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Posted: 2/9/2018 1:45:02 AM EDT
[#1]
I still shoot my 223/556 ones and just built a 22 nosler last weekend. Going to try to shoot it this weekend.
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Posted: 2/9/2018 1:54:02 AM EDT
[#2]
I have or have had 6.8 and 300BLK, but I shoot my 5.56s a lot more.
Sold my most recent 300BLK and miss it though. 6.8 is my hog gun. |
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Posted: 2/9/2018 7:32:43 AM EDT
[#3]
I just run two .277 Wolverines now, and am contemplating a third 28" build.
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Posted: 2/9/2018 8:38:45 AM EDT
[#4]
If I got rid of the things I don't shoot regularly in the safe, all I would have left is a 10/22, shield, and 1911. I don't get to the range nearly like I did pre-baby, and now that I'm suburban it's all pistol caliber or 22 for the most part. But no, I won't get rid of good stuff I have in 223 for a couple of reasons:
Cheap. market is so low right now I would get what, $150 for a barreled upper? no reason to Stacked deep. I have a bunch of 223 ammo and it's done what I need it to do for 50 years easy. my wife can easily handle a standard AR set up but not sure she would enjoy a bigger/meaner caliber. the economical option is pull the barrels and rebarrel to whatever you shoot if you feel the need. I've never paid more than like $100 for a used barrel, and with a $20 wrench and 15 minutes you can pretty much go back to it if you ever change your mind. |
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Posted: 2/9/2018 10:32:34 AM EDT
[#5]
Even with all the uppers and full guns I have the 223 still gets it's share of play time. For me is the ultimate default. Cheap, accurate and one of the best teaching rifles out there. Everything from mild to wild in the chambering from room cleaning to 1000 yards with the push of a few pins.
Greg |
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Posted: 2/9/2018 10:57:45 AM EDT
[#6]
After I shot a hog in the skull 3x with no penetration at 40 yards, I felt the need to upgrade from 5.56.
I sold all 5.56 stuff after jumping into 6.8SPC with both feet back around 2009. Nine years later, I'm completely fine with that decision. I can still plink cheaply with .22LR, 7.62x39 and .308. |
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Posted: 2/9/2018 11:29:07 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
I'm wondering how many of you have started buying/building rifles and eventually realize that your 5.56/.223 rifle(s) just sit in the safe and never get shot like mine. I've had the (crazy?) thought lately of just getting rid of all my 5.56 rifles, or, changing out barrels to the other calibers I already own. 6.5G, 6.8 SPC,.22LR and 300 B.O. are the only variant calibers I own(besides .308 I guess). The thought of a much lighter and shorter Grendel is very appealing as I only have one and it's a 20" heavy barreled 10# beast. It might make it less fun for me to go plinking or shoot up a bunch of ammo with the cost difference in ammo though... Thoughts?? The first time I went the fields were swimming with the little critters... we ( 7 of us ) didn't move from our shooting spot for 9hrs... the vermin just kept coming. So... it just depends on the type of shootin' you do. |
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Posted: 2/9/2018 12:22:48 PM EDT
[#8]
I find myself only using 5.56 for CQM courses.
With all the reloading components and latest/greatest .224 bullets, I still can't logically justify loading for it anymore when I have so many cans and boxes of 6.5 Grendel brass and bullets. With the availability of quality Grendel factory ammo, I find it hard to justify loading for Grendel, other than doing testing with new bullets. That Hornady American Gunner is an awesome deal, since you can't get virgin Hornady brass for the price of the loaded rounds. |
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Posted: 2/9/2018 2:42:44 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Even with all the uppers and full guns I have the 223 still gets it's share of play time. For me is the ultimate default. Cheap, accurate and one of the best teaching rifles out there. Everything from mild to wild in the chambering from room cleaning to 1000 yards with the push of a few pins. Greg |
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Posted: 2/9/2018 3:53:55 PM EDT
[#10]
I'll dump my oddball calibers before I ever sell the 5.56mm versions.
Variants are for fun (IMO), 5.56mm is for work. |
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Posted: 2/9/2018 4:42:49 PM EDT
[#11]
Carbine courses and truck guns mean I'll always have 556.
