Saiga 7.62 vs 5.56

[HalveNaught]

Looking to pick one up and not sure which caliber to go with. I did a search but found no definitive info to help.

Alls I know is 7.62=more power 5.56=more accuracy.

I am wondering about ammo/mag availability and shooting info.

Which caliber does LE/Military use more of?

Thoughts?

[hoozaru]

get both period

[corporateslave]

I don't think you will see much of an accuracy difference with either round in a Saiga. Also, as far as I know Saigas are stamped .223 but I have heard of people shooting 5.56 out of them without problems and that that caliber Saiga is designed around the 5.56 round. Still something to look into before deciding on a 5.56

You won't have problems finding ammo for either. The 5.56 round is used by US military and police, I don't think the 7.62x39 round is used by US forces other than in special circumstances. It is used heavily by the Russian military though, and 7.62 is the original AK round.

As far as mags go they are gonna cost you $25+ each for either, and lots of websites have them in stock, so availability shouldn't be a problem. The 7.62 Saiga can be modified with bullet guide to accept AK mags, which is a huge plus. Also, if you think there's any chance you would do an AK conversion in the future, get the 7.62.

I personally got the 7.62.

[Flogger23m]

If you mean .308 (7.62x51), that is used for sniper rifles and medium machineguns. Some SF guys run around with the M-14 and probably SCAR H now.


If you mean 7.62x39, mainly poor countries that have not had the money to switch over to 5.45x39 still use it. Russia still uses it a little bit, but they mainly switched over to 5.45x39.

[1988]

Alls I know is 7.62=more power 5.56=more accuracy.

7.62x51 is more power and also very accurate.
7.62x39 is more power, but not very accurate at more than 200 yards
5.56 is very accurate. It's not kicking as the 7.62's, but with some heavy weight bullets, it's still very effective.

I am wondering about ammo/mag availability and shooting info.

Mags are available, but some are more expensive than others. You can always rebuild your 10-rounders from parts.

Which caliber does LE/Military use more of?

7.62x51 and 5.56x45 are NATO rounds, and .223 are readily available. Most LE have at least some 5.56/.223.

Thoughts?

Personally, if I have to choose only one Saiga, I'd take the 7.62x39. Saiga 223 is more accurate than some other Vodka AK's, but not enough for longer range.

I still have Saiga in both 7.62x39 and 223. However, I'd prefer to use my AR to shoot heavier 5.56/.223 rounds, and my VZ-58 to shoot the 7.62x39. For the 7.62x51, I have my 6.5 Grendel as an alternative.

[glockwise2000]

I have both 762x39 and 223. I like the punch of the 762x39 better than the 223. I suggest 762x39.

[Dirtbiker]

If this is your first AK pattern rifle I'd go with 7.62X39. If you already have something chambered in that round go for the .223.

I am going to buy a 223 Sagia and put the AR mag adapter in it.

[HalveNaught]

Thanks for the input, some great stuff here for me to work with. I am leaning toward the 7.62x39. My only hangup is ammo availability. A lot of the sites I have looked on are out of stock on that caliber, but still have some of the .223R rounds. Does ammo availability seem to come in waves? Or is it always difficult to get hold of the 7.62x39?

Side note: assuming I can find them, which type of round would you suggest stocking, soft point? hollow tip?

Sorry for all the questions, and thanks for the info, I am a noob to the whole AR thing.

[SJgunguy24]

get both period

This^^^^^

Start with the 7.62X39 and then get the 223 when funds allow.
If you can hold it the 7.62X39 will hit a man sized target way farther than people give it credit for.
Mags are cheaper and readily avalible and 7.62X39 can be had for 200-250$ per 1K

[Dirtbiker]

I am leaning toward the 7.62x39. My only hangup is ammo availability. A lot of the sites I have looked on are out of stock on that caliber, but still have some of the .223R rounds. Does ammo availability seem to come in waves? Or is it always difficult to get hold of the 7.62x39?

Just keep looking, there is plenty of 7.62X39 around.

https://www.centerfiresystems.com

https://www.aimsurplus.com

https://www.palmettostatearmory.com

https://www.ammoman.com

The list goes on.

[IsaacGlass]

Looking to pick one up and not sure which caliber to go with. I did a search but found no definitive info to help.

Alls I know is 7.62=more power 5.56=more accuracy.

I am wondering about ammo/mag availability and shooting info.

Which caliber does LE/Military use more of?

Thoughts?

Here's some reading material for you.

http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&client=google-coop-np&cof=FORID:13%3BAH:left%3BS:http://www.calguns.net/%3BCX:Calguns%2520Custom%2520Search%3BL:http://www.calguns.net/images/newcalguns.jpg%3BLH:100%3BLP:1%3BVLC:%23551a8b%3BGFNT:%23666666%3BDIV:%23cccccc%3B&cx=018149931542195181678:pzxbzjzh1zk&adkw=AELymgXSA5cTglk6OOoCQsRxUUxLlKCiG2wz_x1lhPA5aWMOVTwYRIAorwhkzTVZzPx_NXrKwgs7cgKNGPvK0872HqrYGuiXu6N4TLff9Ji9DHjgwKHhOsE&boostcse=0&q=Saiga&start=0&sa=N

[Flogger23m]

Side note: assuming I can find them, which type of round would you suggest stocking, soft point? hollow tip?

The cheapest bullets you can find. They take Wolf and whatnot with no issues. They work really well with lower quality ammo compared to other guns.

If you want accuracy, then I am not sure.

[derwiking]

Do yourself a favor, get one in 7.62x51. You won't regret it. The quality and accuracy is excellent.