5.56 vs. 7.62x39

[RXM]

I think this discussion about the 5.7 is a moot point anyway since the OP isn't asking about that caliber. Valorious brought it up as an option to the OP to consider. If the OP is not interested in the 5.7, which is what it would seem, then there is no use in discussing it further.

[arjohnson]

I think this discussion about the 5.7 is a moot point anyway since the OP isn't asking about that caliber. Valorious brought it up as an option to the OP to consider. If the OP is not interested in the 5.7, which is what it would seem, then there is no use in discussing it further.

Yep, that's why I'm suggesting the 5.56. I'm tryyyyyyying real hard to stay on topic.

[Valorius]

Actually, i listed several advantages in plain old black and white text. And i'm not the one that brought up other calibers first. .300 black out and 6.8mm SPC were mentioned by other posters first.

5.7mm advantages: Much lighter/more compact ammo
Ammo compatibility with your sidearm
Mag compatibility with your sidearm
Your sidearm will defeat level IIIA body armor
Greatly reduced recoil for faster follow up shots

5.56mm advantages: Commonality with US police/military forces
Relatively inexpensive ammo (though not for Mk262)
M855 can actually defeat some lvl III and IV SAPI plates

7.62x39mm advantages: Better against big predators
Very inexpensive ammo and mags
Better penetration against some tactical barriers

They all have disadvantages as well:

5.7mm: Relatively expensive ammo,
expensive platforms,
uncommon, though it is in use with 200 dep'ts/agencies in US.

5.56mm: AR platform can be quite finicky
The really good ammo is very expensive
Greatly reduced ammo count compared to 5.7mm
Ammo and mags not compatible with sidearm

7.62x39mm: Very heavy recoil compared to others, slowest follow on shots
Much smaller ammo count can be carried on your person
Ammo and mags not compatible with sidearm
No US forces or Police use the AK

You can do this for any possible caliber under the sun, including 5.45mm, 7.62x51mm, .300 black out, or even a 12ga shotgun. Every platform will have it's own advantages and disadvantages.

[TXDMERC73]

Your forgetting reliability and durablility, AK trumps 57 and 5.56 in reliability which counts as something.

[Gun]

Yep, that's why I'm suggesting the 5.56. I'm tryyyyyyying real hard to stay on topic.

Should'a mentioned the 300 AAC Blackout, with another upper that can be affixed to the AR lower, and use the same mags, and so on and so forth ...

[arjohnson]

Should'a mentioned the 300 AAC Blackout, with another upper that can be affixed to the AR lower, and use the same mags, and so on and so forth ...

I'll save that for another time.

[TonyF]

I know, I know, it's been asked a billion times, but I want to ask a little more specific question than just "which is better."

On the stopping power of these two rounds, some people seem to think that the 5.56 is better because it fragments and tears you up inside, while others say that the 7.62 is better because it is heavier, slower, and bigger, and hits harder. So, my question for your consideration is: Which is the better thing: To tear the adversary up, or hit him hard? (Yes, that is oversimplification, and this thread will probably not last 4 pages before it becomes an all-out mudfest).

The Mk272 Mod 1 causes tremendous terminal effect.

A .30 caliber, whether Soviet or NATO, will provide better barrier penetration.

Lots of "skinny's" in Mogadishu apparently failed to notice the terminal effect of M855.

Lots of Marines and regular Army ended up KIA in Vietnam at the hands of the VC and NVA toting AK's in 30R.

I would suggest forgetting all the scientific and anecdotal gobble-dee-goop.

No matter what platform or caliber you choose, you should start your quest by acquiring the skill to actually hit the threat.

[arjohnson]

Your forgetting reliability and durablility, AK trumps 57 and 5.56 in reliability which counts as something.

Sorry but the AK does not trump the AR in reliability, that's another internet myth. Both are very reliable weapons.

[TonyF]

No offense to the OP but I find this topic even more tiresome than the accu-wedge thread.

It's all about "software", not "hardware".

Whichever caliber or platform you choose, becoming proficient with it is the key.

[RXM]

Whichever caliber or platform you choose, becoming proficient with it is the key.

Truth!

10