DPMS LR 6.5

[Randoman5]

I've been reading stuff on this forum so long that I've finally been convinced that there are better rounds than .308 for target shooting, and this gun seems to be an incredible bargain.

I was wondering how many of you have this rifle and can recommend for it or against it.

Secondly I was wondering how one could obtain it. I've searched high and low and nobody has any in stock. DPMS lists a 6-8 month lead time, which sucks but is acceptable as it would give me some time to save up.

I think I've read every post on this forum about this rifle and I've heard of a person claiming he tried for over a year to obtain one before finally building one himself.

Has anyone ordered and received one of these rifles through their DPMS dealer. If so how long did it take?

 

[biscuit75camaro]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

I have one and i love it. I got a 4rnd 4" 800yd group the other day and thats the my first time past 500 with it. It is quicky becoming my favorite rifle. It likes 42.4gr of h4350 under a berger 140VLD. Hope this helps

 

[lash]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

I just checked and see one for sale on guns America . Com. I say go for it and you won't be sorry.

 

[elfster1234]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

randoman5, if you want an all out paper punching bug hole producing AR, then i just cant see you going wrong with a 6.5 bull barrel DPMS... slap a vortex pst FFP scope with a nice 1pc 10moa to 20moa cant scope mount on that bad boy and you'll have one nice rifle especially for the money.

 

[elfster1234]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

another question for ya,,,, will you be reloading for this rifle?

 

[Randoman5]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: elfster1234</div><div class="ubbcode-body">another question for ya,,,, will you be reloading for this rifle? </div></div>

I plan to eventually. Although getting that set up is another large expense. I found factory ammo for 1.25 each, which isn't far off what match .308 goes for.

Obviously you can find not-match .308 a lot cheaper.

I guess that brings me to another question. Guys who reload for this cartridge. Once you have all the equipment what are you paying per round?

 

[RobertB]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

is this .260 or 6.5CM?

 

[Randoman5]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RobertB</div><div class="ubbcode-body">is this .260 or 6.5CM? </div></div>

DPMS sells both.

 

[Pat M]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

I've have a 308lr and than bought a 260 upper. Have to say the 308 shoots great - but the 260 lives on the lower. 2nd favorite rifle i own.

 

[elfster1234]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

right now i'm reloading for .308, .223, 9mm, 40sw, and 45auto..

as for my .308.... what i usually do is purchase american eagle 7.62x51 nato 168grn open tip match ammo for $16 per 20 (brass performs wonderful in my LMT MWS with very low expansion on the brass),,,, then i reload that brass... my reloaded ammo runs:


brass = free
bullet per = about .26 per bullet
about 42grns varget = about .16 per powder drop
#200 cci primer = about .03 per primer


so each .308 cartridge reloaded runs me about .45 per round or about $9 dollars per 20round box.

 

[elfster1234]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

i would really look into the ammo factor... if you're just punching holes in paper and not shooting over 300yards, then you might just want to look into a .223 rifle as the ammo is dirt cheap... take a look at my 30round, 6group shootout as most of the top ten rifles are .223's and i'm the only friggen .308 left on the block!!

big factor when making a AR purchase is how much the ammo is going to burn a hole in your pocket book especially when you don't reload!

 

[CaptRob]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

Not the exact rifle but I have their SASS in 308 and love it. For a factory semi it is an awesome shooter.

 

[elfster1234]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

as for my .223 reloading,,,, i find TONS of .223 ranged picked brass so it is always free for me...



.223 reloading for me is


brass = free
about 25grns varget = .09 per powder drop
bullet for 55grn hornady fmj bt = .09 per bullet
primer = .03 per primer



so each .223 cartridge runs me .21 per round or $4.20 per 20round box or $21 bucks per 100rounds.

 

[Randoman5]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: elfster1234</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i would really look into the ammo factor... if you're just punching holes in paper and not shooting over 300yards, then you might just want to look into a .223 rifle as the ammo is dirt cheap... take a look at my 30round, 6group shootout as most of the top ten rifles are .223's and i'm the only friggen .308 left on the block!!

big factor when making a AR purchase is how much the ammo is going to burn a hole in your pocket book especially when you don't reload! </div></div>

I know what you mean, but I'd like to shoot past where a .223 can get me and I don't really want to own a whole bunch of rifles I plan to eventually put a Kidd barrel on my .22 and only want another rifle for long range shooting. Frankly I'm totally fine shooting my .22 out to 300. I'd be buying the DPMS because they offer the ergonomics I'm looking for with inexpensive magazines for far less than a bolt action rifle with similar accuracy. (plus I love the design of the AR rifles and just want one to play with)

I think the 6.5 appeals to me just because otherwise I'd eventually want a 300 Win Mag.

