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Posted: 5/4/2008 11:45:22 PM EDT
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If you search, you will find a number of companies with x39s. The only serious complaint is that most of the available high capacity mags don't work well altho C-Products is supposed to rectify that problem any day now from reports. The other problem is that some don't shoot the Wolf cheap ammo that well unless the bolt is modified to allow the firing pin to protrude a bit more...most seem to thing that is a very minor problem that is easy to fix. MGI has a somewhat more expensive bolt that should take care of the same problem. My personal choice for your use would probably be the 6.8 SPC which is growing in popularity and a wide choice of ammo is becoming available. It is also nice as it works very well out of a short barrel rifle. Lotsa discussion on this choice on the board. I am planning to build both a x39 and a 6.8. The 39 is hard to beat for cheap fun....cheap is very relative these days with ammo prices being what they are :) |
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My choice for your requirements was the 6.8. (A .270 Winchester Short) While ammo for the 7.62X39 is more available, I chose the AR platform for my go to...battle rifle. The 6.8 is more powerful, shoots flatter, than the 7.62x39, and the overall package is lighter and easier to wield than the 7.62x51 - AR10 platform. (I've got one of those too). Lots of ammo choices, barrier round, hunting round, match round, ect. Can shoot to 300 very accurately, however I've mounted my Eotech to mine and chose a compact model. Being able to manipulate the rifle inside a vehicle, and clearing buildings, means a shorter rifle. BTW, this round will kill just about any animal you'll encounter. Stock 3000 rounds, 10 mags, and two rifles, and your set for anything. This one is mine. 
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| Yep, sounds like 6.8 is the way to go given your list of needs ... especially if you reload. It packs plenty of punch for anything in the Continental US (pretty much), and is a pretty flat shooting and accurate round. There's also a ton of reloading data over on 68forums.com, and a lot of those active members post here as well. |
If you are looking at 7.62x39 for affordable ammo, consider that the 6.5 Grendel (basically a 7.62x39 necked down to 6.5mm) currently has two Wolf Ammunition brass-cased loadings and is scheduled to add a 6.5 Grendel steel-cased loading, which will cost only a little more than steel-cased 7.62x39.
The 6.5 Grendel generally takes advantage of high-sectional density bullets, which aids in penetration scenarios.
Fortunately, or unfortunately (depending on how you look at it), the 6.5 Grendel excels at tasks both near and far and also in-between.
If you find yourself in a civil unrest situation and ammo availability is a concern, consider that you can make 6.5 Grendel cases from 7.62x39 cases. John | 6.5 Grendel: The State-of-the-Art Combat Cartridge. | www.65grendel.com |
If I have to shoot the 7.62x39MM, it will be from an AK based weapon. Get off your horse on this front on the 6.5G. This dog doesn't hunt, PERIOD. |
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300 whisper. Ok, you have to make your own ammo but it is much cheaper that way. Ballisitcs and power levels are very good and it uses stock AR magazines and colt/bolt carrier. Just my thoughts (And what I chose). ETA, 300 whisper brass is made from trimmed .223 brass. |
As this is the AR VARIANTS section the 223 (per the initial poster posting in here) is not in his running for a medium range caliber, while I think it is very capable, Id prefer something a bit "heavier" as well. Im a big bore fan, tried and true, so given the circumstances (MY OWN CRITERIA) I would opt for the 300 Whisper or the 6.8 SPC (not a big bore per se but bigger then the 223). Per my research, they both fit the bill for their intended purposes. Im not concerned with ammo price nor if its around in the local hunting store, the web retailers have ammo if you look around. For the 300 Whisper, reloading is your limitation, commercially speaking, corbon.com loads supersonic loads only. The fun is with sub sonics and a can...Nothing like sending 220 grains of heartbreak... quietly. The 6.8 SPC theres a bunch of offerings, Hornady, Remington, Corbon, Silver State Armory. Its becoming more popular every day based on what major manufactures make firearms chambered in 6.8. But this is what is important,all in all, its your choice, a lot of people who are the "regulars" in here will give you their two cents but ultimately, it comes down to what you want and what makes you happy. My honest suggestion is take a list of the rounds in the running (whatever they may be) and do your own research and make the choice which you feel suits you, usually you will be happy with the end result! Good luck and of course were here if you have questions on a particular round. |
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