SHTF Calibers

Combat Barrier Penetration AK 7.62 vs AR 5.56

2012-07-30T11:32:00.001-07:00

Barrier penetration in a combat or SHTF/WROL scenario is a very popular and "hot" topic right now. It seems as though the 7.62X39 is given a whole lot of credibility because of its ability to penetrate through cinder block, wood, and water jugs. Meanwhile, the the 5.56/.223 is considered a "weak" round because of its lack of penetration and punch.

If penetration is the ONLY factor in a combat scenario, then yes the 7.62X39 would be considered superior. At this point many people would stop reading and go sell their AR15 and their stash of 5.56/.223 ammo. These same people would go and buy up the AK47 and 7.62X39 ammo...and then a week later when they hear that the AR15 has superior penetration in combat, they would go sell their AK47 and all of its ammo and then stand in line to buy their AR15 and cases of 5.56... Before you go on a selling/buying frenzy, read on to get a bigger perspective. Here are some things you want to consider.

COMBAT FACTORS

In a post apocalyptic, SHTF/WROL, doomsday situation or natural disaster, your situation will be much like that of the U.S. Special Forces and Recon Forces since they have to travel longer distances with fewer equipment and uncertainty of when they can resupply. So here it is from my buddies that have returned after 15 months in Iraq/Afghanistan.

You cannot hit what you cannot see. Barrier penetration out of the 7.62X39 might look attractive, but when your enemy is hiding behind a barrier, how do you know where to shoot? Now, of course, if your enemy is partially hidden behind barrier, then your AR15 is accurate enough to hit any exposed body parts. But for the most part, if your enemy is taking cover behind a wall or building, then it's better to take this time to have a part of your team to "close in" on your target while the others aim and wait in case the threat is dumb enough to "pop his head out"...then that's when you...well pop him on the head.
You can still penetrate with just a few shots. The 5.56 might not be a one shot cinder block penetrating round, but all it takes is one more follow up shot to the same area and you have complete penetration. Besides, how often do you plan to shoot at cinder block in real combat?
It is a more devastating round...trust me! Ballistic tests are one thing and real combat is another. In real combat, the 5.56 will devastate your opponent within 300 yards. The 7.62X39 is more of a punching round. It will just punch a .30 caliber hole "through and through". Think of it as a large needle acupuncture with the 7.62X39 while the 5.56 is a nasty tumbling round...especially if you hit bone: rib, hip, spine, etc.
Note: at point blank range, any rifle caliber has not reached optimal efficiency, so shots to the head is a must or multiple shots!
You gonna carry all that? In combat, you're carrying 210 rounds plus another 100lbs of gear. 'Nuff said.
Out range them any day. The ball ammo will be good out to about 300 yards. With special ammo (77gr SMK), you can accurately touch out to 600 yards. Even at 300 yards, the enemy AK47 has a difficult time (if at all) hitting you when prone to the ground. Actually ArmyTimes published an article about 3 marksmen out ranging a platoon of Iraqi insurgents and killing over 150 insurgents while suffering no casualties.
Quicker follow up shots. A typical firefight ranges anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes depending on the situation. If it goes over 10-15 minutes, then you're in some serious trouble and in need of an airstrike or artillery support. If there is no support, then avoid when possible...pick and choose your battles. However, in a typical skirmish, quick, accurate shots have the upper hand in combat. Although the 7.62X39 may "hit harder" and penetrate cinder block better, what you're aiming for is flesh and not brick. The 5.56 out of the AR will win in this category any day. And hey, if your opponents are behind a brick wall, then they're not a threat. Just take a careful aim, wait, and let them be idiots and poke their head out.

So unless you're ONLY fighting in a dense jungle where you cannot see more than 30 feet in front of you (in which case the AK47 has the advantage), the AR15 5.56 will serve the trained individual well. And just for shits and giggles, here is a video of the 5.56 actually penetrating through a 12" thick telephone pole:

Enjoy!

~MrDailyPrepper

SHTF 9mm, 40 S&W, 45 ACP

2012-07-24T13:38:00.001-07:00

Here is a topic that has been beaten to death. This post is not to beat the dead horse, but rather to give you some perspective on it. Caliber choice is a delicate matter for most people and at times, people like to insist that one caliber is better than the other or somehow "superior" just because they chose to fall in love with that caliber. Basically, as human beings, we like to think that we have made the best choice. And since we live with limited choices to make, some people have to feel that their caliber is superior somehow.

While shot placement is the MOST IMPORTANT aspect to any defensive shooting, I'd like to cover the pros and cons of each caliber. Yes, size DOES make a difference.

