Cost of .223 holding me back from an AR

[GlassLightning]

So I really want to pick up one of those M&Ps for $699 but I can't justify spending the $0.40 to $0.50 a round. Knowing how much I'd end up using it I'd be broke in 4 months.

As a result of this I've been looking at the NEAs in 7.62x39 or even going the VZ58 route.
Anyone have experience shooting surplus ammo in either or?
Anyone have any arguments that will make me buy the M&P?

Almost bought the 15-22 the other day but it didn't have the same metal/substantial feel as the real deal M&P did.

Hope you are all enjoying your week
Doug

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGwSbsGlxn0

This guy also has a few other videos describing his time with the rifle, but I think that video should sell you on the reliability of an NEA AR with surplus ammo. And I'm gonna be building a couple AR's in 7.62x39. Both will be using NEA bolts, one with a 7.5" NEA barrel and the other with a 16" Anderson barrel and NEA CCS stock system. I'm confident they'll both work perfectly, and I planning on using corrosive surplus in them. It is a lot cheaper than 223, even the steel cased 223. Also, the steel cased Barnaul doesn't cycle my NEA rifle yet, although I haven't shot it much so it probably just has to be broken in. I heard the steel cased aren't loaded quite as heavily as brass ammo, but I'm not sure if that is true.