.308 or 7.62x39?

[ar15barrels]

I have no experience with these calibers (I only have a 223), but I would like my next rifle to be chambered in one of them. I don’t hunt or reload; I simply shoot paper from a bench (200 yards max). They both seem good, though it does look like .308 might stress the wallet (but I do like the idea of having more stopping power, even if I’m just paper-punching). Any advice on which caliber would better suit me?

If you just want to shoot at paper, 7.62x39 will make noise for less cost than 308.
If you would like your bullets to land closer together ON the paper, then 308 will have much better options for target ammo which will make smaller groups.

There are almost no factory 7.62x39 match ammo options available which would make small groups.
There are lots of different types of factory 308 match ammo options available to make small groups.

[k1dude]

LOL...from his first post. He has a .223.

Yes. I'm aware of that. But for some reason I assumed he had an AR and is now considering a bolt action. Perhaps it was steelholder's post (post #3) that got me thinking along those lines.

Perhaps I assumed too much.

[jeffyhog]

You should have at least 3-4 rifles in each of those calibers.

[deckhandmike]

Just master the .223. Paper dies all the same. If you want to upgrade and start shooting farther get a 6.5 Creedmoor. It outclasses the .308. A 7.62x39 is fun but not a target round, more a fun plinker. I got 5.56, 6.8spc, 7.62x39, .308, .300 win mag and what I actually shoot is the 5.56 95% percent of the time due to cost.

[Xanthippus]

7.62x39mm is an incredible round for its intended purpose (which is a man-shaped target). Soviet combat doctrine never placed a premium on pin-point precision shooting, like Western combat doctrine tends to. Instead, it's about closing the distance to target and volume of fire. With a fat .30 cal round and mild recoil, the x39mm is practically perfect for that purpose.

On the other side, if you're less about utility and more about scores, competitions, and MOA groupings, there's no contest - between the two (.308 or x39mm), .308 is obviously superior. How much exactly? Well, as others have said, it may be plentiful but there are now more accurate projectiles available, such as 6.5C (and it recoils less, which will make firing from a bolt-action more comfortable throughout a day of shooting).

Personally, I stack both deep. .30 cal all day long. One's super cheap and plentiful, lots of fun to shoot all day (x39mm) and one has the potential to tac-drive and put food on the table easily (subject to my skill level).

[Quiet]

If you just want to shoot at paper, 7.62x39 will make noise for less cost than 308.
If you would like your bullets to land closer together ON the paper, then 308 will have much better options for target ammo which will make smaller groups.

There are almost no factory 7.62x39 match ammo options available which would make small groups.
There are lots of different types of factory 308 match ammo options available to make small groups.

What he said.

[rm1911]

[m14forme]

I have had a M1a for many years and don't shoot it that much because of the cost. I also have a few .556 chambered rifles. I built a AR chambered in 7.62x39 a few years ago because I wanted something in the middle, and its a great rifle. I got a package deal on the upper, 4500+ rounds of ammo and 10 magazines from a friend who lives in a free state. Gets much more use due to the low cost of ammo. Has about as much recoil as a .556 AR.

The M1a is much more accurate at distances past 300 yards, but if you are never planning on shooting distance, go for the cheaper ammo. 7.62x39 is cheaper than just about anything else out there.

Or, do the right thing and get both.

[Calif Hunter]

As said previously, if all you want to do is punch holes in paper cheaply, get the 7.62x39. If you want accuracy, get the .308.

[MissiontoMars]

Yes. I'm aware of that. But for some reason I assumed he had an AR and is now considering a bolt action. Perhaps it was steelholder's post (post #3) that got me thinking along those lines.

Perhaps I assumed too much.

Ahhh, i see. good point.

[newbutold]

I would go .308 Win. Not a fan of the commie rounds.

[Kokopelli]

Much wisdom has already been posted. I just have this; You can handload the 308 Winchester down to 7.62X39 levels, but not the other way around.

[RNE228]

Do you want a big group or a little group?

7.62 ball ammo is not going to get you good groups. Decent ammo might get you 3-4 MOA; that's 3-4" group at 100 yards, 6-8" group at 200 yards...

308 ball ammo will make much smaller groups, but is still not accurate ammo. Match ammo can get a good shoot well below MOA. A 1" group with good 308 ammo is doable at 200 yards...

Remember, part of it is the rifle. But part of it is the ammo. You can feed a good rifle junky ammo, and never get a good group...

[C.G.]

7.62 x 39 does not make sense for a bolt action rifle.

[axhoaxho]

For killing papers at 200 yards.... What about a Ruger American Ranch .223?

Shoots straight and true. Lots of ammo selections. Ammos are cheaper to buy and lighter to haul. It takes AR mags too.