I need help with picking a rifle.

[DasFriek]

While i am gonna re-evaluate my needs,wants and expectations of this gun now the .223 has just as much chance as any round at this point.

At this point i think im best served on picking an ammo and then picking a rifle.
If ammo costs weren't an issue the DPMS .308 is about as close to what i want as i can get. Im no expert but i do believe the AK 7.62x39 lacks accuracy past 100 yards, But under 100 yards its about as good as i can ask for, Price included.

Why i dont like the .223, And remember this is my opinions.
Its a .22 caliber for gods sake, Penetration blows with only 55 grains. Being so light, Past 100 yards the wind is the Devil. Ive even read reports of the Taliban having no fear of the round. Some of that is fact and some is just wrong im sure. But for a Battle style rifle i don't feel its adequate.

I think one issue im making a mistake in is wanting a semi auto to shoot at 200+ yard range. Sure it can be done, But price escalates. So this brings up another decision.
100 yards with a semi auto, Or 200+ yards bolt action.

1. Pick weather i want 100 yards and a SA or 200+ yards with bolt action.
2. Then pick an ammo based on action of gun, price, and ballistics.

 

[DasFriek]

Ive been looking around and have an idea.
My local shop is selling RUSSIAN Mosin's M91/30 7.62 x 54R for $90 each.
Ati makes a nice synthetic stock for $70.
Ive read this pretty much is a sniper rifle, But im sure alot is questionable on an old rifle but with time and work i can do work to correct that.

This could be a fun project, Very accurate even at 200 yards and shoots the hot and cheap 7.62x39

I know this is a bit off track from my original idea, But i can supplement the semi auto need and under 100 yard range needs with a normal AK47 or similar.

So if you been following the thread ammo price became a big issue. The 7.62x54 is priced perfectly and on a bolt action it should slow me down on pulling the trigger easily 3x as much.
Accuracy? hows it gonna do at 200 yards? I understand it may take work to get there, May even take me buying 2 rifles and using the best parts of both to make one and sell the other crappier parts back in working order of course.

 

[GPWASR10]

Dude, just save your $$$$ until you find something you actually WANT. Or buy a AR-15 lower ($150.00 or so) and start buying parts as you find them on sale. The 5.56 is not a joke round man, do your research and you will find that as long as you keep the FPS at around 3000, it's a real meat grinder when it hit's something. Plus it has the same trajectory as a .308 out to about 600 yards.

 

[DasFriek]

As stated im no longer ruling out any caliber, And .223 prices on ammo are hard to beat.
But i was never under the impression a .223 can have impressive results at 200 yards unless extra money was put into the rifle to do so.
I would think even a slight breeze would put a .223 way off target at 200 yards?

At the moment im stuck, I have the Mosin idea in my head which could be a fun project and also introduce me too what i may find i want in this next rifle.

 

[gondorian]

The .223/5.56 will drift about 9-10 inches at 300yds in a 10mph crosswind with heavy bullets like 77gr or about 14 inches with lighter bullets like 55gr. This compares fairly well with the .308 which has about 7 inches of drift in the same conditions. Keep in mind that if you want to shoot heavier 5.56 rounds you will need a fairly fast twist in your barrel. So the .223/5.56 isn't foiled by the slightest puff of wind, but it isn't a flying bulwark either.

Probably the cheapest decent way to go 5.56 in a semi-auto AR platform in a CMMG bargain bin rifle, which can be had for $600 before tax etc. Or you could build one yourself.

 

[GPWASR10]

Mosins are cool, no doubt. But they are often counter bored, have less then perfect bores, and they will have a lot more variances as far as accuracy goes then even a low end AR-15.

Buy a lower man, then buy a kit, then a butt stock, then save a few weeks for an upper. You will be happy in the end I think. But a cheap reloading press (LEE makes a single stage that is very easy on the wallet) and get an AR in the 6.5 Grendel upper of you wanna shoot a bigger round.

Even the lowest AR is still a nice rifle.

 

[Heavenlyfire]

I love my mosin for just going out and shooting. As for the accuracy you do need to inspect the rifling a little. If that is decent you are good. I have an M44 and love shooting at 300 yard targets.

 

[skipbo32]

i picked the M1A and never looked back. all the gun you need. and they look great.

 

[skipbo32]