If I just want to blast away It'll be with my .22. When I'm shooting for accuracy I shoot slow and I don't go through tons of ammo.

I do plan to reload eventually because I think I'll enjoy it.

In any case I don't have the cash on hand for any of this stuff and won't for a few months at least. I'm really just gathering as much information as possible for now.

I was asking about availability with the thought of putting down a deposit and making sure I have the rest of the cash in 6 months when I could actually get the rifle. Otherwise when I had the cash I'd have to get lucky and find one or wait another 6 months.

 

[SD26]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

I ordered my LR 6.5 at the beginning of 2010, and it took about six months plus to receive it. I bought it to extend my inventory's range...and this was gonna be my first rifle for long range competitions.

So, being a complete novice at the long range thing, I find that I can get on a target very easily. Additionally, it moves so well through various winds. That's really nice when you're a novice at reading wind.

I ordered mine with a JP trigger.

I liked the whole platform so much, I sold the 5.56 AR and replaced it with an LR308AP4. Spare parts, interchangeability...Occasionally, I've seen some 6.5 Creedmoor barrels come up on the Hide for sale, and it is really tempting to jump on one of those for the carbine. But there are so many options for .308 ammo...

 

[Randoman5]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

SuperDave I couldn't help but notice you've got 1st place in the Semi-Auto 300 yard challenge with this gun. Good stuff.

Thanks for the info. I'm seriously thinking about going down to my local gun store, putting down a deposit and saving my pennies for the next 6 months.

 

[uskgxh11]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

Friend, I just started reloading and you are right...you will definitely enjoy it. Now it's like I can't imagine going to shoot long range with factory ammo.

 

[uskgxh11]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

Also, when you can't get away to go shooting, reloading can be just as fun. Plenty of good info on the hide for a novice like me. One thing though, buy good equipment if possible and don't skimp on the bullet components either. When it comes to brass " go Lapua or go home" IMHO

 

[Bennybone]

Re: DPMS LR 6.5

Randoman5 -

Here is what I am in the process of doing.

I researched the heck out of this very same gun for the last 3 weeks. Same issue with limited stock and it kept pissing me off to come across Slickguns website with that 979.00 price on the DPMS LR65.

I finally decided to just order a DPMS LR in another caliber and drop out the barrel and replace it with a 6.5 Creedmoor.

Plan A - was to buy a new LR308 for about 1k and sell the factory barrel to offset the cost of whatever 6.5C barrel I choose.

Pros:

Replacement barrel will be threaded and shorter than 24", one could also opt for longer than 24" based on their intended usage.

Side step the DPMS backlog by taking this route.

Relatively simple process as the barrel is common to the .308 bolt and carrier, just watch your gas block profile size during the swap.

Now here is where my needs may differ from yours, however maybe this concept will strike you as it did me:

Plan B (what I chose to do)

DPMS is now making the Hunter Lite series, which doesn't come from the factory in 6.5 creedmoor.

The Lite LR series weighs 8 lbs, this is mostly attributed to a lightweight profile and shorter barrel and a carbon fiber handguard and a thinner upper receiver. Shedding 3 lbs intrigued me because I hunt and stalk more than paper punch.

The Lite LR series also comes from DPMS with a 2 stage "match" trigger system. By all accounts of research this is probably just a JP springs kit and better trigger assembly but hey I'll take it.

For my barrel I chose a 20" Criterion barrel, it shows to weigh a full pound less than the 24" barrels and the shorter length will be beneficial when hunting on foot.

RELOADING:

Another think 6.5C has going for it is that Berger is in the process of making Hunter Hybrid bullets in the 140gr weight.

I am hopeful that load development will be easier as this bullet doesn't employ the Secant ogive of the VLD. It is supposed to be less picky about being on or near the lands.

IF this all comes together I am thinking that a cross-bred DPMS Hunter Lite rifle shooting hybrid Berger bullets is going to be a lightweight AR10 devastor on Texas hogs and other large game.

Let me know where you end up on your journey,

BB