The 7.62x39 or .308 defense rifle ammo question

[Col. Plink]

Well that's an old post of mine with my first screenname; I now have 2 of each!

For what it's worth, my 7.62x39's are as accurate as my .308's. I happened to get a particularly accurate Yugo SKS M59 that is every bit an accurate 100yd weapon and the CZ 527 is a 1/2 MOA tackdriver.

My Saiga 308v.21 has been a delight, though I've yet to find its favorite ammo. The Remington 760 in .308 might be my favorite rifle in the safe. What's not to love?

 

[SSN Vet]

Either one will kill the BG DRT if you place the shot in the kill zone.

Either one will let the BG run away if you graze him.

Either one is going to get his attention if you miss.

In my simple mind, the difference is range and penetration through cover. If you think you will ever have legal or moral justification to engage a BG >100 yds. or a BG that is taking cover to survive your fire, you might have need of .308

Personally, I think .308 is way overkill for any reasoanble self defense scenario I'll ever see.

YMMV

 

[Idempotent]

Just remember that hunting ammo is available in .308, but not really in 7.62x39 (or at least that I'm aware of). For defensive purposes what you're going to want is hunting ammo. That way you won't have the over-penetration problem and you're going to be doing devastating damage.

 

[merlinfire]

Personally, I think .308 is way overkill for any reasoanble self defense scenario I'll ever see.

That's how I feel about it.

That only leaves out 1 or 2 TEOTWAWKI possibilities, but we're talking reasonable after all. 7.62x39 probably fine imo

 

[stuckinsocal]

I think it all comes down to load selection and the area you'd be firing in. As far as load selection, there are great loads for both calibers, Hornady TAP is a good example. It's loaded for both calibers. One thing to keep in mind about it is that any effective load will be able to cause damage to walls, other people, etc. What you need to decide is which load will be more effective against the attacker and less damage against other objects.

As far as the area you'd be firing in, it should also determine what type of loads/caliber you use. Down here on the southwestern border there's a lot of open space in the desert and it's not that uncommon for people who live in the area to encounter drug smugglers armed with rifles (usually either an AK or the Mexican military issue G3). In addition to a shotgun I keep for HD, I also have an SKS (and an M1A Scout when I can afford it) for a situation where I'd be up against something like that. My point is that, at least here on the border, it's definitely a very real possibility that you'd be up against someone else armed with a rifle at medium ranges. So people that live here plan accordingly. Take into consideration the terrain and the possibilities of what types of defense situations you'd be in.

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

Are you actually going to seriously practice with whatever rifle you get?
Are you rich enough that the increased cost of practice ammo does not matter?

An AK with practice is much more effective than a FAL, M14, CETME, HK/PTR, AR10, Bolt action, without practice. IMHO. If you have to defend yourself and the gun goes click because you forgot to properly seat the mag, whatever advantage .308 had is gone. Also, you will be deaf shooting .308 in doors without hearing protection. Some moron fired an AR 10 on the line behind me, after the line was safe last week - my ears were ringing for an hour.

 

[Col. Plink]

Who said anything about firing indoors? My OP was regarding defense (vs. hunting)

 

[Shawn Dodson]

I've come to the conclusion that 7.62x39mm is an excellent choice for a general-purpose cartridge. It's inexpensive (about $300/thousand) and widely available, which translates into more trigger time. Premium ammo is also available at prices comparable to other cartridges.

Combine it with an inexpensive SKS and you have a rugged carbine that's fun to shoot inexpensively, and for defense you have a cartridge with better "barrier blind" performance and comparable terminal performance (premium ammo - wound profile for Hornady TAP - http://www.hornadyle.com/products/mo...&sID=148&pID=1) than either .30 carbine or 5.56x45mm. No need to stock up on magazines either - just inexpensive stripper clips.

An SKS and 1000rds ammo can be had for about $700.

Good luck with your choice!

 

[armoredman]

Good woods caliber, if that's what you meant. If I get the family to a National Park or Forest, the vz-58 would going too.
As for hunting ammo, I load my own, and cast my own bullets.