[theSteve]

Want to get a new AR platform rifle. Decisions...decisions. What would you choose?

[xXGearheadXx]

Since i already have the other two I'd get a .308!

[shadowman024]

5.56 or 308 isn't 300 blck out a rare round

[theSteve]

Yeah the .300 is relatively new, to my understanding at least. Don't quote me on that though.

[theSteve]

Originally Posted by xXGearheadXx

Since i already have the other two I'd get a .308!

How would you compare the two? Which do you like best?

[arushus]

I think you gotta go with 5.56 if you dont have one already...If you do already have one, then get the .308....just my opinion.

[K00R]

300 AAC Blackout is still relatively new. It's rather rare and a little on the high side on price per box. I'd stay with .308 or 5.56, if 300 blackout is something you're really hot for, I'd wait until more ammo manufacturers catch on to it, then prices will come down.

5.56 is a little cheaper to shoot, .308 isn't horrible either, personally I think it's more "bang for the buck". When I shoot I rifle I like to have some kick, that's just personal preference there. 5.56 is basically a tipped .22 with a **** load of charge behind it so recoil is minimal. However to some a major advantage of 300 AAC Blackout is it fits in the same magazine as a 5.56mm if it's a 30 round 5.56 mag it tops off at 27 rounds of 300 AAC Blackout, slight advantage not to have to re outfit if you already have a 5.56mm caliber AR-15

EDIT: 300 AAC Blackout is around the same caliber round as a 6.8mm if you're interested in the 5.56mm 7.62mm "in betweener" calibers 6.8mm has been around a little longer and is slightly easier to find. Not all that costly either.


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[jurist]

Standard velocity 300blk is not in every store but is widely available. Additionally ammo is not expensive. $12/20rds for brass cased 147gr boattail hollowpoints is as cheap or cheaper than good 5.56 ammo and much cheaper than much 308. Plus subsonic is significantly cheaper than either 5.56 or 308 subsonic. Lastly firing a 308 bullet with ballistics similar to 7.62x39 while continuing to be able to use standard mags round for round is really the biggest benefit. AR-10s are great but are heavy. If you looking for maneuverable and light and cheap ammo the ar-10 isn't the way to go but it is great for long range.

[WoodenPlank]

If it is your first AR, 5.56 without question. No non-standard parts, no funky ammo, easier to troubleshoot, and cheap ammo.

When you consider that .308 needs different lowers and uppers than 5.56/.300, then my preference is 5.56, .300, and .308 - in that order.

For general use, it would be 5.56, .308, .300.

For SHTF, it's the same as general use, but with 5.56 taking a massive lead.

[K00R]

Ermm... .308 for SHTF... Fire a 5.56mm threw some high grass or at your target obscured by some brush, from about 20ft away you'll miss every time. .308 stays on target. 5.56mm is so light weight if it flies through brush it's ballistic trajectory is thrown WAY off.


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[WoodenPlank]

Originally Posted by K00R

5.56 is a little cheaper to shoot, .308 isn't horrible either, personally I think it's more "bang for the buck". When I shoot I rifle I like to have some kick, that's just personal preference there. 5.56 is basically a tipped .22 with a **** load of charge behind it so recoil is minimal. However to some a major advantage of 300 AAC Blackout is it fits in the same magazine as a 5.56mm if it's a 30 round 5.56 mag it tops off at 27 rounds of 300 AAC Blackout, slight advantage not to have to re outfit if you already have a 5.56mm caliber AR-15
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A 30 round 5.56 mag will hold 30 rounds of .300, not 27.

Also, 5.56 is more than your description would lead someone new to believe. While the bore diameter is similar (.22 to .224), the difference in ballistics is significant.

Originally Posted by K00R

Ermm... .308 for SHTF... Fire a 5.56mm threw some high grass or at your target obscured by some brush, from about 20ft away you'll miss every time. .308 stays on target. 5.56mm is so light weight if it flies through brush it's ballistic trajectory is thrown WAY off.


