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Ammo economics #8563090 03/23/22 07:40 PM
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I just dont see ammo prices going down in the near future so I have to change calibers just to afford shooting. I am sure I am not the only one out there doing this. I am stocking up on 22lr right now like it is going out of style before those prices go through the roof again in the future.

I think I have finally wised up and decided that I need a new caliber for my AR. I love my 6.8spc and I dont think I will be selling it but I want to shoot more often now and it just isnt a plinking bullet at $1 a round (for the cheapest fmj's) anymore. So for economy I can only see 2 bullets to choose from with pros and cons for each.

I am still undecided on 7.62X39 or 223. Being a pig hunter I am leaning to the 7.62 but the ammo availability of the 223 is very alluring. Anyways who else is consolidating or switching rounds because of these crazy prices?

My gut feeling is that every time we have a shortage/panic the prices will continue to rise. So soon my $2.00 6.8 will be $2.75 then $3.25 and so on.

Last edited by Bigfoot; 03/23/22 07:41 PM.

GO TRUMP!
Re: Ammo economics [Re: Bigfoot] #8563108 03/23/22 07:56 PM
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If you already have a 6.8 you have no need for a 7.62x39. Get a 5.56 or .223 Wylde upper.


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Re: Ammo economics [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #8563237 03/23/22 10:30 PM
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Originally Posted by QuitShootinYoungBucks
If you already have a 6.8 you have no need for a 7.62x39. Get a 5.56 or .223 Wylde upper.


Yup!

Every law abiding American needs at least one .223 Rem.

And really, you need an AR in it as well as a bolt action in it.


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Re: Ammo economics [Re: Bigfoot] #8563253 03/23/22 10:53 PM
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Yup X 2! Get yourself a 223 Wylde upper and never look back. .223 is great; 5.56 is great; the Wylde will give you the best of both worlds. I have one of each, but nowadays, the .223 and the 5.56 sit in the safe while the Wylde goes hunting with me.

Last edited by mikei; 03/23/22 10:56 PM.
Re: Ammo economics [Re: Bigfoot] #8563264 03/23/22 11:14 PM
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The GS has become very fond of my AR in 223. After he ventilated that running hog recently, he was pumped. I might need to get a second one, AR that is. How to approach this with the wife….?


Not my monkeys, not my circus...
Re: Ammo economics [Re: J.G.] #8563268 03/23/22 11:21 PM
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Originally Posted by FiremanJG
Originally Posted by QuitShootinYoungBucks
If you already have a 6.8 you have no need for a 7.62x39. Get a 5.56 or .223 Wylde upper.


Yup!

Every law abiding American needs at least one .223 Rem.

And really, you need an AR in it as well as a bolt action in it.

Why? After lots of pigs ran after multiple .223 hits, I recently converted to 300AAC, and didn't regret it...until I went through my recently deceased FIL's closet. In his closet, I found thousands of rounds of .223. Otherwise, I wouldn't have missed it.

Re: Ammo economics [Re: Bigfoot] #8563429 03/24/22 02:42 AM
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223 isnt the clear choice. It is close. Price is the same. Availability is not quite the same but plenty of both to be had, hunting goes to the rusky round and availability and choice of different ammo types goes to 223.

Its a toss up

The reason I have a 6.8 now is the first hog I ever shot with a 556 Barnes TSX (shoulder shot) just kept running. I figured that wasnt safe with my style of hunting (alone in the national forests) so I ditched it for a 6.8.

Obviously I need an excuse to build another AR for night vision use (probably wraith mini) . Since this will be another hog hunting AR I am thinking the rusky has more knockdown power over the 223 and is better suited for hunting. That is my main reason for favoring the 762 over the 223


GO TRUMP!
Re: Ammo economics [Re: unclebubba] #8563443 03/24/22 03:02 AM
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Originally Posted by unclebubba
Originally Posted by FiremanJG
Originally Posted by QuitShootinYoungBucks
If you already have a 6.8 you have no need for a 7.62x39. Get a 5.56 or .223 Wylde upper.


Yup!

Every law abiding American needs at least one .223 Rem.

And really, you need an AR in it as well as a bolt action in it.

Why? After lots of pigs ran after multiple .223 hits, I recently converted to 300AAC, and didn't regret it...until I went through my recently deceased FIL's closet. In his closet, I found thousands of rounds of .223. Otherwise, I wouldn't have missed it.


