Originally Posted by
msstate56
I’ve piled up dozens of whitetails and well over 100 wild hogs with 5.56. 77 SMK, 73 ELDM work great. I’ve killed charging hogs so close I had to side step when they fell stone dead at my feet. I’ve also shot some that I never recovered. Bullet placement matters more than anything.
A short barreled (16”) .308 is not some long range king. .308 out of 20”+ barrels struggles past 600 yards.
If you want a rifle for self defense, an AR-15 in 5.56 is the only realistic choice. You don’t need a heavier rifle, with heavier ammo and lower capacity. If on the other hand you just want a rifle for shooting stuff, then get whatever you want. I can make reliable and repeatable hits 400 yards and in with a 5.56. If I realistically need more range than that, I’d rather use a bolt gun in 6.5 CM.