322: 223/5.56 NATO vs 7.62x39 Caliber Comparison

This episode releases on the 4th of July, so I thought it was fitting to not only do a cartridge comparison, but focus on two cartridges that have played prominent roles in US military conflicts over the past half century: the 223 Remington and 5.56 NATO on one side vs the 7.62x39mm on the other. The 5.56 vs 7.62x39mm debate kicked off right after military forces using those cartridges first met in the jungles of Vietnam during the 1960s and has never really ended as shooters continue to intensely argue the strengths and weaknesses of each cartridge in sporting goods shops, gun magazines, online forums, and shooting ranges across the country. In this episode, I do my best to sort through the 223/5.56 vs 7.62x39mm debate in an even handed manner in order to help you make an informed decision on which one is right for you. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true at in South Africa's Limpopo Province where we offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. Plus, we're offering our remaining hunts for October and November 2024 at a fantastic discount! Visit bestsafarihunt.com or contact me directly at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more. Email me at that same address with subject line "podcast hunt" if you're interested in joining us on our upcoming Africa podcast hunt in July 2025. Sponsor: Go to HuntingGuns101.com and Sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday (along with my weekly ammo supply updates). Resources 223/5.56 vs 7.62x39: Some Unexpected Pros & Cons – Blog article referenced in podcast Best 223 Remington Ammo For Hunting - 223 Remington hunting ammo recommendations Best 7.62×39 Ammo For Hunting Deer & Other Big Game - 223 Remington hunting ammo recommendations Best Hunting Rifles Under $500 - Budget hunting rifle recommendations Best Hunting Ear Protection For Sportsmen – Ear protection recommendations Best Rifle Scopes For Hunting - Rifle scope recommendations Best Hunting Rifle Slings - Rifle sling recommendations