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Posted: 2/9/2018 8:36:22 PM EDT
[#12]
I shoot 500-1,000 rounds of 556 every month. About half I lose the brass at most 3 gun matches.
My 6.8 is my hog gun, only other 2 calibers I shoot in AR's are 9mm and 6.5 Creedmoor |
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Posted: 2/9/2018 8:43:22 PM EDT
[#13]
Sounds like you need to go for the AR 10.
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Posted: 2/9/2018 9:02:48 PM EDT
[#14]
I've actually been thinking of getting rid of everything else but 5.56.
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Posted: 2/9/2018 9:34:33 PM EDT
[#15]
You might want to wait until the next panic when a Democrat President gets elected before dumping anything. Right now the market is flooded and you'll only get paid in scrap steel prices.
Personally, unless I hunt, why would I prefer to dump one rife over another unless I really have entirely too many. They all hurt when you get popped by it, and for SHF scenarios you still can't beat a standardized 5.56 AR on standby. It's light, holds 20-30 round, and it reliable! |
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Posted: 2/9/2018 9:58:47 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Variants are for fun (IMO), 5.56mm is for work. IMO, other than cost of bulk ammo, there are several variants out there which do pretty much everything better than the the 5.56. Also, as far as SHTF goes if I ever burn through the few hundred rounds of .277 Wolverine I'll have on hand (minjmum), I am sure there would be at least a few weapons lying around for me to pick up :P . |
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Posted: 2/10/2018 12:34:00 AM EDT
[#17]
Thanks for the replies. All very good points and I guess points I knew but need to hear. I like my 5.56 rifles(especially my Noveske/Larue build) and the ammo cost is the biggest thing I agree.
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You might want to wait until the next panic when a Democrat President gets elected before dumping anything. Right now the market is flooded and you'll only get paid in scrap steel prices. Personally, unless I hunt, why would I prefer to dump one rife over another unless I really have entirely too many. They all hurt when you get popped by it, and for SHF scenarios you still can't beat a standardized 5.56 AR on standby. It's light, holds 20-30 round, and it reliable! |
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Posted: 2/10/2018 10:06:42 AM EDT
[#18]
The 223/5.56 have taken many deer, coyotes, and hog, no problems. I used to strictly hunt with a Remington 700 .270, but after years ago I picked up a Ruger Mini 14 scoped it with a Leupold VX 2 4-12x50 that all changed. 223 for all home and hunting. All animals drop with a single head shot in 90% of the shots and the other shots are heart through lungs into and usually through far shoulder for the other 10% of shots. FMJ 55 for all I do. I put in Hornady 75 grain hollow points for the wife and kids. I now hunt with a build lightweight build, MBT trigger, DD lightweight barrel, Leupold hog plex scope. It's all in the shot placement.
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Posted: 2/10/2018 12:07:13 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'll dump my oddball calibers before I ever sell the 5.56mm versions. Variants are for fun (IMO), 5.56mm is for work. Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'll dump my oddball calibers before I ever sell the 5.56mm versions. Variants are for fun (IMO), 5.56mm is for work. Except for the SOF guys who generally prefer the variants when they can get them :P . |
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Posted: 2/12/2018 11:53:52 AM EDT
[#20]
Ammo is cheap, blood is expensive.
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Posted: 2/12/2018 9:35:45 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
+1 SOF guys don't care the ammo cost either. So, by the same logic, 5.56 is for fun or training, and the better variants are thus for "work." |
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Posted: 2/12/2018 9:52:44 PM EDT
[#22]
My 223/5.56 rifles get shot the most and do the most work, why on earth would I get rid of something that isn't broken? And I have plenty of 308's. If 5.56 won't work than my 308's will.
I couldn't care less about the other AR calibers. They don't do anything better than the two tried and true for me and they would be the first to go without even a thought if I was downsizing. I do plan on picking up a 224V eventually, but there's no rush or dire need for me to do it now as it's not pertinent to my needs that a 308 or 223 doesn't already do already for me. |
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Posted: 2/16/2018 1:26:41 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
After I shot a hog in the skull 3x with no penetration at 40 yards, I felt the need to upgrade from 5.56. I sold all 5.56 stuff after jumping into 6.8SPC with both feet back around 2009. Nine years later, I'm completely fine with that decision. I can still plink cheaply with .22LR, 7.62x39 and .308. Any of the 62 - 64gr bonded bullets would blow right through a hog's head even out of a pistol barrel. |
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Posted: 2/16/2018 5:14:45 PM EDT
[#24]
Git rid of guns firing most common rifle round in the world, where billions of rounds are produced a year? No.
