I've decided I need to add a semi-auto rifle to my collection. I've gone back and forth between getting something chambered for .223 or .308. Most of my research (online, in stores, and talking to buddies) seems to tell me that the .308 is the "better" round, but perhaps a bit less common and a bit more expensive than the .223.
The gun will be used to shoot some boars, shoot some targets, and as a general "just because" gun. I also want something that has a 20 or 30 round magazine and the ability to add a light, or laser or other accessories.
I think the .308 is the better round for hunting, and I was looking at something like the DPMS Panther AP4.
But I've got a couple buddies with SIG556s and have gotten to use those a fair amount. I think it is a great gun, "just feels right" and from what I'm told they are about as reliable as they come. I'll add an EOTech holographic sight to whatever I get.
So the questions is, what to get. Love the SIG556, but they don't make it for a .308 and it will be 300-500 bucks more than something like a DPMS AP4.
Also, if it makes any difference, it won't sit in the closet much... I shoot my guns often, but take care of them, and expect them to last longer than me.
Any thoughts or relevant personal experience would be most welcome...
Unless you're talking about javelinas (I see you're in TX) I'd stay away from the .223 for boar hunting. The .308 may make up for being cheaper to buy by being more expensive to shoot.
in terms of the replies this will probably be like packing rock salt into a open wound but here goes:
I am just not a fan of the .223. I do feel it has a purpose as a varmit round but not much more than that.
I am a great fan of a caliber a little higher on the totem poll that happens to be the .243 Winchester.
However, your choices as posted are the .223 and the .308. The .308 is
a round that will bring you success in terms of accuracy and should you decide to hunt it is a great deer round.
Think about a CETME, 6.8 AR or Ruger Minii 14 in 6.8. The CETME is in .308 but not as expensive as the other rifles. If money is not an issue, go with the Panther.
If you are looking for an AR style rifle you have numerous possibilities for calibers. You could have anything from .204 Ruger on up to 50 Beowulf. If you went with the AR-10 style you again have plenty of options caliber wise. Anything that will be in the .308 size range. That would include .243 up to .450 Marlin. The advantages of the AR-15 size package is the weight savings. You will be saving 2-4 pounds VS. the AR-10 configuration.
Now between the two calibers you listed the .223 will be your most economical to shoot and while not the best caliber for boar it will work. The .308 will be a far better hunting caliber but more money to shoot. So it really comes down to how much you're willing to spend either upfront costs or repeated costs for ammo.
I would also go with the .308, but I would avoid the AR-10. If price is a concern, look at the SAIGA. These are AK type actions, and they can be found in either short carbine length barrels or the longer 22" barrels. I have a 16" barrel on mine, but would go with the longer barrel.
I have a SIG 556 I keep in the bedroom for home defense. It is a great little rifle to have on hand, but not for hunting anything on 4 legs other than perhaps varmits. While the .308 is more expensive to shoot, the .223 is pretty high in price these days too. I would go with the round that gives the most usefulness, and that is clearly the .308
.308
As the other gents said theres the SAIGA and the CETME .308 rifles but if you absolutely must go with an AR style rifle and have the money to do so and still put on your EOTech sight the DPMS is for you.
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The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun.
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Thanks for the great info gents... I'm beginning to lean more toward getting something that shoots a .308.
Pico, why do you say to avoid AR-10s?
Price is a concern, but I know nothing good is cheap. I'd like to keep total cost in the $1,300 to $1,500 range. I figure the EOTech sight will run me about $400 so I'd like to spend no more than $900 - $1,100 on the gun.
Thanks for the great info gents... I'm beginning to lean more toward getting something that shoots a .308.
Pico, why do you say to avoid AR-10s?
Price is a concern, but I know nothing good is cheap. I'd like to keep total cost in the $1,300 to $1,500 range. I figure the EOTech sight will run me about $400 so I'd like to spend no more than $900 - $1,100 on the gun.
thanks again for the help.
I havn't heard to many good things about the EOTech. At least as far as battery life is concerned, they seem to be on the short end and at $400, they are pretty pricey. I would opt for a different type of holographic or red dot sight.
If you are wanting to go with the AR platform, you can go with a lot of different calibers instead of just the .308.
__________________ Well done is better than well said - Benjamin Franklin
