.308 Home Defense

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LouisianaGunner12

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Federal makes some reduced recoil .308 loads that sends a 170 grain bullet going 2,000 FPS.

This is about like a 30-30 or 7.62x39, isn't it? Could it be practical for home defense?

I have an M1A with an 18" barrel that I am very comfortable with. I've shot over 20k rounds through M14 type rifles and it is my platform of choice. I'd love to be able to use it for home defense.

I do live out in the country.
 
Quite frankly, I keep seeing posts/threads about home defense that involves rifles & shotguns being deployed and I cannot help but think, "That's nuts!"

I live in the country, also, so there are no "penetration" issues ... but I cannot imagine touching off a .308, 12ga, etc. inside of my house.
 
I gotta agree with GBExpat, years ago I made the stupid decision to fire a 12ga without ear protection in an enclosed area, in addition to being deaf, it actually had the effect of a concussion grenade, I was deaf, dizzy and confused for a few minutes (the deaf part lasted longer and I have hearing damage in one ear since)...Cant imagine a .308 indoors unless its suppressed...
 
As long as it cycles the action, I don't see a problem with it. My HD stuff is all long guns, but I keep a pair of muffs on each one. May not be practical to put them on, but I like the option. For HD I keep a 12ga, .30carbine, and 5.56 handy, none of which I really want to touch off without ear protection.
 
it's not optimal, wouldn't be my first choice, but then, HD is sort of a 'run what ya brung' ordeal. if it's what you've got...
 
I keep seeing posts/threads about home defense that involves rifles & shotguns being deployed and I cannot help but think, "That's nuts!"

I live in the country, also, so there are no "penetration" issues
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I'd have concerns about any 30 cal bullet, even 30-30 overpenetrating. But expanding bullets in 223 are far less likely to over penetrate than slugs, buckshot or most handgun rounds.

The noise from ANY of them is likely to cause hearing damage. In fact I doubt if any long gun will be any worse than a magnum handgun. If you're going to make the decision to pull the trigger then you have to understand that a little hearing loss is the lesser of 2 problems.
 
If you are looking for a good HD .308 load, the best that I have found was Hornady's TAP 110 gr round. When I tested some it penetrated less than a 12 ga with 00 buck and JHP pistol rounds.

This is about like a 30-30 or 7.62x39, isn't it? Could it be practical for home defense?
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7.62x39 is more like a 125gr round at 2500 fps
 
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I will always bring a long gun to any fight I can. They only time I won't is when I don't have time to get one. If you think a shotgun is loud indoors, try a revolver.

I won't say it is too much or excessive, especially in that configuration. I wouldn't hesitate to grab my M-1 carbine, AR, SKS, or shotgun. A full-size M1A would be at the top of the scale, but one in the shorter configuration would be perfectly reasonable to use in close-quarters. If you try a reduced-recoil load, make sure it will cycle the rifle. I would grab the TAP first, just because I trust the brand already.
 
You want light and fast in a rifle round if you are trying to limit penetration. Heavy just gives it more mass, less fragility and slowing it down means it is less likely to break up when it hits something. The .308 110gr mentioned actually penetrates less than some .223 loads (which penetrate less than a pistol).
 
Originally posted by TexasPatriot.308
"makes no sense at all, so many other choices...common sense. "
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Could you please elaborate on your statement?
What about the OPs choice doesn't make sense or indicates that he didn't use common sense in considering this option?

The OP stated that he lives in the country and didn't mention any concerns with overpenetration, he also said that he's got over 20,000 rounds worth of experience with M-14's. His probable reason for considering a lower velocity load was apparently reduced recoil, I would assume for quicker follow up shots.

Choosing a weapon that you're comfortable with and have confidence in is a good thing. Muscle memory and intimate familiarity with a weapon helps in any type of shooting. At 3:00 am when you've just been woken up by the sound of your back door being kicked in, those advantages will REALLY pay off.

My main concern would be reliability with a load that light, but with the OPs level of experience, I'm sure he's aware that he'd need to check function extensively before staking his life on any ammunition.