Because they shoot extremely precise, and they can make lots of speed for no bigger than they are. It is a thousand yard cartridge when loaded right. Recoil is tiny. Cheap to shoot. A person could feed theirself for the rest of their life with just a .223 Rem. Hog hunting is not the only job of a rifle. And they will kill a hog, when the hog is hit in the right spot.


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Re: Ammo economics [Re: Bigfoot] #8563445 03/24/22 03:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Bigfoot
223 isnt the clear choice. It is close. Price is the same. Availability is not quite the same but plenty of both to be had, hunting goes to the rusky round and availability and choice of different ammo types goes to 223.

Its a toss up

The reason I have a 6.8 now is the first hog I ever shot with a 556 Barnes TSX (shoulder shot) just kept running. I figured that wasnt safe with my style of hunting (alone in the national forests) so I ditched it for a 6.8.

Obviously I need an excuse to build another AR for night vision use (probably wraith mini) . Since this will be another hog hunting AR I am thinking the rusky has more knockdown power over the 223 and is better suited for hunting. That is my main reason for favoring the 762 over the 223



Get both.

The 7.62X39 is a great cartridge. With a load development, I made a 1 1/2" group at 200 yards with it, out of an AR.


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Re: Ammo economics [Re: J.G.] #8563464 03/24/22 03:57 AM
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Originally Posted by FiremanJG
Originally Posted by unclebubba
Originally Posted by FiremanJG
Originally Posted by QuitShootinYoungBucks
If you already have a 6.8 you have no need for a 7.62x39. Get a 5.56 or .223 Wylde upper.


Yup!

Every law abiding American needs at least one .223 Rem.

And really, you need an AR in it as well as a bolt action in it.

Why? After lots of pigs ran after multiple .223 hits, I recently converted to 300AAC, and didn't regret it...until I went through my recently deceased FIL's closet. In his closet, I found thousands of rounds of .223. Otherwise, I wouldn't have missed it.


Because they shoot extremely precise, and they can make lots of speed for no bigger than they are. It is a thousand yard cartridge when loaded right. Recoil is tiny. Cheap to shoot. A person could feed theirself for the rest of their life with just a .223 Rem. Hog hunting is not the only job of a rifle. And they will kill a hog, when the hog is hit in the right spot.


Although everything you said is true, I don't necessarily need the speed. My rifle range is only 200 yards, and I'm not shooting my steel at short distances with a .223. When I have the time to go to a long range facility, I'll bring the 6.5 or 308. I reload, so cost and availability of ammo doesn't concern me. Call me crazy, but I'm just not a fan of the. 223.

Re: Ammo economics [Re: Bigfoot] #8563525 03/24/22 11:29 AM
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When I add a cartridge I buy bulk OEM ammo, dies, brass, bullets, and a mold. I am then set and don't look much at prices in the store.

Think of the 7.62X39 as a semi-auto .30-30 out of an AR platform.

You need the .223 Rem variant too. I load all mine to 5.56X45 spec in 5.56 brass, all my stash is 5.56, and my chambers are Wilde whether or not that's best.

Get both.


Pass the gravy.


Re: Ammo economics [Re: J.G.] #8563624 03/24/22 01:52 PM
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Originally Posted by FiremanJG
Originally Posted by Bigfoot
223 isnt the clear choice. It is close. Price is the same. Availability is not quite the same but plenty of both to be had, hunting goes to the rusky round and availability and choice of different ammo types goes to 223.

Its a toss up

The reason I have a 6.8 now is the first hog I ever shot with a 556 Barnes TSX (shoulder shot) just kept running. I figured that wasnt safe with my style of hunting (alone in the national forests) so I ditched it for a 6.8.

Obviously I need an excuse to build another AR for night vision use (probably wraith mini) . Since this will be another hog hunting AR I am thinking the rusky has more knockdown power over the 223 and is better suited for hunting. That is my main reason for favoring the 762 over the 223



Get both.

The 7.62X39 is a great cartridge. With a load development, I made a 1 1/2" group at 200 yards with it, out of an AR.

