7.62 x39 vs. .223
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414 Posts
That's a debate that's over 40 years old, when both calibers were put in combat against the other. The .223 is faster therefore shoots flatter to 300 yds. The 7.62x39 ball is heavier, and at close range does a lot more damage.
I think any gun collector would appreciate both on their merits. These days, ammo's cheap for both, so that's not part of the equation.
I think any gun collector would appreciate both on their merits. These days, ammo's cheap for both, so that's not part of the equation.
G
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·Your in california so you can't get hi caps anyways so you might as well get the mini 30 in 762x39 more power and the ammo is dirt cheap plus you can shoot the same ammo in both guns.
I am looking for a sks where did you get yours?:rapid:
I am looking for a sks where did you get yours?:rapid:
1911Greg,
I baught my SKS in 1995 for $79.00. New. It's a "Paratrooper" 16" barreled China made. If there is a more reliable carbine out there than this I wouldn't know.
I also had a Norinco with the detachable 30 round magazine but had to sel it because they were banned from Calif a few years after I bought mine.
I baught my SKS in 1995 for $79.00. New. It's a "Paratrooper" 16" barreled China made. If there is a more reliable carbine out there than this I wouldn't know.
I also had a Norinco with the detachable 30 round magazine but had to sel it because they were banned from Calif a few years after I bought mine.
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719 Posts
Yes, this is indeed an old debate! I happen to own both, a Mini-14 SS Ranch, wood and a Mini-Thirty SS, synthetic.
Right off the bat, you should know that there is no such thing as a 'non-Ranch' model of the Mini-Thirty. They are all Ranch from day 1.
Also know that there are MANY more aftermarket goodies for the Mini-14. Ammo in my experience has been about the same price for either (if you buy the bulk Russian garb).
Like Grinch said as far as hi-cap mags, but like Greg1911 said as well, you live in Kalifornia
P), so the point is moot. If you do get a Mini-Thirty, your source of 10 rounders is johnmasen.com
Yes, the -Thirty has a bigger, slower round (7.62mm), but it's functionality as a long range, or plinker is limited. The ballistics, as Bill has pointed out in the past, kinda suck. Yes, it makes bigger holes, but I find that holding it on-target for a rapid succession of shots is much more difficult than with the Mini-14. My feel of it is that it's more of a CLOSE quarters combat round.
The .223 round makes the Mini-14 easier to hold on target with rapid shots, you can carry more rounds of ammo, there are more parts on the market, there is much more of a knowledge base (this site for example). One drawback of the .223 round to consider is: it is a PENETRATOR. To the max. This could be good or bad, depending how you look at it.
Also, if I recall correctly, the coroner's report says that the .223 round actually does more damage since it flips around more upon impact than a 7.62mm round does. Your mileage will vary on that comment.
Right off the bat, you should know that there is no such thing as a 'non-Ranch' model of the Mini-Thirty. They are all Ranch from day 1.
Also know that there are MANY more aftermarket goodies for the Mini-14. Ammo in my experience has been about the same price for either (if you buy the bulk Russian garb).
Like Grinch said as far as hi-cap mags, but like Greg1911 said as well, you live in Kalifornia
P), so the point is moot. If you do get a Mini-Thirty, your source of 10 rounders is johnmasen.comYes, the -Thirty has a bigger, slower round (7.62mm), but it's functionality as a long range, or plinker is limited. The ballistics, as Bill has pointed out in the past, kinda suck. Yes, it makes bigger holes, but I find that holding it on-target for a rapid succession of shots is much more difficult than with the Mini-14. My feel of it is that it's more of a CLOSE quarters combat round.
The .223 round makes the Mini-14 easier to hold on target with rapid shots, you can carry more rounds of ammo, there are more parts on the market, there is much more of a knowledge base (this site for example). One drawback of the .223 round to consider is: it is a PENETRATOR. To the max. This could be good or bad, depending how you look at it.
Also, if I recall correctly, the coroner's report says that the .223 round actually does more damage since it flips around more upon impact than a 7.62mm round does. Your mileage will vary on that comment.
Believe me---if you're being shot at with a high power rifle the caliber makes little difference. The 223 or 5.56 NATO round doen't have any special properties to it. If you're looking to stop a two legged critter, flip a coin. We have plenty of evidence that the 7.62X39 round works real well. As far as accuracy goes I haven't heard that the 30 caliber boys have any better luck than the guys shooting thier 22's. It's your choice, broden your horizons with a 223 or stick with what you're already shooting. Whatever you do the Mini will preform thru the mud-blood&tears. It's a tough little rifle.
Good shooting
Bushwack
Good shooting
Bushwack
Thanks guys.
