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[J.S.Riesch]

Military surplus or/and reload.

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=12

[Kalderis40]

No Assault Rifles allowed in CA.... Please don't refer to ARs as Assault Rifles.

As far as ammo, yes, you can buy in bulk. Check out the gun shows, do a Google search for ammo prices.

[chicoredneck]

Do you already have a 308? If so, bulk ammo is the way to go. If not, ask yourself why do you need a larger round. What turned you off about the size of the 223? Do you currently hunt and feel you need a cartridge more substantial than 223 or require a cartridge that will penetrate objects better than a 223? Are you using this for punching paper, plinking, and light game like most other AR owners? Do you just really like the fun/cool factor of a larger cartridge?

[Rekrab]

If you live in SoCal, keep in mind that some ranges won't let you shoot bimetal ammunition.

[russ69]

No Assault Rifles allowed in CA....

Nope, It's Assault Weapons that are illegal. That's a combination of weapons that are only designed to kill children and have a shoulder thing that goes up. Clear?

[Exdc]

Just to re-affirm what most of the other people have said so far:
A.) Yes you can get .308 cheaper in bulk, or by reloading your own cartridges.

B.) What do you want the rifle for? Are you punching paper/plinking?

1.)If yes, then how far are you trying to shoot at the range? 25 meters? 100 meters? How large is the closest range to you, and do you know what kind of ammunition they will allow you to shoot?
2.)If no: Are you experienced with other guns? Do you hunt?

a.)If yes, then you should probably know that coyotes are generally considered the best game for an AR15.
b.)If no, then realize that .223 is similar to the 5.56 NATO round that's been in the service of the military for years. I'm sure the people who were hit and/or killed by a 5.56 wouldn't think it's a weak round. If you're looking for a home defense weapon, then even that is probably overkill; it will go through walls.

In short, if you want an AR platform rifle, then you should consider what you're using it for. If it's only going to see range time, then .223 is the best way to go. It's affordable (about half as much as 308).

If you're looking for something to take medium game, consider a 30-06 or 308 bolt action. Many people also like 7.62(x51) NATO because it's a semi-common round, also 30 caliber.

I am personally looking at getting a 308 SAIGA platform rifle in the semi-near future. I'll be using it for hunting, but the reason I'm planning to get it so soon after my AR15 (chambered in 5.56/.223, built from parts) is that California has basically decided to force a number of new regulations on long guns. (<--- my understanding, please clarify if I'm incorrect)

There is (as you suggested) the option of the AR10, which I don't know much about, thus, I left it open to someone more knowledgeable. My current understanding is that they tend to be more expensive to build (and building is generally cheaper than buying a pre-assembled gun, at least for anything different than the standard).

[Kalderis40]

Nope, It's Assault Weapons that are illegal. That's a combination of weapons that are only designed to kill children and have a shoulder thing that goes up. Clear?

As mud! lol So technical... "...a shoulder thing that goes up."

Thanks for the clarification.

[MrPlink]

Cheapest I can find for 308 wolf steel case, my Scar can run it just fine, but I know it can cause issues with other platforms. Outside of that milsurp is def the way to go, but u usually are still gonna be near 50 cents a pop, which compared to a ar15 or ak is still pricey imo

[torquefliteterror]

.308 are awesome, but they are expensive. if you want a fun tactical style gun, start with the 5.56. then as your budget allows pick up a .308 as well.

I shoot silver bear steel core hollowpoints through mine and it was able to shoot clean through a 1/4 mild steel plate at about 90 yards. I was out at Tumey hills.

here is video of me function testing some .308's. they are a roudy bunch. 5.56 guns are alot more fun.

[AVID HUNTER]

I went through the same dilemma, but with my personality I knew I was or am going to own all three. I bought the AR-10 first because it cost the most. I am currently in the market for both an AK and an AR-15. They are all great firearms and you are always going to want all three. If you get rid of either of them, you'll regret it. However, you should always have a .22 in your collection as well. The .22 is great fun, cheap, and fills out those range days when you don't want to break the bank. Hopefully, you will be in this hobby for many years and there is plenty of time to fill out your collection.