AR in .308 or .223?

[Want2Be]

What would you choose for mainly hunting paper, and in a SHTF scenario? Please base your decision on the round itself, not necessarily on the cost of the rifle. Why did you choose what you did?

I'm going to be purchasing an AR, and have yet to decide on the caliber. I like the larger round for the extra kick of the rifle, considering it's mostly going to be a 'plinker', but there is the extra cost of the ammo. The .223 is cheaper, more common, but packs less of a punch.

What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[aka108]

223 is still inexpensive (sort of) to reload, bullet, primer and powder costing less than the bullet for a 308. For paper and plinking the 223 is by far more economical and equal in the fun area.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

Get an SBR (short barreled rifle) in 308...or better yet get a lower registered while you can and build it yourself.

16 or 18 inch barrel would be a fun gun...loud, but fun. It would also serve VERY nicely in a SHTF scenario.

 

[Want2Be]

I guess I should have mentioned I was looking at a SBR, both with the 16" barrel and collapsable stock. Pretty much the same gun, only difference being the size of the bullet.

 

[WardenWolf]

Personally, I would get a .308. While the .223 is standard, the .308 is really a universal cartridge, suitable for use at all ranges and almost all types of game, and it's less likely to be subject to restrictions due to its widespread use in hunting.

 

[f4t9r]

What would you choose for mainly hunting paper

For paper hunting I would suggest the 223

 

[JWarren]

I can't believe no one has said it yet.


Get Both.


I did.


-- John

 

[a-sheepdog]

I like both. For CQB work, I would go with 223. I prefer the 308 for everything else. The down side of 308 is over penetration. In an urban environment, the 308 will travel through alot of medium where the 223 will usually get hung up and stop alot sooner. If only one, 308 due to versatility. You can hunt most anything in North America and the ammo is easily found. As far as SBR under 16", I would go with 223. The 308 would have alot of muzzle blast and harder to keep on target as well as a loss of velocity. 16" or over, back to 308.