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Besides, if your target is obscured by heavy brush, it likely means you cant be sure of your target or what is behind it, and therefore have no business shooting at it.

[K00R]

As for the 27 round cap on 300 Blackout, my bad there is a good handful of those "in between" calibers now I may have crossed some info there.


I'm not discounting the caliber of 5.56mm. It's effective and has its uses and down sides. Just stating a simple fact about its ballistics, and throwing in a comment about shooting at an obscured target suggesting not to fire when its not seen clearly doesn't help your case. While its proper safety measure assuming we are talking caliber choice in a SHTF/Combat style setting still i'm pretty sure If you were taking fire from behind brush I'm pretty damn sure you would shoot back at that brush.

[WoodenPlank]

Originally Posted by K00R

As for the 27 round cap on 300 Blackout, my bad there is a good handful of those "in between" calibers now I may have crossed some info there.


I'm not discounting the caliber of 5.56mm. It's effective and has its uses and down sides. Just stating a simple fact about its ballistics, and throwing in a comment about shooting at an obscured target suggesting not to fire when its not seen clearly doesn't help your case. While its proper safety measure assuming we are talking caliber choice in a SHTF/Combat style setting still i'm pretty sure If you were taking fire from behind brush I'm pretty damn sure you would shoot back at that brush.

If you really think you're going to miss from 20 feet away, just because a branch was in the path of that 5.56 projectile, I suggest you actually get out and try it some time. Or just look at some of the tests done to simulate that situation.

Yes, .223 or 5.56 will deflect more than .308, etc., but it's not anywhere near the extent you tried to say it was.

[K00R]

It would depend deeply on the density of the brush, and whatever else may be obscuring the trajectory. I didn't leave a very vivid description either, if your target is the size of a Half dollar at 20 feet with the right amount of obstruction you will miss (god forbid i add wind direction and temperature to the mix) Like I also never said one leaf will take it way off coarse either. You're pretty much implying your own vision of exactly what I typed. I suppose I won't go into mention exactly what barrel length this caliber was designed to run out of to get maximum terminal ballistics and performance out of it, or how running it out of a 14.5in barrel like the military is cripples its performance at certain distances and at also how many yards this caliber flies before its no longer effective in that short of a barrel and just bounces off its intended fleshy target.

While I can't speak for you, and won't imply any idea that I can... I've actually used 5.56mm on deployment, I know what's its capable of, and in the current M4A1's configuration I've been sorely disappointed in what it's capable of.

[xXGearheadXx]

Originally Posted by theSteve

How would you compare the two? Which do you like best?

I can't say i really like one better than the other. I'd prefer a .300 BLK for HD(it's a MUCH bigger bullet), 5.56 for fun at the range (more accurate).

If i had to choose one it would be the 5.56, as ammo cost and availability is much better. Fortunately i don't have to.

As a side note, if you reload, the .300 BLK becomes much more appealing. using cheap m80 pulls, i can reload .300 BLK for about the same as 5.56. It just takes a little time forming and cutting the cases.

[Nutt51]

AR platform, I did go with the 5.56, but, I am going to build a
300 Blackout upper. The Blackout uses the same BCG and mags as the 5.56, the only thing you need different is the barrel.
The Blackout is becoming more popular, and more manufacturer's are getting into the market, so hopefully the parts and ammo will become more plentiful, and it's under SAAMI specs.
It's not a wonder round, but uses 5.56 parts and brass with a .30 cal. bullet, which are easy to find. Supersonic ammo is about 30-30 velocity, but with lighter, quality polymer tip bullets like the A-max it gives very good results on deer and hog size game, and could be a very good SD round.
I will most likely build a complete 300 upper to switch out on
my 5.56 AR, and enjoy the best of both as needed.
I love the .308 round, but relegate that one to my bolt action rifles with scopes, or M1A.
If my first venture into AR's, I'd go 5.56 first, get a good
.308 bolt action later, and some type 300 Blk system for fun
or hunting. Just my opinions here, my wife says I'm not always right.

[M&P15T]

Depends.