On the flip side I have thought about getting a standby 5.56 barrel and bolt for any boutique caliber AR I own. |
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Posted: 2/17/2018 12:19:17 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I would love to know what bullet you used that didn't penetrate a hog's head. Any of the 62 - 64gr bonded bullets would blow right through a hog's head even out of a pistol barrel. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
After I shot a hog in the skull 3x with no penetration at 40 yards, I felt the need to upgrade from 5.56. I sold all 5.56 stuff after jumping into 6.8SPC with both feet back around 2009. Nine years later, I'm completely fine with that decision. I can still plink cheaply with .22LR, 7.62x39 and .308. Any of the 62 - 64gr bonded bullets would blow right through a hog's head even out of a pistol barrel. |
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Posted: 2/18/2018 7:00:00 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I wonder as well. I've put a 22 mag through some pretty thick skulls. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
After I shot a hog in the skull 3x with no penetration at 40 yards, I felt the need to upgrade from 5.56. I sold all 5.56 stuff after jumping into 6.8SPC with both feet back around 2009. Nine years later, I'm completely fine with that decision. I can still plink cheaply with .22LR, 7.62x39 and .308. Any of the 62 - 64gr bonded bullets would blow right through a hog's head even out of a pistol barrel. |
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Posted: 2/18/2018 7:49:47 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I would love to know what bullet you used that didn't penetrate a hog's head. Any of the 62 - 64gr bonded bullets would blow right through a hog's head even out of a pistol barrel. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
After I shot a hog in the skull 3x with no penetration at 40 yards, I felt the need to upgrade from 5.56. I sold all 5.56 stuff after jumping into 6.8SPC with both feet back around 2009. Nine years later, I'm completely fine with that decision. I can still plink cheaply with .22LR, 7.62x39 and .308. Any of the 62 - 64gr bonded bullets would blow right through a hog's head even out of a pistol barrel. |
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Posted: 2/19/2018 12:16:15 PM EDT
[#28]
I have one 5.56 that I never shoot.
I really enjoy the trivial details of loading wildcats. I enjoy hunting more than I do just blasting at the range, so I opt for calibers with higher SD than .180. 7mm Valkyrie is probably my next, but the barrel cost is putting me off. |
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Posted: 2/19/2018 12:43:29 PM EDT
[#29]
I have a precision and blaster 223 work no plans to get rid of either. But the variants are far more exciting and purpose-built, especially when you consider the various hunting and long distance applications
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Posted: 2/22/2018 11:53:04 AM EDT
[#30]
Well, not yet. In my safe I have two 5.56 rifles. One is a 16" LW build with an Aimpoint and an 18" SPR type build with a 2-10 scope. I have a butt load of 5.56 ammo on hand.
I really enjoy shooting my 6.5 Grendel but if I just want to go desert plinking/varmint blasting and not worry about hunting down my cases, or need a rifle again for serious social purposes I'll grab one of these. |
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Posted: 2/22/2018 5:10:21 PM EDT
[#31]
I did this circa 2010 I went from close to 20 cartridges and 30ish guns down to 22lr, 9mm, .308, and 12 gauge and a dozen or so guns then started buying quality guns, optics, ect... stayed like that for a couple years then ditched the .308 gas gun for a .300 blk (kept the .308 bolt gun) added a few other handguns in different calibers then bullet prices for 30 cal's spiked and surplus 147's dried up so the 300 went bye bye and I went back to 5.56 starting back on the dark path added a 22-250, .260 and set foot down wildcat lane and now looking to do a few more wildcats. it's a disease I tell ya.
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Posted: 2/24/2018 2:44:01 PM EDT
[#32]
I don't see myself getting rid of 5.56 stuff. It makes for cheap practice, especially if you have an alternate upper set up identically.
