Thread: .223 or .308 Rifle Question

I'm in the market for a new rifle. I've been reading reviews and held a few. I really like the Sig Sauer 556XI. It feels great in my hands. I like the folding stock for easy storage. While at the gun shop I looked at a Sig 716 which is the .308 version. It's a little heavier and a little bigger. I dont mind the extra weight or bulk but really like the 556. So all this stuff thats going on in Ferguson MO really has me on edge. It's really hitting home that at any point something like that can happen anywhere. So my question for you guys who know a little more about these style guns and have a little more experience with them is, if you could but only one rifle, a .223 or .308 for a when SHTF situation which would you get and why? I have a tactical shotgun and a few hand guns but want a rifle. It wont be used for hunting or putting 1000's of rounds at the range. It will a gun that I hope I never need to use for the reason I'm buying it. Knock down power for a crowd of thugs like in Ferguson. If you guys have other guns that you'd suggest I'd like to hear what they are and why you like them. Knowledge is power and I'm never above learning something new. Thanks, James

.308 all around the best round on the market. You have the range and knock down power with a .308 regardless of the game.

Most AR15s use 30 round magazines and shoot .223 or 5.56x45. The 5.56 is a little more powerful than the .223 but the recoil form either is very minimal and manageable even for female and small frame shooters. The .308-7.62x51 in an AR10 use up to 20 round magazines. The .308 is a more powerful round and is heavier and more expensive. In the above situation I would expect to engage at around 100 yards or less. The 62gr green tip 5.56 is more than adequate at that range. A red dot scope and flip up back up iron sights that are visible through the bottom 1/3rd (cowitness) of the red dot should it malfunction would be ideal. Add a quad rail handguard and you can install a front grip, grip-bipod, laser, flashlight, or flare launcher. In a "bug out" scenario I would be able to carry more 5.56 magazines and ammunition than the heavier .308-7.62 Nato. You can find a decent soft case that will protect your rifle and hold 6 extra 30 round mags and a cleaning kit for around $50. If I were in a situation where engaging at longer ranges and leaving were not an option then I would consider a scoped .308 and a hi cap semi auto 9mm or 40 S&W backup. Another option is the AK47 variants. They use 30 round magazines and shoot the .223 or 7.62x39 round. AKs are ugly, utilitarian, built in mass from rugged loose tolenance components. Most have chrome lined barrels since the imported ammo is slightly corrosive. Bulk ammo is steel cased laquer or polymer coated (non-reloadable) with lead core copper plated steel jacket bullets and it is cheap compared to US made brass cased copper jacketed. The AK's claim to fame is reliability in harsh dirty conditions. Any of the above will take down an average sized deer or wild hog as well.

there is a reason the military went to the 556 round....love the 308,but for the above reasons ,mainly weight of rounds, and availability..... I would and have opt for the 556 ar ....never did for years but recently became a new owner.....I still like a combo carbine and hand gun that uses the same round and Ruger for 1 uses the same mags too in both....wish mine were in 40cal instead of 9mm

.308 hands down. That is a very versatile round, it has the distance and power you're looking for.

5.56 or .223 IMHO.

The down and dirty:

Depending on the particular rifle of course, .308 is legendary for for flinch making recoil.

Rifle: SKS or the mini-30 (7.62) if you want to up the firepower a bit. Or if you want the .223, the mini-14 ranch rifle (1000 rounds on hand). The Rugers and SKS are less finicky than ARs and are more forgiving regarding maintenance.

Additionally (not that you asked):

Pistol: Your choice of brand (mine is Kimber .45 but most probably go Glock) .40 or .45 (1000 rounds on hand)


Shotgun--Remington 870 12 ga sawed off to (your state's legal limit) 18 or 19" with magazine extender. I load mine with 8 rounds of #4 buckshot. (100 rounds on hand)

Last resort hip pocket pistol: Beretta 950 BS in .25 with hollow points. A true better than nothing weapon that can pump 9 rounds in just a few seconds. From a few feet away, it will allow you to di di mau.

Knock down power for a crowd of thugs like in Ferguson.

BBJ,
If you have a tactical 12 gauge shotgun, you have pretty good crowd control now. If you must have a rifle and you aren't planning to shoot it much or carry it for miles you want a .308. More than twice the bullet energy than the .223. Another factor not mentioned is that the voice of a .308 is considerable enough to be quite a deterrent to bad behavior.
Just my $.02.

.308 or 7.62 = Main Battle Rifle = Possible long distance engagement from cover or concealment

.223 or 5.56 = Light Assault Rifle = Close quarters, primary engagement weapon for move and shoot or clearing purposes

From your description and concerns, the 5.56 light assault rifle will fill the need more adequately than the .308 / 7.62 rifle. Ammo cost will be significantly less and the lighter platform will be more easily deployed.

Id go with the 556 cheaper on ammo and like said above will work for deer and hogs. Also a nice shtf rifle. You might look into building one. It can be cheaper than buying one. The last one I built was about 450-500. If you want some info where I get all the parts shoot me a pm