Now, there are the more non-mainstream calibers such as the .357 sig, .38 special, .357 mag, .44 mag, .50 AE (point 5 oh!) .22wmr, .32, .380, 9X18, 7.62X25 Tokarev, 5.7X28, 10mm, etc. that are VERY EFFECTIVE in the right hands, I will be focusing on the most popular and most readily available pistol calibers here in United States.

9mm

A favorite among many shooters, this is the most widely used in the Western world and also the most openly criticized by Western men. It's almost as if some men feel that they have to compensate for something else?

The Advantages:
-NATO Round
-Cheap to shoot
-Many cartridge options
-Available in +P and +P+
-Great penetration in +P+
-Low recoil
-Accurate

The Disadvantages:
-Some lack confidence in its "stopping power"
-Lack of penetration against cinder block
-Delivers less terminal energy than the other two

Although there are some "macho" types that claim that the 9mm is a round for women, it is a caliber used among special forces in their MP5 and U.S. Military in their Beretta. Contrary to popular belief, the 9mm when the shot is properly placed with a hollow point bullet is enough to bring down any human size threat.

.40 S&W

Some people swear by this, some people swear at this. This caliber is used by the FBI and some law enforcement agencies throughout the country. Although it started out as the 10mm AUTO, some smaller sized people complained and the .40S&W was born. It is pronounced 40 Smith and Wesson, some choose to call it 40 Short and Weak... especially by those "macho" types who despise it as a 9mm round.

The Advantages

-As an in-between the 9mm and .45acp, it has a little more punch while retaining speed

-Readily available in the U.S.

-Great penetration

-Great terminal energy

The Disadvantages

-Has a sharp "kick" that's more of a snap than the .45acp thus affecting shooter accuracy in some people

-Has more PSI than the 9mm and 45acp which gives it the highest possibility of a KB in a chamber that is not fully supported

-Does not have a +P option

It is a disappointment because while the .40 S&W has a great terminal energy delivered on tissue as well as great penetration on barriers, the snappy recoil and chamber PSI makes some shooters wary. Although KB's can happen in any gun, this has the highest possibility. Still, these issues can be mitigated through training and using pistols with fully supported chambers.

NOTE: While some choose to hunt with it, the results are not as satisfying.

.45 ACP

Considered the "real man's caliber", this caliber is thought to be a one shot man stopper by many shooting enthusiasts. While shot placement is what ultimately matters, the .45ACP a.k.a 45 Auto gives many people peace of mind that they're "carrying enough gun" as a person defense pistol.

The Advantages:

-Great man stopper as it maintains kinetic energy well

-Already subsonic for shooting suppressed

-Bigger diameter for greater damage

-Lowest PSI for least possibility for a KB

-Comes in a +P

The Disadvantages:

-Bigger diameter means less able to carry

-Heavier

-Ammo costs more

Some tote this caliber around for bear defense when in the woods. Some hunt hog with this. However, there is still a limitation. There is a reason this is called the "man stopper" and not the "bear stopper".

Pistols are pistols and rifles are rifles...but then again, we have revolvers to fill that "woods carry" gun category. There are really no superior calibers, it's just that people try to take one caliber and make it do the impossible. In my humble opinion, if money were not an issue, I'd have the 9mm in +P+, .45ACP with suppressor, and the .44mag with a 6" barrel for my handgun category...but that's just me.

~MrDailyPrepper

5.56 vs 5.45 for SHTF

2012-07-23T13:31:00.004-07:00

Which caliber is superior? Which caliber is best for SHTF/WROL? Should I get the 5.56 in the AR/AK? Or should I get the 5.45 in the AR/AK?

While the bottom line is always UP TO YOU, here are some things you want to consider...

CARTRIDGE COMPARISON

Trajectory
The Russians have already told the truth on this, so this saves me some work:

Yellow: 5.56X45
Blue: 5.45X39
Red: 7.62X39

Trajectory: +1 for 5.56

Ballistic Co-efficiency
Now, on to bullet size/shape. The 5.45 is longer than the 5.56 and therefore better b/c (ballistic co-efficiency).

Ballistic Co-efficiency: +1 for 5.45

Penetration
Some people claim that this makes the 5.45 (7n6) a better penetrating round. But that's because of the steel core. If you put the 7n6 up against the M855, the 5.45 is inferior in penetration.

According to an article on AR15.com, you can see the comparison and can clearly see that the 5.56 (M855) has more energy and has better penetration than the 5.45 7n6.