I could move away from 75/77gr OTM in 5.56 for my longer range intermediate caliber shooting, though. |
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Posted: 2/24/2018 2:46:49 PM EDT
[#33]
At this point, I don't really have a whole lot of interest to shoot them. I'll hang onto them and probably take them plinking on occasion though. What I would like is something in .308 that I could take hunting (no deer hunting with .223 in VA).
I do have a Mosin, so I guess I technically have something in .308(ish) that I could take hunting. I think I have a box of ammunition with SP bullets around somewhere. |
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Posted: 2/25/2018 1:09:22 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
After I shot a hog in the skull 3x with no penetration at 40 yards, I felt the need to upgrade from 5.56. I sold all 5.56 stuff after jumping into 6.8SPC with both feet back around 2009. Nine years later, I'm completely fine with that decision. I can still plink cheaply with .22LR, 7.62x39 and .308.  No you didnt, you hit him in the snout or you missed. The myth of these bullet-proof up-armored hogs is freakin hysterical. Growing up, the only rifle I could hunt with alone was a marlin model 60 .22LR, killed a shit ton of hogs right through the ear. I find the only ones who spread those stories are the ones who have killed/shot at few hogs and dont know where to shoot them, or they miss and tell their buddies about how "the bullets just bounced off."
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Posted: 2/25/2018 1:12:46 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: No you didnt, you hit him in the snout or you missed. The myth of these bullet-proof up-armored hogs is freakin hysterical. Growing up, the only rifle I could hunt with alone was a marlin model 60 .22LR, killed a shit ton of hogs right through the ear. I find the only ones who spread those stories are the ones who have killed/shot at few hogs and dont know where to shoot them, or they miss and tell their buddies about how "the bullets just bounced off."
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Posted: 2/25/2018 1:28:14 AM EDT
[#36]
5.56mm is a great caliber for SHTF. I mean it's probably the easiest rifle caliber to get here in America and it's cheap to boot. The vast majority of my rifles are 5.56mm caliber. Are there better calibers? Yeah 6.8mm and 6.5mm and 300BLK are awesome calibers no doubt. However they are nitch calibers. Harder to find, more expensive. So I might have one rifle in 6.8mm for hunting and one 6.5mm for long range shooting. And a 300BLK suppressed for being quiet and compact. But I shoot my 5.56mm rifles way more. If I don't shoot a gun, then I sell it though.
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Posted: 2/25/2018 8:22:57 AM EDT
[#37]
I seldom shoot the other calibers (.300 BO and .308). I need to shoot the .308 more, the GII is a neat rifle and shoots pretty good. The .300 BO never met my expectations for accurate and it more uncomfortable shoot than the GII (on my nose/cheek).
I've shot the .223 AR15's the last two times I've been to the range. |
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Posted: 2/25/2018 9:10:56 AM EDT
[#38]
Quoted:
I'm wondering how many of you have started buying/building rifles and eventually realize that your 5.56/.223 rifle(s) just sit in the safe and never get shot like mine. I've had the (crazy?) thought lately of just getting rid of all my 5.56 rifles, or, changing out barrels to the other calibers I already own. 6.5G, 6.8 SPC,.22LR and 300 B.O. are the only variant calibers I own(besides .308 I guess). The thought of a much lighter and shorter Grendel is very appealing as I only have one and it's a 20" heavy barreled 10# beast. It might make it less fun for me to go plinking or shoot up a bunch of ammo with the cost difference in ammo though... Thoughts?? I will never build or buy another 5.56, but I will hold on to the 4 that I have left for my kids. Moving forward, 6.5 Grendel will be the only caliber that sees significant use, as long as we can continue to get Wolf steel case for about .24 / round. I now have four 6.5 Grendels as well. 12.5" pistol, 14.5" pin & weld, 16" & 20". I would say build another Grendel in 12.5 or 16 with a lighter barrel profile to make it feel very different. |
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Posted: 2/27/2018 4:07:21 PM EDT
[#39]
Dont get rid of em. Just add more variety. Picked up a .50 Beowulf upper a few years ago. Absoluty fantastic. Just finished a 300 Blackout pistol build, and picked up an AR10 on the cheap last fall. Now my safe is happier with such variety!
