.308 or 7.62x39?

[Torrez465]

[sigstroker]

7.62x39 would work, but the cheap ammo commonly loaded for it is not "match quality". Bolt guns are getting more popular for it though, so it might be that better and better ammo is becoming available. The Ruger American is chambered in it, I believe, but also the Howa mini-action in a very light and compact rifle is available.

[steelholder]

Look at the cz rifles in 762x39, FINE AS WINE.

[Ora Serrata]

7.62x39 is definitely cheaper for ammo, and it doesn't kick as much as .308. If you're keeping it at 200 yrds or closer you'll be fine with 7.62x39. AK's and SKS's are also cheaper than buying a PTR, FAL or M1A if that's what you're looking at.

If you plan on doing real precision shooting within that 200 yards you'll have more rifle options with the .308 (bolt actions particularly).

But it comes down to what your interested in. I love having an AK, but I enjoy shooting an M1A more. Recoil doesn't bother me though.

[k1dude]

If you're worried about stressing your wallet, why are you considering the .308 and 7.62x39? Sure the .308 match rounds can be expensive, but at least you can get match rounds. Try doing that with 7.62x39. Heck, you're going to spend a chunk just for brass cased factory ammo in 7.62x39.

You should be considering a .223. Comparatively inexpensive and lots of factory match ammo available.

[TMB 1]

Get the 308 and get into reloading. Then later get a 300 Blackout. Much larger selection of 308 bullets than 310 bullets.

If you just want to shoot the cheap steel case 7.62x39 ammo, get an SKS.

[M1NM]

Get the 308 and get into reloading. Then later get a 300 Blackout. Much larger selection of 308 bullets than 310 bullets.

If you just want to shoot the cheap steel case 7.62x39 ammo, get an SKS.

This - also most of the cheap 7.62x39 ammo is magnetic.

[sigstroker]

If you're going to end up shooting Blackout anyway, no need to do .308 first. Just go straight to Blackout.

Not many bolt guns chambered in it though.

[Varg Vikernes]

223 is fine to 600y. x39 drops like a brick at 200y though.

[MissiontoMars]

If you're worried about stressing your wallet, why are you considering the .308 and 7.62x39? Sure the .308 match rounds can be expensive, but at least you can get match rounds. Try doing that with 7.62x39. Heck, you're going to spend a chunk just for brass cased factory ammo in 7.62x39.

You should be considering a .223. Comparatively inexpensive and lots of factory match ammo available.

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

[baih777]

Consider a bolt action.
6.5 creedmoor
Costs the same as 308. But you can buy 130 grain and shoot all day.
Save your brass. Reloaders will buy the brass.

[TMB 1]

If you're going to end up shooting Blackout anyway, no need to do .308 first. Just go straight to Blackout.

Not many bolt guns chambered in it though.

I thought of that but OP said "I do like the idea of having more stopping power". I pointed out the 300 Blackout because it's cheap to shoot if reloading and uses same size bullets.

Ruger and Remington both make bolt action 300 Blackout.

[Ora Serrata]

OK, so if you want more stopping power, you're not shooting beyond 200 yards, and you want to keep costs down. You could just get a 300 blackout upper for your existing .223 (assuming it's an AR). In fact you don't even need to get different magazines! Palmetto State Armory has them cheap, they'll ship them to your door. No need to DROS a new gun and you can get ammo at Walmart for less than .308. When the Gun Show comes to town buy a case of 250 rounds for cheap.

[JTROKS]

7.62x39 will reach 200 yards no problem and with less recoil. Just keep in mind the trajectory is sharp resulting in more bullet drop as the range get farther. I have hunted using 7.62x39 and for feral pigs I had to keep my shots within 200 yards or less. Finding .311” match bullets is not as easy as .308. If you don’t like recoil consider 300 Blackout and reload for it. Quality 7.62x39 rounds aren’t cheap, don’t expect surplus 7.62x39 ammo to give you great accuracy.

On the other hand the 308/7.62x51 is a much powerful round. There’s a smorgasbord of match grade ammo and bullets. If you select the right rifle, twist and bullet you can reach 1000 yards easy. If you reload you can select 155 grain HPBT match bullets and start minimum data until you get the most accurate load.

If you’re recoil sensitive consider 6.5CM, if I can go back in time I would’ve picked the 6.5CM

[JackEllis]

OP, if all you're doing is punching paper, why spend the money and go through the bother of buying another rifle that's significantly more expensive to shoot than a .223.

For a lot less money you could buy a .22LR and shoot it at distances greater than 50 yards or (if your range allows it) at smaller targets like spent shotshells or spinners.