Well I am not looking to replace my trusty SKS with Ruger. Rather I like the Mini design. I always loked the M14/ M1 garand but the cost$$ of the rifles and the ammo is overkill shooting targets a 150 yards. This is where the Mini fills a nitch so perfectly.
Any hoo I think the .223 is better for me in the Ruger. It gives me another choice as my friends reminded me that some of the shooting ranges in my area ban steel cased ammo which is what 99% of 7.62X39 surplus ammo is. No way I'm paying $9-$10 for a box of 20 rounds comercial 7.62X39 ammo. While all of .223/5.56 nato surplus in copper jacketed.
Well I am not looking to replace my trusty SKS with Ruger. Rather I like the Mini design. I always loked the M14/ M1 garand but the cost$$ of the rifles and the ammo is overkill shooting targets a 150 yards. This is where the Mini fills a nitch so perfectly.
Any hoo I think the .223 is better for me in the Ruger. It gives me another choice as my friends reminded me that some of the shooting ranges in my area ban steel cased ammo which is what 99% of 7.62X39 surplus ammo is. No way I'm paying $9-$10 for a box of 20 rounds comercial 7.62X39 ammo. While all of .223/5.56 nato surplus in copper jacketed.
Not the powder case but rather the steel jacket on the bullet. Aparently steel jackets cause fire, I dunno?
Any how the range Nazi comes buy and puts a magnet on your bullet and if it sticks you cant use it. But they will be more than happy to sell you some PMC ammo for $12.00 for a box a 20!
I was able to buy a few crates of the copper jacketed russian stuff, still had steel case but since the bullet had no steel in it, it was ok. But I shot that up real quick and now cant find anymore.
Any how the range Nazi comes buy and puts a magnet on your bullet and if it sticks you cant use it. But they will be more than happy to sell you some PMC ammo for $12.00 for a box a 20!
I was able to buy a few crates of the copper jacketed russian stuff, still had steel case but since the bullet had no steel in it, it was ok. But I shot that up real quick and now cant find anymore.
Welcome Humungus,
To the forum from another City of Angels Ruger lover. I was just thinking about buying a Mini 30 myself, but now perhaps will just get another .223. I go to Angeles Crest on a regular basis, and in fact I was just there Wednesday, where I shot 180 rounds or so of that green painted 62 grain (Russian.223) Wolf round. Not bad actually, and cheap at 1,000 rounds for 100 bucks or so. I agree with the other gents concerning the Mini in 7.62x39. Not much after market stuff etc. As for rounds however, they are cheap and can be found all over. Hell, even Winchester makes them which surprised me a bit...I am not sure where you live in LA but my local gunshop has cases of Yogo SKS 7.62x39 rifles with bayonets attached for $399. These are pre 1950 rifles surrounded with tons of that sticky stuff... Sorry don't know how to spell the word (you all know). Martin B. Retting is located in Culver City/West LA area....
Larry
To the forum from another City of Angels Ruger lover. I was just thinking about buying a Mini 30 myself, but now perhaps will just get another .223. I go to Angeles Crest on a regular basis, and in fact I was just there Wednesday, where I shot 180 rounds or so of that green painted 62 grain (Russian.223) Wolf round. Not bad actually, and cheap at 1,000 rounds for 100 bucks or so. I agree with the other gents concerning the Mini in 7.62x39. Not much after market stuff etc. As for rounds however, they are cheap and can be found all over. Hell, even Winchester makes them which surprised me a bit...I am not sure where you live in LA but my local gunshop has cases of Yogo SKS 7.62x39 rifles with bayonets attached for $399. These are pre 1950 rifles surrounded with tons of that sticky stuff... Sorry don't know how to spell the word (you all know). Martin B. Retting is located in Culver City/West LA area....
Larry
Hi Humungus, I go to the Public Range off of Osborne which is off the 210. It is a huge range that you can shoot really everything...I do shoot steel core's now & again as unless you make a big splash, they never come & check my rounds with the magnet.....The Yogos are at Martin B. Retting. This is a gun shop located in Culver City Cal. To get there from your area, take the 10 west to Washington Blvd. In Culver City. Go west bound on Washington & you will go by the shop before you get to Sepulveda Blvd. As you all of your round needs, get the SHOT GUN NEWS. I buy almost all of my rounds from different places. Try the Military 5.56 rounds from Federal. These are lake city brass encased and are for the military. When ever I shoot these, inside or out, I always get asked what they are.....Perhaps we can get to Angeles Crest sometime. I am a member there & its cheap to shoot. I usually go on Wednesday or Thursday. The wekends are crowded.....Larry:usa:
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