Penetration: +1 for 5.56

What about cost?
Right off the bat, the 5.45 cost less at $0.14 while the 5.56 starts at $0.35 per round. While the 5.56 can be more easily reloaded, still the cost of reloading components, time of reloading, and labor of picking up the brass...if you can find it that is.

Cost: +1 for 5.45

Corrosive/non-corrosive?
Unfortunately, it matters if the ammo is corrosive or not if you're going for a SHTF weapon where cleaning is not always readily available. Here's what happened to someone who forgot to clean his weapon after shooting corrosive ammo:

Non-corrosive: +1 for 5.56

Availability

The 5.45 ammo can be bought right now for a very low cost. So if you have the means to "stack it deep", then you're set. However, looking at the long term, we know that the U.S. Military will not be getting rid of the 5.56 any time soon. Also, as it is a NATO round, I will have to say that the 5.56 is more available.

Availability: +1 for 5.56

Accuracy and Terminal Damage

I believe the accuracy and terminal ballistics are both about even. It is like comparing apples to oranges as the 5.45 is designed to tumble while the 5.56 is designed to yaw and fragment. But what's really important is shot placement. So I'll call this a tie.

So in conclusion, comparing cartridges: +2 for 5.45 and +4 for 5.56. They're both great cartridges. Go with what you like. As for me, I'm a reloader and I choose 5.56.

WEAPONS COMPARISON

AR15

+1 for accuracy

+1 for interchangeability

+1 for durability

-1 for need for GOOD cleaning

AK74

+1 for reliability (needs less cleaning)

+1 for better accuracy than the AK47

+1 for durability

-1 for lack of interchangeability

So in conclusion, they're both great weapons and they're both great cartridges. You have 4 options to choose from: AR in 5.56, AR in 5.45, AK in 5.56, AK in 5.45. Whatever you choose to go with, remember shot placement, keep your powder dry, and practice, practice, practice.

YOU CHOOSE! BUT CHOOSE WISELY

~MrDailyPrepper

MK318 - The PERFECT Cartridge

2012-07-23T11:00:00.001-07:00

When it comes to SHTF/WROL calibers, there is a huge discussion and focus on the 5.56X45 and 7.62X39. Understandably, these are the most affordable and more popular cartridges around. Although I'm not dismissing the 7.62X51, 7.62X54R, 5.45X39, and 12ga., the most produced weapons are the AK47 and the AR15 (M16) variants.

Although I love the other calibers and they bring me lots of joy, I have to think practical in America. The most available and most domestically manufactured rounds are the 5.56X45 or the .223 commercial rounds. As I'm writing this in mid 2012, the M855 is also being sold in ammo cans as the U.S. Army is changing out from the M855 to the M855A1.

While the army was spending millions of our tax dollars to make this, the U.S.M.C came up with the MK318. I personally prefer the MK318 over the M855 for the following reasons:

1) MK318 is match grade

2) MK318 is OTM - you can hunt with it when you have to

3) MK318 is more consistent are various distances

4) MK318 will penetrate about as much as the M855

BUT...

5) MK318 is a LOT more expensive at the time of this writing

(Note: that is not to say that I wouldn't want to get my hands on the M855A1. I believe that IS a better penetrating round.)

When fired out of the 20" barrel, this is enough the satisfy the requirements of the Marine Corps for their missions in the desert. However, out of the 14.5" or 16" barrel, this will perform satisfactorily. Still, the real debate among the "yellow glasses" a.k.a. civilian recreational shooter, is that one is better than the "other" meaning 5.56X45 vs 7.62X39.

The 5.56 is known for its light weight, accuracy, flat trajectory, and hydro-static shock. The 7.62X39 is known for its penetration, bigger hole, killing hog a little better, and the "kick" is gives to the shooter to make him/her feel like they shot a real gun. The problem is not with these rounds, but as Americans, we want a round that does BOTH of what these have. We want light weight, low recoil, accuracy, flat trajectory, hydro-static shock, penetration, quicker kill, also that will solve all of our marital problems, pay all of our bills, make you feel better when you're sick, longer erection, send our kids to school, etc., etc., etc.

Right now, in the civilian market, the closest thing we have to the "one round does it all" is the MK318 in my opinion. The only down side is the cost.

In various tests, the MK318 has proven to be an outstanding cartridge, kicks heavier than the XM193, and has superior penetration.

If I were to go with just 1 weapon system, what I would go with? I would go with the AR15 in a 18" barrel MK12 configuration 1:8 twist. The ammo I would choose are: the 77gr SMK and the MK318 SOST...but that's just my "yellow glass" opinion.

~MrDailyPrepper