LouisianaGunner12
I don't see anything wrong with your choice as long as you don't think the weapon length will be problematic in your home.
I highly recommend that you install a set of Tritium iron sights or some sort of CQB optical sight, preferably something that doesn't use batteries or require that it be turned on before use.
 
The OP stated that he lives in the country and didn't mention any concerns with overpenetration, he also said that he's got over 20,000 rounds worth of experience with M-14's. His probable reason for considering a lower velocity load was apparently reduced recoil, I would assume for quicker follow up shots.

Choosing a weapon that you're comfortable with and have confidence in is a good thing. Muscle memory and intimate familiarity with a weapon helps in any type of shooting. At 3:00 am when you've just been woken up by the sound of your back door being kicked in, those advantages will REALLY pay off.

My main concern would be reliability with a load that light, but with the OPs level of experience, I'm sure he's aware that he'd need to check function extensively before staking his life on any ammunition.

LouisianaGunner12
I don't see anything wrong with your choice as long as you don't think the weapon length will be problematic in your home.
I highly recommend that you install a set of Tritium iron sights or some sort of CQB optical sight, preferably something that doesn't use batteries or require that it be turned on before use.
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The reason I have been considering the lighter loads is because it may have less recoil and possibly lower penetration. It's power seems more similar to a 30-30 or 7.62x39, which I've read are somewhat practical self defense calibers.

But my experience, comfort, and familiarity with the M14/M1A platform makes me really want to use it, but only if it's practical. My 18" barreled M1A isn't too long I don't think, but I do have 2 kids in the house.
 
From an economical and logistic standpoint, being able to use a .308 for HD as well as my other firearm needs would simplify ammo logistics. I use a Winchester Model 70 .308 as a precision rifle and a Savage M99 lever action as a woods gun. Using an 18" barreled M1A in .308 for home defense would simplify things even more
 
One may not be concerned with over penetration, but if two kids are in the house, one *should* be concerned.

Go with one of the huge bear spray blasters.
If you both are incapacitated, the kids can call 911.
 
Out in the country 308 is good for long range open. Where im at, im on side of a mountain so i only have 180 degree advantage. But i have long range if i need to.

308 is suitable for 50yrds plus. So yes you would be ok using the 308.

In the country, 30-30 and 7.62x39 would also be a good defense calibers, non of the 3 calibers in the home. Too messy. Pistol or shotgun in the home.
 
Taliv, it's not "rung what ya brung" if you plan ahead of time to have something better suited for HD.
 
Have you considered a Mini-14 or Mini-30? Very similar function to the M1A, but designed for the less powerful (and often easier to find) ammunition. They're also much lighter and shorter even than the short barreled M1A.
 
Taliv, it's not "rung what ya brung" if you plan ahead of time to have something better suited for HD.
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What he is saying is planning ahead is fine, but if you need to use a gun for HD you will go for whatever is at hand. When you are hunting the call is on you when and where to make your move, when defending your home, the invader has already made that call. Grab what you have, and use it like your life depends on it (most of the time, it does).
 
If you're familiar with the M1A transitioning to a mini 14 would not take much getting used to. Good luck finding one at a decent price though.
 
What he is saying is planning ahead is fine, but if you need to use a gun for HD you will go for whatever is at hand. When you are hunting the call is on you when and where to make your move, when defending your home, the invader has already made that call. Grab what you have, and use it like your life depends on it (most of the time, it does).
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Yes, but I'm saying that you can plan for the most effective option to be what is at-hand, and (depending on your strategy) load that in the gun or keep a magazine loaded by the gun while it's in your safe.
 
I would have to say nothing in .30 cal. Other than maybe an M1 Carbine. If it has to be a rifle you are using for defense I can tell you with 100% confidence that a 7.62X39mm will go through several barriers especially in the FMJ form. If you are not worried about over penetration because of where you live and no one else in the house do what you want. I still say the best is a.223 Rem. Bullet designed for fragmentation. As far as how loud they are .223 Rem. is louder than a 7.62X39mm IMO, if a .12 Ga. Shotgun or .308 Win. Are used you had better make sure you have a down payment on some hearing aids for the rest of your life.... that goes with any Pistol Magnum round or "Rifle" cartridge period! (No .308 rifle would ever really be my 1st choice for home defense IMO)
 
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