d2thomas

I can tell you this, if inexpensive ammo is important to you, consider a ar15 chambered in 7.62X39 [soviet]. The ammo is not quite as cheap as 5.56 but almost! One can usually get 1,000 rnds for about 100 bucks. Balastically speaking, the 7.62 Soviet round is about equivilant to a 30-30. I hope this helps!

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BigEd63

For a AR-15 variant,not an AR-10, I'd stick with .223/5.56.

Find you a good load with a 55gr or heavier expanding bullet, either SP, HP or BT, that the rifle functions and shoots good with for defense use. Then use a FMJ load for training.

OD

A lot of dead VC would tell ya the 5.56 works (well, if they could )

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AutoFan

I'd go with the 5.56, it is just easier to get magazines, low cost ammo, barrels, etc., than any of the more exotic rounds (including the 7.62x39).

There are better platforms for both 7.62x39 (AK's) and .308 (take your pick).

I think the consensus over at the ammo oracle (from the AR15.com site) is that the 75 - 77 hollowpoint rounds are the most effective 5.56 anti-personnel rounds available. They retain speed better than the lighter rounds and fragment at lower speeds (which is how the 5.56 really works). They won't stabilized in the old 1 in 12 twist barrel, but the current standard is 1 in 9 or 1 in 8, which should stabilize them.

Having said that, I wouldn't use 5.56 for hunting anything bigger than a coyote.

RSSZ

I have a .50 Beowulf upper that I sit on top of a Bushmaster lower for hog hunting.I love this setup cuz I'm familiar with the lower working part of the weapon.(LOP,trigger,cut of stock,oversized safety,lowered slide release,oversized mag release) Would highly reccommend the AA muzzle brake. It really tames recoil. Factory ammo is plenteful and fairly cheep. I use the 300gr. Gold Dot. If you reload,you can use the 50cal.line of Powerbelt muzzle loader bullets. They are heavy and tough.(remove the plastic belt) AA puts out a 4 shot and a 7 shot mag. A GI 30 shot mag will hold 13rds. The steel mags(Pro Mag) are the easiest to convert to hold the Beowulf rd. Simply change the contour of the feed lips. The rd. hits hard. Remember it starts out at .500" and expands from there. This isn't for 3 gun matches or long range shootin'. But for puttin' massive doses of heavy bullets on fairly close range targets,this weapon will do it. --------

artz

my choice based upon cost, national availability, and knock'em dead power goes to the .308

rocky

I have seen .223 used for deer, but I prefer something bigger. Like 30-06. The .223 doesn't seem to have the penetration with HP/Sp's than a more potent round. It will kill a deer dead fairly effectively though.

ExSoldier

I agree with this and would add: The 5.56mm is what the AR platform was designed to use. Go with the original design intent or get another platform. I have a Ruger Mini-14 with factory folding stock that I would feel well armed with in an emergency situation. I stand to inherit a CAR15 (old model way pre-ban but not select fire) and I like that it's 5.56mm.

I have an M1A in 7.62x51mm (.308). That gun is set up to reach out and touch 'em at long range. For CQB I might get either a DSA FAL carbine or one of the fairly new M1A SOCOM carbines in 7.62x51mm.

Take 5.56mm for high volume cheap firepower and the 7.62x51mm for longer range and greater killing power. IOW fewer shots to put the guy down with the 7.62x51mm but easier shooting higher volumes of rounds with the 5.56mm. 5.56 is cheaper too. But both are available worldwide. That's another recommendation of the 5.56mm over anything else. It's always available and is used by both our military and most LEOs too.

BTW, has anybody heard any info to suggest that the new 6.8mm is falling out of favor as a new standard military round?

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Euclidean

Was the 6.8 SPC ever actually issued? I know there was speculation that it would be a special forces arm, but the last I heard the rumor was the military abandoned it because of lack of available ammunition.

It probably actually is a better round, but it's like the .357 SIG of military rifle calibers. Sure it's interesting ballistically and probably better, but it's doomed to obscurity.

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BigEd63

Lack of ammoon the civi market probably started that rumor....the military is getting first dibbs on any ammo off the line.
From what I heard of it'd development the Special Forces wanted this round and had input on it's R&D.
They are also the only ones using it now on a limited basis; the last I heard anything half-way reliable in that regard.
Now whether or not a budget will be allocated for further fielding of it after actual use/testing in combat is another issue.