What do you want to do with your rifle, and what do you want to spend on ammo.

Today I shot 210 rds. (7 mags) of 5.56MM M193, which I ordered and had delivered in 1k bulk for $325. If you have the money, and you can afford to shoot something more expensive, and you think 300 is what will work for you, by all means, go for it.

If you want to just go shooting for fun, and have an AR around for HD/SD, I'd suggest getting a 5.56MM. I use M193 as my HD/SD ammo too.

[mjkeat]

Long story short. I have done carbines in all 3 rounds. I no longer have the .308 or .300 BLK.

[Darkangel1846]

Originally Posted by theSteve

Want to get a new AR platform rifle. Decisions...decisions. What would you choose?

Well if your just gonna shoot a lot at targets and are thinking SHTF Home defense rifle I'd get the 5.56.....longer range harder hitting and hunting rifle but more expensive ammo and magazines I'd get the 762X51.
Real long range and big game, very expensive ammo is the 300 also a rare new round.

for most the 5.56 is the answer with a few for the 762X51....forget the 300..unless your very well off then get all three...JMHO

[KalashniKEV]

9x19mm.

Just kidding. 5.56 of course, unless you have some special role to fill regarding range/ lethality/ noise.

Originally Posted by K00R

When I shoot I rifle I like to have some kick, that's just personal preference there.

Originally Posted by K00R

Ermm... .308 for SHTF... Fire a 5.56mm threw some high grass or at your target obscured by some brush, from about 20ft away you'll miss every time. .308 stays on target. 5.56mm is so light weight if it flies through brush it's ballistic trajectory is thrown WAY off.

Dude... you're awesome... stick around here... and please post more!

[pag23]

I have 5.56/.223 just because it is the most available ammo for me . However 300 BLK does peak my interest due to the fact I only need to change the barrel (or swap complete uppers) from 5.56.

All depends on your use...

[Trey83]

Originally Posted by K00R

It would depend deeply on the density of the brush, and whatever else may be obscuring the trajectory. I didn't leave a very vivid description either, if your target is the size of a Half dollar at 20 feet with the right amount of obstruction you will miss (god forbid i add wind direction and temperature to the mix) Like I also never said one leaf will take it way off coarse either. You're pretty much implying your own vision of exactly what I typed. I suppose I won't go into mention exactly what barrel length this caliber was designed to run out of to get maximum terminal ballistics and performance out of it, or how running it out of a 14.5in barrel like the military is cripples its performance at certain distances and at also how many yards this caliber flies before its no longer effective in that short of a barrel and just bounces off its intended fleshy target.

While I can't speak for you, and won't imply any idea that I can... I've actually used 5.56mm on deployment, I know what's its capable of, and in the current M4A1's configuration I've been sorely disappointed in what it's capable of.

What's the size of a half dollar, hides in heavy brush and shoots at you Is this some kind of riddle?

[Gunnut 45/454]

I have 5.56mm (2), and a 300 Blk. No need for a .308 as I have it's big brother '06 and it's uncle 8x57mm.

[Travclem]

Originally Posted by K00R

EDIT: 300 AAC Blackout is around the same caliber round as a 6.8mm if you're interested in the 5.56mm 7.62mm "in betweener" calibers 6.8mm has been around a little longer and is slightly easier to find. Not all that costly either.


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I believe the 6.8 uses .277 cal bullets, not .308.

OP get the 5.56 if it's your first AR.


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[cowboy1964]

Originally Posted by K00R

Ermm... .308 for SHTF... Fire a 5.56mm threw some high grass or at your target obscured by some brush, from about 20ft away you'll miss every time. .308 stays on target. 5.56mm is so light weight if it flies through brush it's ballistic trajectory is thrown WAY off.

Quantify "WAY off". Cite references.

Tell ya what. Go stand in some brush 100 feet away (5 times the 20 feet you're claiming) and let me shoot at ya. I'll "miss every time", right?

Anyway, this is good info to know. If and when the military comes to hunt us down all we need to do is hide in some tall brush!