7.62x51 vs. 6.8

[Hill Kuntry Boy]

Which do you prefer and why? Been doing alot of reading on the 7.62vs308 threads on other forums and every other post contradicts the last... So obvious question is are they interchangeable like 5.56 & .223 or not? What is the sole purpose of the 6.8? Which is cheaper to shoot?

[txfireguy2003]

My personal opinion, go with 7.62/308, they are not identical, but are interchangeable. The only benefit to the 6.8, IMO, is that it's small enough to fit in a standard ar15 so the weapon will be lighter to carry.

[wlgorman]

7.62 chamber will handle the SAAMI .308 round. .308 chamber will not handle the NATO 7.62x51 round. Just like the 5.56/.223

[Bily Lovec]

what purpose do you desire ?

this is two different platforms, not really comparable.

[Hill Kuntry Boy]

what purpose do you desire ?

this is two different platforms, not really comparable.

Thats why I wanna know about both. I don't know much bout either so I wanna know what each has to offer. Then make a decision.

[Mike D]

7.62 chamber will handle the SAAMI .308 round. .308 chamber will not handle the NATO 7.62x51 round. Just like the 5.56/.223

This is wrong. The .308 is the higher pressure round, unlike the 5.56/223.

I don't think I'll ever own another 308 platform AR. They are just too big and heavy.

[Hill Kuntry Boy]

This is wrong. The .308 is the higher pressure round, unlike the 5.56/223.

I don't think I'll ever own another 308 platform AR. They are just too big and heavy.

So Mr. Mike what are your thoughts on the 6.8

[Hill Kuntry Boy]

Actually instead I want to build a custom ar15 5.56. I've made my decision. I think lol.

[lovetohunt]

7.62 is a lot cheaper to shoot. Also, it's one of the most accurate rounds. The US Olympic big bore team uses .308

[Coach W]

Actually instead I want to build a custom ar15 5.56. I've made my decision. I think lol.

Well its cheaper, lighter, and has less expensive ammo..

The AR 10 never has never done it for me... But the AR 15.... Slim,curvy, lightweight, fun... Just plain sexy.

[white devil]

love the 6.8! Check out SSA ammo for ballistics .

[txrevolution]

To try to answer your original question, the 6.8 came out of operators wanting/needing more punch, more downrange energy transfer than the 5.56 could provide. 7.62x51/.308 was their only next choice, but only fit in the much heavier ar10 platform. in my opinion they wasted their time re-inventing the wheel. the 6.8 comes out awfully close balistically to the russian 7.62x39 that the AK is based off of. the 6.8 is more accurate and for longer ranges than the 7.62x39, but cost much much more.

[txrevolution]

if i were building a custom AR and wanted to step away from the typical 5.56 route, my personal choice would be the 6.5 Grendel. still fits in the standard AR15 layout and great long range ballistics. ammo is not easy to find nor cheap, but the ballistics and energy transfer at long range are impressive compared to .556 and the .308. It would be my choice if i were going to hunt with an AR pattern rifle

[Coach W]

Oh if you are going to stick with the ar 15 platform and want an option that's multi purposed check out the 300 aac blackout.

Shoot 30 cal bullets down range both supersonic and subsonic, fits in your existing Ar-15 mags, uses the same bolt... Just change out barrels and your good to go... Unless you are lazy like me then just pin in a new upper on your lower...

Not trying to make this decision more confusing... But the 300 blk may have you buying a suppressor and getting a trust... (I know it did me in). (I initially was just going to get an 300/221 encore but thought why not pick up a 300blk upper too. )

[BuckTag]

I sold my AR in 6.8 SPC to a buddy... Loved the rifle, but didn't like not being able to walk into any store and finding it, unlike the 308/7.62... It's also more expensive.

I replaced it with an AR10. Don't regret it!