5.56 VS 7.62x39 for prepping/shtf

[was_peacemaker]

Another thing I will add is that wound channel stuff does have a factor but the energy of a 7.62x39mm is going to have a greater effect on the nervous system, and with that force it is going to cause more tissue and blood to come out the exit wound and a greater loss of blood supply quickly. Where the 5.56 may go in and tear things up...it might not have the energy to stop the person initially.

Here is an interesting article dealing with the disadvantages of the 5.56mm in Afghanistan.

http://defensetech.org/2010/03/01/ta...alf-kilometer/

[Silentkilla01]

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Well if your SHTF enemy was hiding behind sealed 55 gallon drums...what would you rather have to penetrate through it? 5.56 or 7.62x39?

That's simple. I have this for that!!! Lmao

[Silentkilla01]

Well if your SHTF enemy was hiding behind sealed 55 gallon drums...what would you rather have to penetrate through it? 5.56 or 7.62x39?

It's seemed to work fine since the early 60's to destroy our enemies.... Don you not concur?

[was_peacemaker]

It's seemed to work fine since the early 60's to destroy our enemies.... Don you not concur?

Oh I agree...I don't have anything personal against it.

[JTHunter]

How much penetration you want is a personal decision. I keep my AK mags loaded with HP rounds that have been proven to shred within 12 inches of flesh. I imagine they wouldn't penetrate the drums either, but my whole point for using them is so that dangerous shrapnel doesn't come flying out of the backside of a potential home invader, and to ensure that all of the round's energy is left in his torso.

In my mags, I use "mixed" ammo. Out of every 10-shot stripper clip, 6 -7 rounds will be misurp HP, and 1-2 each FMJ and PSPs (pointed soft points), and they alternate in much the same way they did with tracers in military weapons.

[Phil125]

One other thing to consider with 7.62 is the quality of the AK or variant you are using. I've seen some bad AKs that couldn't hit the broad side of the barn.

[Schuetzenman]

But the 7.62x39 carries more energy.

On paper. FMJ doesn't delivery it very effectively unless it tumbles and fragments. Past 300 meters the 5.56 will have more on paper energy than the x39 round. It will (if FMJ) resemble stabbing the person with an icepick at that range and beyond. The x39 may not hit the target at that distance unless; 1 luck occurs or 2 the rifle is one of the more accurate AK rifles.

Back to my last posts ending statement again .... no 1 caliber can do all things all the time.

[Darrell]

"If you had to choose ONE of the two calibers for a shtf scenario in the US which would it be and why? "

I like both calibers. But if I could only choose ONE, I would go with the 223/.556 simply because I don't think we are gonna see 7.62x39 imported like it has been. I think it will either be outlawed or it will be so hard to import that we can't afford it.

Hope I'm wrong, but it's kinda that way already... Okay, Now that I've said my opinion. Back to it boys...

[Ruskiegunlover]

Or, when shtf, going to buy some at your local gun shop just might not be as easy then. Whereas .223 will be used by A LOT of people, along with any military or law enforcement, along with the mags. So, resupply gets theoretically easier.

[Napalm281]

I prefer an AK simply because of very low maintenance "requirements". Any gun should be well maintained but in a true shtf you can't be sure of anything. Next where I live factors in and here in the mountains and foothills I am concerned with 4 legged as well as 2 legged.. I trust 30 caliber better than 22 caliber.. The AR is lighter and way more ergonomic but I will stick with an AK with where I live.

[was_peacemaker]

On paper. FMJ doesn't delivery it very effectively unless it tumbles and fragments. Past 300 meters the 5.56 will have more on paper energy than the x39 round. It will (if FMJ) resemble stabbing the person with an icepick at that range and beyond. The x39 may not hit the target at that distance unless; 1 luck occurs or 2 the rifle is one of the more accurate AK rifles.

Back to my last posts ending statement again .... no 1 caliber can do all things all the time.

But, it doesn't matter because in SHTF civilians would be better off not engaging anything, but trying to stay defensive and not drawing unwanted attention to themselves.

[FunkyPertwee]

Just pick which one you like, buy it now and get squared away. An AK or an AR are plenty good enough.

PSA has great deals going all the time now it seems, and the Serbian AKs from Century are great deal for a fighting rifle under $600.

[arcangel]

Both, but 7.62x39 is nice for how cheap it kinda still is. Wound channel, ballistic manic data, just shoot the perp until it stops them. Isn't that about right? Adrenaline is some amazing stuff, only few rounds have a 1 hitter quitter. Most of what we may have is probably not the best anyways. Head shots are good, but under the stress of combat might not be easily achievable. Unless that's what you do. Whatever is accurate enough and cheap should do.