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.223 vs .308

Cameron203Cameron203 Member Posts: 210 ✭✭✭
edited April 2004 in Ask the Experts
Can someone explain to me the difference between these two rounds. .223 vs .308 as far as range and knock down power? I am thinking of purchasing one of the following rifles:

AK-47 *not sure who makes a quality AK most of them seem cheap.
AR-15 *colt or bushmaster
AR-10 *not sure who makes this but its a .308
HK SL8 *I think these only come with 10 rd. clips its a .308
Hk91 clone-don't really want to pay 3k for a HK 91 so who makes a good clone and are they as good quality as the HK 91's.

Thanks

Comments

  • Laredo LeftyLaredo Lefty Member Posts: 13,451 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The .223 or 5.56mm and the .308 or 7.62mm are both in heavy use by the military.
    The standard .223 55gr bullet travels about 3100 fps (feet per second). It can also be loaded with bullets both heavier and lighter than 55gr.

    The .308 uses a large variation of bullet weights. The usual military load is a 147 to 150 gr bullet going about 2700- 2800 fps.

    Both of these rounds perform well. The .308 in the right hands is accurate out to 1000 yds and beyond. The .223 can be shot to those ranges, but does not have the same power at the terminal end due to its bullets weighing about a third of those in the .308.

    Most ak-47's are chambered in 7.62x39mm, a far shorter round than the .308 or 7.62x51mm. I have seen AK's in .223, and if memory serves me, some .308 AK's about 10 yrs ago.

    "Never let school interfere with your education"
  • BigGameHunter42BigGameHunter42 Member Posts: 224 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    the .308 is bigger more knockdown power

    the .223 is smaller and travels at higher speeds
  • GreenLanternGreenLantern Member Posts: 1,647 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    How much are you looking to spend?
  • Contender ManContender Man Member Posts: 2,110 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    308 has the better knock down.

    Whatever rifle you settle on, get one that is factory chambered. Yes a lot of conversions are good, but a lot of them are a royal pain in the butt ...

    You don't say what you want to use the rifle for so trying to give advice on a specifc rifle would just be guessing and that's not a productive process.

    The more info you give the better we can help you!


    2470099-S.jpg
    If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!
  • gap1916gap1916 Member Posts: 4,977
    edited November -1
    These are all different rounds. It depends on what you plan to do with it. The .223 and the 7.62 X 39 are much cheaper to shoot than the .308. The .308 is much better for hunting large game. You can shoot he .223 in most indoor ranges. It just depends on what you want to use the cartrige for. [8D]

    Greg
    Former Marine
    A N G L I C O
  • Cameron203Cameron203 Member Posts: 210 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    what about the hk clone's
  • stalion10stalion10 Member Posts: 336 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    we need to know what your planning to do with it before anyone of us can answer your question!!if you are just wanting something for plinking, target, hunting, or a combination of any of the aformentioned. as far as all the guns that your looking at there all good.ak's only seem cheap but are'nt they are based on a design that make them fill that way because their toler. are loose so that as they say you can fill them with sand,dump it out and it will still function properly. as far as the hk clones or any others you really cant go wrong.you didnt mention any sporters, why not? again post what you want to do with it so we can recemend in which way we would go in your shoes

    it's not the type of gun you have in the heat of a battle that counts, only if you have enough ammo for it, lets face it, a gun without ammo is only as good as a base ball bat!!
  • InvictaInvicta Member Posts: 262 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    According to Remington's website the .308 at 500 yards is about as powerful as a .223 at the muzzle.
    http://www.remington.com/ammo/ballistics/centerfire/comp_ballistics_results.asp

    If you want a .308 but don't want to spend 3 grand you might want to check these out. You can get high capacity mags for them.
    http://www.dsarms.com/catalog-list.cfm?Category=01&Subcat=SA58 Tactical Series&storeid=1
  • bigtirebigtire Member Posts: 24,800
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Cameron203
    what about the hk clone's


    If you go with 308 you might consider an FAL. I like them much better than an HK clone like the Cetme. A little more expensive than a Cetme but still half the price of an AR-10.

    MOLON LABE!
  • kimberkidkimberkid Member Posts: 8,858 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've never liked the feel of the FAL types ... don't know why, just don't fit me right.

    There are some good quality clones out there ... none of them say Century on them (big red flag). Because of their price they have a loyal following, and reportedly, once "broke in", "worked over" or "returned for repairs" they can be made into decent shooters ... or so I've heard.

    Ohio Rapid Fire builds a good quality HK clone in 223 and 308 that sells retail for $599.95 - $1299.95 depending on the configuration you want ... also the PTR-91 is also supposed to be a good clone but I've never handled one.

    .


    Chance favors the prepared mind [8D]
    Topeka.gif
    If you really desire something, you'll find a way ?
    ? otherwise, you'll find an excuse.
  • vepr762vepr762 Member Posts: 299 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I was once in the same quandry as you are now, Cameron203. I wanted a QUALITY, semi-auto, ACCURATE, and inexpensive to shoot plinker. I ended up with a VEPR II in 7.62x39 for Robinson Arms. It's basically an RPK that has been reconfigured for the US market. Wolf ammo is available around 7.5-8.5 cents per round. The touted accuracy is not hype and the workmanship/fit/finish is excellent.

    Having heard the stories and seen the quality, you may want to steer clear of Century Arms products unless you are on a tight budget.
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