762x51mm Fighting Rifles - More Power

If you need more power and reach than 5.56mm carbine, the 7.62 NATO/.308 Winchester is the one to choose. I will discuss weapons and loads for home and ranch defense ... I think it is a bit too much for folks living in an urban environment.

[@anangryranger]

As a Ranger, assigned to a company strength infantry firebase in Vietnam, I used an M14 about 80% of the time. I was never disappointed in the performance of it at anytime. And though it weighed more than an M16, that was never a problem with me. A fine weapon.

[@blackhawk7r221]

There’s a reason why we all fought over who got to carry the 14’s.

[@maxmccain8950]

I went through Marine Corps boot camp with a M14 and a Remington Rand 1911. I guess that really dates me. Great cartridge and rifle.

[@frankpowell5185]

I started out with the M1 and ended up with the M-16.........dated for sure!

[@Mrelindio42]

Just shows you are a youngster, I went through boot camp and another year with an M-1 in Army Infantry. Used the M-14 after that. IMO the M-1 was a more accurate rifle but had the awful "ping" when it ejected the empty clip.

[@Dennisthemenace40]

There’s an old, old saying that goes; there aren’t many problems a man can’t fix with $700 and a 30-06. While the $700 figure kinda pales in today’s economy, the ballistics of the 30-06 and its contemporary, the 308, still stand true.

[@CheeseBurgerXJ]

I hunt with a 22” 30-06 Remington model 6 pump, shoots pretty flat with 150 gr accutip. My dad and grandpa have the same gun in 30-06 as well

[@reallycoooool]

Great episode, once again. The service rifle i was issued a long time ago, was chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. In my opinion, the 7.62×51mm NATO is a lot of gun, especially in an urban area or populated rural area. But, in the right hands, it can be used safely for self defence.

[@ibnewton8951]

I was trained with the R1 FAL 7.62 NATO in my service with the South African Police during the 1976 Soweto riots. Following that I joined the British South Africa Police in Rhodesia being once again issued a South African made FAL which I used in PATU (Police Anti Terrorist Unit) during the bush war. It is a superb weapon.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Can't argue with hands-on experience, sir.

[@MDR-hn2yz]

I’m sure you have some wild stories.

[@johnsnyder5470]

I always enjoy listening to you talk about subjects you obviously know. Thank you for taking the time to educate us.

[@rationalmind6362]

Look forward to the 30 carbine discussion 👍

[@wyominggunproject]

That which is cover for 5.55 is merely concealment for 7.62 🤠

[@Oldhogleg]

The scout concept was also based on the idea of a "General Purpose" rifle as well. I've always loved the scout rifle concept. I turned one of my M14s into a scout rifle back in the late 90's. Then my final version was converting a Spanish FR8 into a scout rifle with a forward 2x scope and a WWI 20rd trench magazine a little over two decades ago. It's light and handy with the 16 inch barrel. But these days one could argue the forward scope is now obsolete due to the wide availability of LPVO scopes. People like to debate what a battle rifle is, but I think a General Purpose rifle is a little harder to define.

[@arapahoetactical7749]

I was an Air Force small arms instructor and armorer and we got in some M-14's for EOD. A couple that we received had the auto sear and selector. When I took them to the range for a Function Fire I managed just a 5 round burst. Never in my life had I ever fired auto with a rate of muzzle climb like that. My fifth round was nearly vertical. I was also shocked at the rate of fire. I swear it is faster than the old M-16 and more than twice that of the M-60.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Many years ago a friend who collected Class 3 autos had an M14, a BAR and an Italian BM59 on the range one day. The M14 was uncontrollable on full-auto. The BM59 was maybe a little better. The BAR was the model with selectable slow or fast full auto (I don't remember the variation). On fast auto it was way better than the other two and on slow auto you could shoot groups at 300 yards - VERY controllable.

[@CarolinaRimfire]

I learned centerfire rifle on a .308 a LONG time ago on my grandfather's deer rifle he kept for his hunting trips to Wyoming. He bought it at Sears (I think...) back in the 60s. Still works great. Built to last and fun to shoot. Thanks for the video, sir!!

[@rudolfyakich6653]

My first .308 was a SR 25 by Knights Armament. Very fun to shoot by jammed often. Enjoyed my upscale Springfield M1A. I had a DSA 16" that was great. Now I have a Smith and Wesson 16" with an A2 stock that I added. I use it on the 600 yard range and it is a keeper. Paid $800 for it . Six power scope. Don't jam and very handy in the truck.

