOTH!!!! ;) i started with .223 then i ended up wanting and getting a .308 too. so, now i have both and i love it! my babies are both armalites.

good luck with your choice,...
jhunnetaz
 
I prefer .308, but since you want an AR, get the .223 cal. Millions of other rifles like yours means that parts will be around for many decades to come. Regardless of what laws are passed or what companies go out of business.
 
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