When it comes to preparing for the worst – whether it’s societal collapse, natural disaster, or a long-term grid-down scenario – your rifle caliber can make a serious difference. Among preppers, one debate stands tall above the rest: .308 Winchester (7.62×51 NATO) versus 5.56 NATO (.223 Remington). Both are proven performers, but their strengths diverge in key areas. Depending on your environment, needs, and tactical mindset, one might suit your situation better than the other.
Let’s break it all down – from power and penetration to weight and versatility – so you can decide which is best for your survival plan.
Raw Power and Stopping Threats
There’s no sugarcoating it – the .308 hits harder. It delivers significantly more energy downrange, with better penetration against hard barriers, body armor, and even vehicles. In a world where threats might come in the form of looters in vehicles or dangerous wildlife, the .308 gives you stopping power that the 5.56 just can’t match.
If you’re thinking long-range neutralization or dealing with hardened targets, .308 is the clear winner here. That bigger bullet translates to deeper wounds and more reliable terminal effects.
Reach and Accuracy at Distance
Range matters, especially if you expect to defend wide-open spaces or engage from elevation. The .308 is consistently accurate out to 800 yards and beyond with proper optics and training. The 5.56, while accurate in its own right, drops off quickly after 500 yards.
That’s not to say 5.56 can’t get the job done at intermediate ranges – it can – but the .308 holds the advantage in long-range scenarios. If you foresee needing a precision rifle or overwatch capabilities in a survival situation, the .308 wins.
Ammunition Weight and Carry Capacity
Here’s where the 5.56 pulls ahead. It’s lighter – significantly so. For every one .308 cartridge, you can carry nearly three rounds of 5.56. That adds up quickly when you’re on foot, moving fast, or trying to bug out with limited space in your pack.
Mobility is everything in some survival scenarios. When ounces matter and speed is critical, 5.56 gives you more firepower without breaking your back. If your plan relies on carrying thousands of rounds or resupplying on the go, 5.56 is the smarter logistical choice.
Rifle Size and Handling
Battle rifles chambered in .308 are inherently heavier and bulkier. Even compact options like the M1A Tanker or AR-10 variants are noticeably larger than their 5.56 counterparts. In tight spaces, urban environments, or dense forests, the lighter, shorter AR-15 has a big advantage.
Not only are 5.56 rifles easier to maneuver, they also recoil less. That means faster follow-up shots, easier training for all skill levels, and less fatigue over time. For close-quarters defense and fast movement, 5.56 shines.
Ammo Availability and Resupply
No matter how well-stocked you are now, resupply is always a factor in long-term scenarios. Across the U.S., 5.56 and .223 Remington are far more commonly available than .308. It’s the go-to round for military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters alike.
Yes, .308 is still popular, and you’ll find it in most gun shops. But when shelves are empty and ammo is scarce, odds are you’ll find 5.56 sooner and in greater quantity. That’s a major consideration if you’re planning for barter or scavenging.
Hunting and Versatility
The .308 is the more capable hunting round, hands down. It can take down whitetail deer, elk, moose, and even bears. If you’re living off the land or hunting large game to feed a family, .308 is the caliber that brings the meat home.
In contrast, 5.56 is more suitable for small to medium game. While you can hunt deer or wild hogs with it – especially in states that allow it – it lacks the bone-crushing impact of a .308. If your environment is full of larger game, .308 wins the versatility battle.
Close-Quarters Defense
This is where 5.56 comes back with a vengeance. Lightweight rifles with manageable recoil make 5.56 ideal for defending structures, clearing buildings, or responding to threats at short to medium range. The AR platform is fast, ergonomic, and easy to customize for specific tactical roles.
In close-quarters fighting, faster handling and lower recoil beat raw power. And since most survival situations won’t require shooting out to 800 yards, 5.56’s sweet spot of 100 to 300 yards is often more than enough.
Recoil and Training Accessibility
Let’s face it: not everyone in your family or group is a seasoned marksman. Recoil-sensitive shooters, new gun owners, or smaller individuals will have an easier time learning and operating a 5.56 rifle. Less recoil means more practice, better accuracy, and higher confidence under stress.
The .308 is manageable, especially in gas-operated rifles, but it’s still a much bigger boom. For group preparedness and skill-building, 5.56 is the more accessible option.
Magazine Capacity and Loadouts
You’ll rarely see a .308 magazine that holds more than 20 rounds. They’re big, heavy, and expensive. On the flip side, 30-round AR magazines are everywhere, dirt cheap, and weigh practically nothing. Carrying six loaded .308 mags is a chore. Carrying ten 5.56 mags? Not so much.
If your strategy involves rapid-fire defense, perimeter patrols, or being heavily armed on the move, 5.56 offers more flexibility with high-capacity loadouts.
Tactical Role and Environment
Choosing the right caliber also depends on your setting. Rural preppers dealing with vast wilderness, big game, and long sightlines will likely benefit from the .308’s range and power. Urban dwellers, on the other hand, need something nimble, light, and quick to deploy – enter the 5.56.
Each environment presents different threats and opportunities. Your surroundings should influence your decision as much as the caliber’s performance.
The Real Answer? Own Both
In a perfect world, why not both? Many preppers hedge their bets by owning an AR-15 in 5.56 and a battle rifle or bolt gun in .308. The AR handles defense, patrol, and close-range encounters. The .308 covers hunting, overwatch, and power-demanding situations.
Diversifying your arsenal gives you options. You can adapt your loadout based on mission, threat level, or availability of supplies. It’s not always about one being “better” – it’s about choosing the right tool for the job.
One Punches Harder, The Other Runs Longer
If you’re prepping for a long-term SHTF scenario, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the .308 vs. 5.56 debate. The .308 delivers power, range, and big-game versatility. The 5.56 gives you speed, volume, and ease of use. One punches harder, the other runs longer.
It all depends on your survival plan. If you’re in bear country or expect to live off elk and deer, the .308 is your best friend. If you’re in a high-mobility scenario or urban collapse, the 5.56 may be the wiser bet.
But in the end, the smartest move might just be this: carry what you can shoot well, train hard with what you have, and plan for the real-world challenges you’re most likely to face.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.