We all love the AR platform because its so reliable and as long as you keep it maintain, it can last a life time. Posted on 01/16/2018 7:33:52 AM PST by w1n1
We all love the AR platform because its so reliable and as long as you keep it maintain, it can last a life time.
The only drawback from this platform is the 5.56 cartridge. Some folks want a little more punch. There have been some cartridges that have come down the pike as an alternative, but the only one that stands out is the .300 AAC Blackout.
The .300 AAC Blackout was designed to give the AR platform extra umph in terms of power and penetration on intermediate ranges with reduce recoil while holding the 30 round mag.
Its original intent was to provide outstanding terminal performance and accuracy going through suppressed with subsonic or standard ammunition.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Both calibers are used for the same general purpose.
Both cartridges are perfect for target shooting, hunting, home defense, and plinking.
Somethings to consider from each strengths & weaknesses.
5.56
-The 5.56 is half the cost of 300 BLK and is available in more high-end loading suitable for precision rifle fire.
-The 5.56 also shoots flatter, has less recoil, and the ammunition weighs about 40% less.
-The 5.56 is also safer for use inside a building for home-defense because the rounds are designed to break apart upon impact.
.300 Blk
-The .300 Blk has a wider range of projectile choices
– Due to the .30 caliber bore, burns its full potential in a 9-inch barrel, and is a much better choice for hunting.
-Has the ability to cycle both super and subsonic ammunition without modification.
– Its strengths shines with short barreled rifles and silencers and when barrier penetration might be needed.
– Whether for hog hunting from 0-200 yards or conducting CQB work, this baby is godsend.
Read the rest of this .300 blackout vs 556 here. Which would you go with?
My .308 FN Fal is all I need but I would take a .300BLK for my collection. Can’t have to many good weapons.
“except it is good with silencers?”
Remember: .300BLK was created by a silencer manufacturer. Their goal was to build one system performing well from “suppressed .45 equivalent” to “near .308, suppressed” with nothing more than a mag swap.
Wolf offers a really cheap 6.5 Grendel that performs -OK- for 8 or 9 bucks a box. It's steel cased blasting ammo , but it feeds and functions pretty well.
The American Eagle 123 OTM is VERY accurrate, and has really good brass for reloading.
Handloading is where you'll REALLY get the bennies out of the Grendel.
300BO uses the same mag, only have to change the barrel.
Fair points. Storing components leaves more flexibility.
Primers can actually be rebuilt, and smokeless powder can be made.
All depends on the kind of S that comes down.
This all reminds me to go ahead and get a muzzle-loader.
That’s definitely the better solution. For modern equipment, buy cases of completed rounds (everything you need, already packaged). For “make your own primer/powder/projectiles” get a muzzle loader, it will tolerate DIY components much better.
I was referring to switching ammo; yes the mags are the same, which is another benefit - everything but barrel works on both, minimizing component issues.
AR10. 7.62 X 51. This is the best of both worlds. Dang thing is pretty heavy, though.
That’s the problem: weight (and size). For home defense, I’m looking for a short barrel + suppressor + light weight. AR10 is fine if you’re an urban sniper, not so much for repelling home invaders.
Buddy of mine built an Ar-15 that weighs 5 pnds, 3 oz (without mag).
Dang thing feels like a toy.
Ain’t gonna get there with the AR-10 platform.
A 200 gr bullet from the 300 blk has a vel of ~ 1000 fps, roughly the same as a 45 ACP, but in a much larger heavier platform. What’s the point except it is good with silencers?
Also switches to supersonic ammo that is good to 350 yards.
Remember: you won’t be making your own primers & powder (those run out, you’re done),
Not true. Powder and primers are both being made by hobbyists. Primers are usually considered the difficult part.
http://gunwatch.blogspot.com/2016/07/home-reloading-of-percussion-caps-and.html
I agree that it makes sense to stock up now. I think that is one of the reasons for the .22 ammo bubble.
But, if needs be, both powder and primers can be made by individuals.
I think the M1 Carbine is a underrated. But you can get AR platforms at about the same weight.
The AR rifles are more powerful, and they are much, much cheaper and easier to get ammunition for (at least in 5.56). You can make a good case that the M-16 has most of what LTC John George suggested when he asked for a fighting rifle improved over the Carbine and the Garand in “Shots Fired in Anger”.
The M1 Carbine is cool little rifle. Just not quite as versatile and powerful as the AR-15 and various clones.
A 12 gauge pump shotgun is my choice for home invaders.
Apples and Funnel Cakes....
I’m to old and beat up to be going on many patrols where ammo weight is going to be much of a factor.
What’s your choice for space invaders? :)
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