[@davidstecher1171]

Very informative as always! Thank you!👍 This is the first reason I subscribed to your channel. The second reason: When you give your cute dogs a treat at the end of your video! 😎🤗👍 Keep up the good work!😎

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

I was issued both an M14 and a M21 as a sniper with the Rangers back in the 1970s. For the available technology at the time the M21 with a Leatherwood A.R.T. scope, it worked great! Speaking of the Scout rifle, I use a Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle as my go-to rifle for deer hunting!

[@Kinetic.44]

230 gr Berger has a BC of .711 for those 1300 meter shots. 110 gr VMAX and 125 gr Nosler BT fragment with twice the material and 3 times the energy of any 5.56 load. .308 can do anything if you have the muscle.

[@johnlacasse8893]

This is my personal choice for a "battle rifle" cartridge... Though I've adopted the 300 blk, for short range home defense scenarios. I did break down and get a 556, but it was really only because of the current climate against AR style rifles and ammo cost... Cheaper ammo to stock pile, with pretty good ballistics at close range. I only truly accepted it after seeing your video on it. You've opened my eyes on a few rounds and confirmed my opinions on others.

[@blainecolbry3192]

I have a Springfield M1A, one of the last rifles I'd ever part with.

[@bjdog42]

My Ruger Scout is quite accurate & handy to carry in the woods even though the laminated stock is a bit heavier than that type of rifle needs to be. My Springfield Scout Squad 18" has shot very close to 1 moa with all but the cheapest practice ammo I've tried in it. Those are the only centerfire rifles I own that haven't had any accuracy tweaks or modifications of any kind other than mounting scopes & slings on them. They just work.

[@davidnancarrow6158]

The 308 Winchester is a fine general-purpose rifle and I have used one for 50+ years in my hunting. The simple reason for the 308 147 grain and the 30-06 150 grain bullet being so close is pressure. Sure, the 7.62x51 will about equal the 06 but at a higher pressure-physics always plays the part. As to the 168 or 175 grain hollow point boat tail in military use, the hollow point in these match bullets is not for expansion but is part of the manufacturing process-the bullet is built upside down so to speak and the finished bullet is punched out of its forming die by a small pin. Likely the reason your buddy had to shoot that elk so many times as the expansion of Sierra hollow point Match Kings is erratic at best, and Sierra does not recommend them for hunting. In my hunting rifle I use 165 grain Sierra boat tail soft points over a good load of Varget and I have never had an animal run more than 20 yards after a good hit, to include deer and one hog that dressed out at over 700 pounds. I see the 30-06 as a 308 plus 10% and own and have hunted with both. The 06 gains on the 308 once you get past 175 grain bullets.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

700 pounds field dressed? Now that is a big pig!

[@NelsonZAPTM]

Ron Spoomers favorite cartridge.

[@destroyingdadxx2274]

Dick, thanks for this excellent series on handgun and rifle cartridges. This is the best stuff I’ve seen on KZbin in years. Keep it up!

[@sirdanoman]

I built an AR10 mostly from Aero. Took me two years to get all the parts thanks to COVID nonsense. I elk hunt with it. Did my own custom Duracoat job with Rhodesian camo pattern. Love that rifle.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

What bullet/load do you use for elk?

[@larrygibson9273]

Great deer cartridge, and in a semi-auto, 400m 'get outta the neighborhood rifle'

[@christhirkell755]

Dont forget the 270 Winchester. Would appreciate your thoughts on that. Great Chanel.

[@Mrelindio42]

Great informative video as usual!

[@Oldhogleg]

I've owned an ARMALITE AR10T chambered in 260 REM since the late 90's. But now that I'm in my 60's, I need something much lighter for off hand target shooting and recently bought a RUGER SFAR. Loved the lightness, but was literally shooting a shotgun pattern of 20 MOA. After examining it I noticed the gas block was slightly rotated and rubbing on the handguard. After recentering the gas block it shot 1 MOA with handloads.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

I've heard reports of varying degrees of accuracy with the SFAR, but they feel mighty handy when you pick one up.

[@Oldhogleg]

@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb It sure is, glad it was a simple fix.

