Why 5.56 over 7.62?

[BigBill]

The m14 in 7,62 NATO is good for 1,000 yards I could be wrong, maybe more. I have a scope with bullet drop compisation. I can dope the scope for pinpoint accuracy from 100 yards to 500 yards with no error. This is a Bushnell banner scope. I use this Bushnell trophy model and worldview model on my 338wm and my 30-06 both scopes have the same BDC option. From 100 yards to 500 yards. You use a range finder then dope the scope. Now BSA offers a scope with this BDC option for rifle in the 223/5,56 caliber too. My plan is to try it out on the Saiga in 223. I made a 170yard shot with my 338wm and I hit a dime sized target. I like these scopes with the mechanical adjustable turret. I can dial in the yardage for an accurate shot. This Bushnell scope with the BDC has been on my 338
since '94 with no problems. My rifle goes from a Woodstove heated camp right into the 10 degree weather with no fogging or loss of seal on this scope. Having the BDC option on the scope means no guessing or Kentucky windage is needed. When that trophy buck of a life time is out there at 350 or 450 yards I can dial in the yardage and make an accurate shot.

I prefer having the BDC (bullet drop compisation) option on all my hunting rifles.

 

[Rangerpat]

5.56 = Spray and Pray

7.62 = One shot, One kill

 

[hatt]

I have a saiga 7.62 that is in the middle of conversion. By the time it is converted it will be around $1,200-$1,300 total including paying someone to do the conversion. I know I could get a 5.56 rifle for that price range but then I ask myself: why would I want a 5.56 in the first place if I have a 7.62?

My reasoning is as follows:
1. Neither the 5.56 or 7.62 are long range guns so at 100 yards the power goes to the 7.62. You would get a different caliber all together for long range.
2. cost of ammo slight edge to 7.62
3. Maintenance goes to the ak platform 7.62.

I am not trying to start a fight between platforms but as a person that has often looked for a reason to "need" another gun. Why did you take a 5.56 platform over an 7.62 platform?

aside from the saiga/ak I know ruger & sig make a decent 7.62-the sig being too much $.

1. You'll have to define "long range" and what you're trying to do. 5.56 is a easily a longer range cartridge than x39. If you're looking towards 1000 yards you should get something else.

2. In non panic times, steel .223 costs are similar to steel x39. x39 always looks better because steel cases are compared to brass 5.56. 5.56 ammo is much less dependent on imports which could be banned. Remember China.

3. Is maintenance really an issue with any modern military type gun? Pretty easy to keep them going. A little oil every 500 rounds will keep an AR going forever.

 

[warbuff]

Why did you take a 5.56 platform over an 7.62 platform?

Why choose only one? I have AKs in 7.62x39 (and 5.45) as well as ARs in 5.56 (and .308).

 

[Arik]

5.56 = Spray and Pray

7.62 = One shot, One kill

Lol! NOT!!!

 

[shipwreck2]

Why choose only one? I have AKs in 7.62x39 (and 5.45) as well as ARs in 5.56 (and .308).

I have two as well; a converted saiga 308 and the almost converted 7.62x39 saiga. I have some 22's too, so after reading all this I think I'm good for anything below 308. I may pick up another 308 like the ruger gunsite scout or go big like a 45/70 (just for fun). This is a great read thanks for all your input.

 

[BigBill]

The "7,62" being compared to the 5,45/5,56 is the 7,62x39 not the 7,62/308. The sks in 7,62x39 is a short range rifle power wise. I believe it's best accuracy is out to 125yards. I'm not sure of the 5,45/5,56 & how far can it shoot accurately. I think it's around 350yards. Any further the m14 in 7,62/308 takes over. This is why the m14 is being reissued in the sand box because of it farther shooting capabilities.

 

[Arik]

You can shoot both 5.45 and x39 fairly accurately out to 400 yards. When I say fairly accurate I mean hit your target center mass not write your name on his chest.

 

[BigBill]

But how much power is there out that far.

I can shoot my a 9mm pistol out to 100yds using three feet of Kentucky windage and make pin point shots on the berm hitting rocks but there isn't much power left.

 

[BigBill]

Ok the heavier 75gr bullet will shoot farther and more stable in the 223. Buy the 55gr bullet has less range and accuracy due to the wind. The farther the 223 bullet goes the energy is 400ft.lbs. @ 300yds. Estimate plus or minus 100ft.lbs. One must know the guns limitations.
They called the 223 Remington a varmit caliber when it first hit the civilian market. When I think of a varmit caliber I think of the 22-250. We need a very fast bullet when hunting wood chucks. The Chuck can hear the click of the gun before it fires and run in its hole. Distance and accuracy becomes a factor with speed. I purchased my Saiga in 223 for varmit hunting. Mainly for yotes to thin the packs.