This^^^


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Re: Ammo economics [Re: Bigfoot] #8563669 03/24/22 02:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Bigfoot
223 isnt the clear choice. Since this will be another hog hunting AR I am thinking the rusky has more knockdown power over the 223 and is better suited for hunting. That is my main reason for favoring the 762 over the 223

Sounds to me your mind is made, you just don't know it yet.

Re: Ammo economics [Re: 603Country] #8564066 03/24/22 11:32 PM
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Originally Posted by 603Country
The GS has become very fond of my AR in 223. After he ventilated that running hog recently, he was pumped. I might need to get a second one, AR that is. How to approach this with the wife….?


It’s for the Grandson, she can’t say no to that

Re: Ammo economics [Re: Bigfoot] #8564071 03/24/22 11:38 PM
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Im trying to think it out with the knowledge of the THF brain trust. I am a hog hunter. Deer just dont do it for me. I cant get enough of popping hogs. What Im looking for is a plinking round but most of all a hog round that plinks well. I am not a long distance shooter and if I were it would be with my 30-06 or another caliber. I love that I see 223 every time I go to academy now but I am always haunted about my first shot on my first hog with my 556. I will always be worried it isnt enough gun.


GO TRUMP!
Re: Ammo economics [Re: Bigfoot] #8564258 03/25/22 04:52 AM
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confused2 dont under estamate the .223
Tis what used @ OSBWMA... Only lost one hog..

bang the negative part about the .223 small entry & exit wound..
Action twas fast, heart/lung bigger area ...
Most of blood stays inside body cavity, so blood trail not best...
But twill cull a hog...

Best wish's...

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Re: Ammo economics [Re: Bigfoot] #8565301 03/26/22 11:11 PM
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Stop hunting with ball ammo in your .223 and your results will improve. Load or buy frangible rounds.

Re: Ammo economics [Re: Bigfoot] #8566023 03/28/22 01:57 AM
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2 Biggest issue with hunting hogs with 223 is bullet selection and shot placement. Use a proper bullet and be willing to pass on marginal shots and you will have better results. No FMJ need apply, I like gold dots but there are many good options.

Re: Ammo economics [Re: Bigfoot] #8566033 03/28/22 02:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Bigfoot
Im trying to think it out with the knowledge of the THF brain trust. I am a hog hunter. Deer just dont do it for me. I cant get enough of popping hogs. What Im looking for is a plinking round but most of all a hog round that plinks well. I am not a long distance shooter and if I were it would be with my 30-06 or another caliber. I love that I see 223 every time I go to academy now but I am always haunted about my first shot on my first hog with my 556. I will always be worried it isnt enough gun.


Who cares if the 1st shot doesnt take them down. You have 9, 19, or 29 additional rounds depending on your mag. They’re just hogs.

Re: Ammo economics [Re: Bigfoot] #8577310 04/13/22 01:55 AM
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Well I went another direction. 5.45X39. Yep I m a commy now!! Cheap bullets and only Hornady black is available except FMJ's. The gun is almost done after my remake. Pics will be coming soon. Im putting some Magpul furniture on it and some nightvision. I actually got a 7.62 X 39 also but Im not interested in it just yet. Setting just one rifle up at a time. The parts are expensive even on AK's.

Last edited by Bigfoot; 04/13/22 02:14 AM.

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Re: Ammo economics [Re: jeepercreeper] #8577311 04/13/22 01:55 AM
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Originally Posted by jeepercreeper
Originally Posted by Bigfoot
Im trying to think it out with the knowledge of the THF brain trust. I am a hog hunter. Deer just dont do it for me. I cant get enough of popping hogs. What Im looking for is a plinking round but most of all a hog round that plinks well. I am not a long distance shooter and if I were it would be with my 30-06 or another caliber. I love that I see 223 every time I go to academy now but I am always haunted about my first shot on my first hog with my 556. I will always be worried it isnt enough gun.


Who cares if the 1st shot doesnt take them down. You have 9, 19, or 29 additional rounds depending on your mag. They’re just hogs.


You so right!!!!


GO TRUMP!
Re: Ammo economics [Re: Bigfoot] #8578124 04/14/22 02:42 AM
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As an ethical hunter you hate to see a wounded animal run off and die without finding it. Then you realize there were a couple dozen of these someb!tches that just tore up your food plot and everything else they could find and say to yourself buzzards and worms gotta eat too. Just keep doing a mag dump and collect what you can.

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