[@Cruiser777]

Enjoy your videos thanks for the insights

[@roykiefer7713]

Excellent video, Dick, thank you. Might you discuss the 6.5x55 Swede? I know it’s far more common in Europe than in North America, I know it’s comparatively ancient, and obviously it’s essentially a bolt action cartridge, but (imho) it is still an excellent defensive and hunting round.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

I have no experience with the Swede, but hunting reports from Europe suggest it punches above its weight, even on Moose (I believe they call them Elk over there). As you say, it is pretty uncommon in the US, but the 6.5 Creedmore is very similar and very popular here, so an AR10 rifle in 6.5 would be an excellent choice, as I stated in the video.

[@roykiefer7713]

@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb Thanks.

[@LKaramazov]

I never knew the DMR was a grade down from a sniper. Interesting vid as always!

[@MANDING0]

My only 308 rifle is a SW MP10. Light but lots of flash and noise.

[@grayman7208]

1:40 actually france kept it's pre-developed cartridge 7.5 x 54. which was very similar to 7.62 nato in power. but developed 20 years prior to 7.62 nato. and used it into the 1980's before going to 5.56 in the famas.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

I thought all the NATO countries adopted the 7.62 ... learn something new every day.

[@grayman7208]

@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb and actually, france was ticked off the the u.s. thought they had to develop a new cartridge, (and force nato to adopt it) that france had already developed and proven that was ballistically similar to 7.62 nato.

[@robertmakowski7808]

...my favorite centerfire rifle cartridge... If the original twist had been 1/10 as it is now instrad of the 1/12 it would have caught on sooner...

[@LKaramazov]

I love that Deadwood music! Where’s EB?

[@Kinetic.44]

Three Oh Hate

[@user-ci2mn1oy3w]

no night scope gives you more effective range than the 300m that you can get with a shorty 223. So you're just lugging around that clunker .30 cal for the "ability" to shoot thru more barriers than 223 softpoints can handle. Lots of barriers WILL stop 308's, like engine blocks, concrete curbs, brick walls, sandbags, big tree trunks. Shooting at such things is highly likely to mean that youll be out of ammo very soon, and your unsuppressed shots will call in enemies from every direction. So you're losing a lot more than you gain by going with the 308, guys.

[@samdone2900]

Very interesting video. I’d love to hear more about bullet selection like you did with the handgun cartridges. What kind of .308 rounds do you think are suitable for civilian self defense use. You mentioned the AMAX do you think it’s a good choice.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

I like the Hornady Amax, but they discontinued the 155 gr, their SST 150 grain is also excellent for minimum penetration and maximum energy dump. The Nosler 150 gr Ballistic tip is another favorite - VERY accurate. With those bullets I can match M80 velocities and match trajectories. If doing more long-range stuff, I would opt for the Sierra 175 OTM or Nosler 180 Ballistic tip.

[@samdone2900]

@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb SSTs and Interlocks are the bullets I have stacked deep, likewise in the 150gr range to match the trajectory and loads of the 147gr M80 or 150gr FMJ equivalents. I used the 150gr Nosler Ballistic tip for quite a while deer and caribou hunting to great effect. The SSTs were quite a bit cheaper so I bought a few hundred of them years ago.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

The 155 gr AMAX has been discontinued, so I suggest the Hornady 150 gr SST or the Nosler 150 gr Ballistic Tip. The SST will give the maximum terminal performance and the Nosler is better suited for big game hunting. Either 150 gr will match the trajectory of the M80 Ball when loaded to the same velocity. Factory .308 loads with similar bullets are fine, but may not match the M80 exactly because the commercial stuff is probably going a little faster.

[@blackie1of4]

I've yet to get myself a semi automatic rifle.. main reason is that you can not hunt with them in Pennsylvania! I've considered picking up the Ruger SFAR.. but then thought the scout rifle looks great.. and I can use it for hunting! I do like the Ruger Mark lV pistols too! All I have currently that's semi automatic is a Ruger 380.. but I usually carry my Ruger Sp101 357 or a 22 magnum revolver. All that being said.. I'd grab the ol 12 gauge shotgun first!

[@ravenreader4772]

When you get around to 30-30 please discuss 300 HAM'R

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

I have a script penciled in for the "other" AR cartridges, but only in an overview format. I have very little experience with those cartridges and there so many out there, it is hard to pick the ones to discuss. The Ham'R gives 7.62x39 performance so is a bit more powerful than the .300 BLK. I know factory ammo is available from Sig and Wilson, but I don't think it has really gained a large following.

