If you think momentum is an effective measure of stopping power then throw
rocks; they have more of it.

Most people use energy as a first approximation, with bullet design just as
important but harder to assess.

this gives:

5.56mm x 45, 1798 J
7.62mm x 39, 1993 J
7.62mm x 51, 3276 J

Regarding personal use; I chose the 5.56mm x 45 because it is much more
controlable that the 7.62mm x 39, probably becase less momentum equals less
recoil. With an AK-47/AKM only the first round of a burst has any real
chance of a hit, the rest go over the top, the AK-74 seems to have solved
this with its 5.45mm x 39.5 round and a muzzle brake but I have not fired
one enough to have a real oppinion. Given a head or torso hit either round
will get the job done virtually every time.

"Regnirps" wrote in message
...
"Bill Phillips" wrote:

The AK fires the 7.62mm x 39 which is much less powerful that the 7.62mm
x
51 used in the M14.

Lets rank them by momentum (in oddball units but it doesn't matter for
comparison).

.223 55gr at 3,100 fps -- 170,500
7.62x39 125gr at 2,200 fps -- 275,000 ( 1.6 times the .22)
.308 150gr at 2,800 fps -- 420,000 ( 2.46 times the .22 and 1.53 times
the
Russian)

I'll take the M14 any day, but I practive with one a lot (and I picked the
high
end. I have seen some NATO ball ammo at 2,300). Assuming they won't let
you
have one, which of the other two do you pick?

-- Charlie Springer