Of course there are other variables.
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The whole idea of shooting something is to put a hole in it.
7.62 is heavier and will make bigger holes. The whole discussion of hitting on subsequent shots is just that - another discussion.
7.62 x 51 is the way to go. It has power, accuracy and if you have the gas adjusted right low recoil. It’s a winner.
Lapua .338
The AK-47 employs a piston whereas the AR is normally Direct Impingement. The movement of the piston and ensuing effect on the firearm affects follow-up shots.
Gotta bump this.
5.56mm
I wouldn’t consider either of these calibers long distance rounds. Fumb Ducking article.
I prefer a nice .30-06 for distance.
My bro’s say the 308 is better than those two and the .300WinMag better. Isn’t the US sniper round a .445 SuperMagnum
yer kiddin... right?
The AKs are generally less accurate than the .223s in use. So it’s kind of moot. AK’s just don’t have the accuracy and aren’t so designed in the first place. They are designed first to be reliable.
I suppose if you chambered a 7.62x39 in a bolt action rifle it could be pretty accurate, but there are far better rounds for long range accuracy. The muzzle velocity of the 7.62x39 is just too low.
6.5 Grendel.
6.5 Creedmoor is a good long distance round. Kicks about the same as a .243, but is still a 1000 yard cartridge.
I realize it’s not used by the military, but just sayin’.
So, the NATO 5.56 cartridge was invented in the 1970s. Gee, it seems very similar to the cartridge used in those Eugene Stoner carbines developed by Armalite. In like 1961 or 1962. And used in Vietnam in the late 60s.
https://www.snipercountry.com/5-56x45-nato-and-ar-15-chronology/
I guess you could say that I don’t find the posted article to be too well-written. Well intended though it may be.
That the question was even posed is testimony to ignorance on the part of the author.
A 200 grain .30 bullet will have a better trajectory at all speeds than a .22 bullet.
” but for most shooters, the 5.56 round is the better choice for faraway targets”
Effin stupid.
Neither are long distance rounds. They were not intended to be.
I consider anything longer than 600 yards, longer distances.
That is way beyond what either of these two should be used for.
I shot 6.5PRC in some PRS competitions and at a few hundred FPS faster than the 6.5 Creedmoor, it was much less susceptible to wind, especially over 400 yards.
So, for a competition round I like 6.5PRC, or if you let me shoot magnum power in competition on your steel, then the 300PRC or 338 Lapua.
If we are talking military applications, 556 up to 400 yards max, 7.62x51 mid-range, and 300WM over 1000 yards.
I remember reading the criticism of the 5.56 back in 1976.
Too light a bullet for hunting. Good only for varmints.
Too much flex in the AR rifle. A spread of hits on target was about 6 inches at 100 yds.
Icky Plastic!
The AR rifles often sat on the shelves for months. No one wanted them (except me).
Then Mel Tappan started his Survival Weapons in GUNS AND AMMO MAGAZINE.
Suddenly everyone wanted an AR-15! Even scrapped M-16 rifles were parted out and used in new AR-15s of various quality, some really bad. (Mine, [SGW brand] turned it’s bullets sideways at 50 yds.)
The AR-180 and Mini-14 filled the gap until new AR-15s came off the assembly line.
Now everyone wants one!
Are these two the only choices?