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Posted: 2/27/2018 4:48:51 PM EDT
[#40]
I think everyone needs at least one 5.56.
As much as I love all the variants I have and shoot, the 5.56 stays till the end. Of them all the 6.8 is still my favorite and my go to. Although they all have a place and use. I do find it interesting that the last 2 alternate cartridges to come out with major support are both 6.8 case based. So the 5.56 stays, even if it sits in the safe. |
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Posted: 2/27/2018 6:00:47 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I think everyone needs at least one 5.56. As much as I love all the variants I have and shoot, the 5.56 stays till the end. Of them all the 6.8 is still my favorite and my go to. Although they all have a place and use. I do find it interesting that the last 2 alternate cartridges to come out with major support are both 6.8 case based. So the 5.56 stays, even if it sits in the safe. I shoot my 223 rifles the most thought, it's a lot of fun still. |
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Posted: 2/27/2018 7:07:24 PM EDT
[#42]
Finally sold off my AR-15’s to get the AR-10. Still have the Mini-14. If I could get a decent price I’d sell the AR-10. Really wanting a Benelli M-4.
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Posted: 3/1/2018 6:07:25 PM EDT
[#43]
My .223's get most of my use with my 6mmTCU and 7.62x39 running close seconds (the Grendel is getting a lot of my attention recently). I could never give up the .223's; they get used for varmint hunting ground squirrels and coyotes, my 2 gun and 3 gun matches and one stays handy for home defense. No, my .223 is here to stay.
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Posted: 3/2/2018 12:16:42 AM EDT
[#44]
I only have one 5.56 and have to admit that after firing 1 rd of 300 blk subs at steel @100 yds +...I thought about all the blackout ammo I would have if I shot up all my .223/5.56 and sold the upper and converted the brass to 300blk.
I shot 100, 200, and 300 yds that day on steel with subs, and it was a GREAT TIME. Cross between a AR and a Red Rider BB gun. 300 yds is no joke. |
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Posted: 3/2/2018 12:47:33 AM EDT
[#45]
Mostly have 556 guns but the grendel bug did bite me, its fun with a 12.5" barrel.
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Posted: 3/2/2018 6:59:48 AM EDT
[#46]
I've been going back to o my 5.56 ars.
Had a whole bunch of different calibers trying to find one that was the next best thing. Gave up on that, 5.56 with a 77gr tmk is good enough for me. I do want to build a mk12 clone in 224v though, seems like it would be pretty awesome. |
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Posted: 3/4/2018 12:45:13 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've been going back to o my 5.56 ars. Had a whole bunch of different calibers trying to find one that was the next best thing. Gave up on that, 5.56 with a 77gr tmk is good enough for me. I do want to build a mk12 clone in 224v though, seems like it would be pretty awesome. 
I think I'll be slowly switching to everything 6.5 grendel... |
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Posted: 3/4/2018 1:12:27 PM EDT
[#48]
I shoot my Pistol carbines and other 9mm 90% of the time. Sometimes I bring the AK or ar15 and run a mag through them.
Maybe I am spoiled by the small and lightweight handling of the 9mm carbines. |
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Posted: 3/4/2018 1:22:09 PM EDT
[#49]
I shot one of my 5.56s yesterday.
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Posted: 3/5/2018 11:14:46 AM EDT
[#50]
Quoted:
I'm wondering how many of you have started buying/building rifles and eventually realize that your 5.56/.223 rifle(s) just sit in the safe and never get shot like mine. I've had the (crazy?) thought lately of just getting rid of all my 5.56 rifles, or, changing out barrels to the other calibers I already own. 6.5G, 6.8 SPC,.22LR and 300 B.O. are the only variant calibers I own(besides .308 I guess). The thought of a much lighter and shorter Grendel is very appealing as I only have one and it's a 20" heavy barreled 10# beast. It might make it less fun for me to go plinking or shoot up a bunch of ammo with the cost difference in ammo though... Thoughts??  I do shot my 5.56 every now and again, I do have n advantage in shooting someone else's ammo though. My Brother (where I do my shooting at) stocked up on about 6,000 rnds of it right before Trump's election 
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