[@RoadTraveler]

Bump

[@netravler1]

Wow. I can't say I've been disappointed with a video of yours at all until I got to this one. It is very apparent through your lack of straight up conversation about the cartridge as you do with all the other cartridges, you spoke more about 6.5 Creedmoor than you did the 7.6x51 or the 308. It really must not be a caliber that you have favor for. LOL. Not even a mention of the civilian Springfield M1A. 😅

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

I have always had at least one rifle chambered for the .308/7.62 and always will. I sold my customized Remington 700P sniper package when I retired, just wasn't using it and figured a younger guy could make use of it, plus I have a S&W M&P10 that will deliver sub-minute accuracy with a couple of loads. I guess I thought the 7.62 NATO was so well understood by most "gun guys" that I would be boring y'all with too much info. While I didn't specifically discuss the M1A, I thought I did mention Springfield Armory on my list of other 7.62 semi-autos. If I missed it, I glossed over it on my dot point notes. I've had a couple of M1As and think they perform very well.

[@netravler1]

@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb Not throwing shade at you Mr Fairburn, your experience way exceeds Mine by a thousand miles . 👍

[@RoadTraveler]

Algorithm

[@LKaramazov]

3000 rounds per minute?????? Is that even possible????

[@ibnewton8951]

On a mini-gun yes. Everything else, no.

[@LKaramazov]

@@ibnewton8951 if that’s what a min can do, I’d hate to see the maxi!

[@wbrennan2253]

GAU-8

[@user-ci2mn1oy3w]

not having a silencer and a subsonic ammo OPTION is just as dumb as not having a scope and bipod for open country and daylight stupidity, or not having a night sight./scope. Ditto not having a 22lr conversion unit, for practice and quiet small game or livestock taking, sentry or scout elimination. If shtf, you're NUTS if you're out and about in daylight, make noise, have a fire in daytime or show a light at night. There's millions of guys with long range capable rifles in the US, who actually know how to USE them. 100x as has ever been the case in any war on earth. You're going to get your ass shot off if you dont just hide during daylight hours, guys. A 308 with a silencer is a bipod-only CLUNK. A 308 with less than an 18" long barrel doesn't have anything LIKE the "long range advantage' that you "think' it has. It also has to have a 1.5 lb 10" long silencer or it's not very quiet. You're burning almost twice as much powder in a 398 as in a 223, so you need twice as big a silencer in order to make it as quiet as the 223 with a GOOD silencer. That weight at the muzzle of the rifle makes it slow to move around. and the 28" package of barrel and "can" make it very unweildy. 308 ball ammo was developed and is made for use in belt-fed machineguns. It's mostly just 3MOA stuff. no matter what rifle it's used in. 3" at 100 yds is NOT the same thing as 9" at 300m, either, even without the wind or mirage being issues Very slight canting of the rifle moves the entire group several inches off of the target. The further away an enemy is, the less need you have for an instantaneous stop. You wont be jumping on a motorcycle and racing out there 400m to scalp him in 20 seconds or less, So why CARE if he can flop around for a minute after being hit with a 223 softpoint that didn't expand. ? He wont be able to HIT you from there, or he'd have been able to do so after taking a 308 ball hit, too, cause it was a poor hit in the first place. Having to pay twice as much for 308 ammo as 223 and 10-12x the price of the 22's usable in the AR via the 22lr conversion unit, just means you wont be as fast at HITTING as the guy with the shorty AR, and silencer is likely to be.. You'lll also be fatigued from lugging around that pointless extra 10 lbs of 308 rifle, mags and ammo

[@bluesoverlord]

So the military brought out the M14s from moth balls for nothing, huh?

[@user-ci2mn1oy3w]

@@bluesoverlord are you in the military? have you got a chopper team to come extract you when you bite off more than you can chew? Taxpayers buying your gear and ammo? got a nice safe base to run back to? Got planes and napalm to help you when you screw up? People to drop ammo to you and come running to get you out of trouble? If not, then you'd BETTER pay attention to what I said about staying in a tunnel for at least a year after shtf, coming out only at night and only long enough to cook a meal.. Cause otherwise,you're going to get shot.

[@patrickobrien9833]

Thanks for the informative class on the .308 and .30-06 cartridges and firearms. WELL DONE !!🇺🇸🇺🇸🍀🦅