Hey guys just looking for ideas. I'm thinking of outfitting my AR15 for deer season here in michigan. I was thinking 6.8 but before I go that way I was wondering if there are any other calibers I should be looking at, and if so why? Thanks.
hunting caliber AR upper
- Thread starter NY700
- Start date
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
<span style="font-weight: bold">.30 Remington AR </span>is a good choice for hunting.
You wont see alot of people with them and they WILL fit on a standard AR-15 upper reciever, you do not need a AR-10 upper.
If I were building an AR-platform hunting rifle, it would be the <span style="font-weight: bold">30Rem AR</span>.
Also the OAL for the 30Rem AR is the same as the .223 - 2.260"
Google it and you will find alot of info about that cartridge.
Type Rifle
Place of origin USA
Production history
Designer Remington Arms
Designed 2008
Manufacturer Remington Arms
Produced 2008-2009
Specifications
Case type Rebated rim
Bullet diameter .308 in (7.8 mm)
Neck diameter .341 in (8.7 mm)
Base diameter .500 in (12.7 mm)
Rim diameter .473 in (12.0 mm)
Case length 1.53 in (39 mm)
Overall length 2.26 in (57 mm)
Case capacity 44.0 gr H2O (2.86 cm³)
Maximum pressure 55,000 psi (379 MPa)
Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
125 gr (8.1 g) Soft point 2,800 ft/s (850 m/s) 2,176 ft·lbf (2,950 J)
125 gr (8.1 g) Ballistic tip 2,800 ft/s (850 m/s) 2,176 ft·lbf (2,950 J)
<span style="font-weight: bold">.30 Remington AR </span>is a good choice for hunting.
You wont see alot of people with them and they WILL fit on a standard AR-15 upper reciever, you do not need a AR-10 upper.
If I were building an AR-platform hunting rifle, it would be the <span style="font-weight: bold">30Rem AR</span>.
Also the OAL for the 30Rem AR is the same as the .223 - 2.260"
Google it and you will find alot of info about that cartridge.
Type Rifle
Place of origin USA
Production history
Designer Remington Arms
Designed 2008
Manufacturer Remington Arms
Produced 2008-2009
Specifications
Case type Rebated rim
Bullet diameter .308 in (7.8 mm)
Neck diameter .341 in (8.7 mm)
Base diameter .500 in (12.7 mm)
Rim diameter .473 in (12.0 mm)
Case length 1.53 in (39 mm)
Overall length 2.26 in (57 mm)
Case capacity 44.0 gr H2O (2.86 cm³)
Maximum pressure 55,000 psi (379 MPa)
Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
125 gr (8.1 g) Soft point 2,800 ft/s (850 m/s) 2,176 ft·lbf (2,950 J)
125 gr (8.1 g) Ballistic tip 2,800 ft/s (850 m/s) 2,176 ft·lbf (2,950 J)
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
6.5 grendal is a solid round but how well does it perform out of a short barrel, I'm thinking 18" tops. I know there is some real good 6.8 ammo, not tons of choices but what's out there is solid. Does the 30rem live up to big greens claims
6.5 grendal is a solid round but how well does it perform out of a short barrel, I'm thinking 18" tops. I know there is some real good 6.8 ammo, not tons of choices but what's out there is solid. Does the 30rem live up to big greens claims
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
The nice thing about the 6.8 or the 6.5 is you can clearly see your hits. Great choice of quality bullets and brass. Good luck
The nice thing about the 6.8 or the 6.5 is you can clearly see your hits. Great choice of quality bullets and brass. Good luck
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
The 6.5 Grendel is also a good choice. I have just finished a 6.5 Grendel build and love it and am currently building another, its a great long range round. Very Accurate.
But if it was me, I would be different and would go with the 30 Rem AR for hunting purposes only.
Second choice for a hunting round would be a 6.8SPC (if it HAD to fit on a AR-15 upper).
The 6.5 Grendel is also a good choice. I have just finished a 6.5 Grendel build and love it and am currently building another, its a great long range round. Very Accurate.
But if it was me, I would be different and would go with the 30 Rem AR for hunting purposes only.
Second choice for a hunting round would be a 6.8SPC (if it HAD to fit on a AR-15 upper).
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
I would look more toward the 6.5 Grendel than the 30 Remington AR. While the 30 Rem AR has promise for small-to-medium game at distances of 300yds or so, the Grendel is ballistically superior with comparable weight bullets. Also, if you want to use to for precision, long-range shooting, the proper ammo out of the Grendel will keep you supersonic to distances in excess of 1,200yds.
Mark Larue is running a 20" barreled 6.5G for Elk (may be a 19.5"...I can't recall). He has taken big bull elk in excess of 400yds with his Grendel running 120gr Barnes TSX loads.
I would look more toward the 6.5 Grendel than the 30 Remington AR. While the 30 Rem AR has promise for small-to-medium game at distances of 300yds or so, the Grendel is ballistically superior with comparable weight bullets. Also, if you want to use to for precision, long-range shooting, the proper ammo out of the Grendel will keep you supersonic to distances in excess of 1,200yds.
Mark Larue is running a 20" barreled 6.5G for Elk (may be a 19.5"...I can't recall). He has taken big bull elk in excess of 400yds with his Grendel running 120gr Barnes TSX loads.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
60 grain VMAXs will do the job fine, but depending on where you hunt, 6.8, or one of the .458s or .50s would be nice.
-dan.
60 grain VMAXs will do the job fine, but depending on where you hunt, 6.8, or one of the .458s or .50s would be nice.
-dan.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
.50 Beowulf or 458 SOCOM are both great out to 200 yd and now that brass for both is available you could go big bore.You could just load your 5.56 with a hunting bullet(the 77 gr if you have the twist) and rock on .A well placed 5.56 will kill'em just as dead as all the new stuff If you do your part.
Scot
.50 Beowulf or 458 SOCOM are both great out to 200 yd and now that brass for both is available you could go big bore.You could just load your 5.56 with a hunting bullet(the 77 gr if you have the twist) and rock on .A well placed 5.56 will kill'em just as dead as all the new stuff If you do your part.
Scot
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
<span style="font-weight: bold">Your going to get a ton of different barrel options to go with. Its going to come down to what <span style="text-decoration: underline">YOU</span> want.</span>
To name a few AR-15 and AR-10 Platforms you could choose from. I am sure there are many more to add to this list also.
.223
6mm
6.5 Grendel
6.8SPC
30 Rem AR
458 SOCOM
458 Bushmaster
50 Beowulf
.308
.260
6.5 Creedmoor
<span style="font-weight: bold">Your going to get a ton of different barrel options to go with. Its going to come down to what <span style="text-decoration: underline">YOU</span> want.</span>
To name a few AR-15 and AR-10 Platforms you could choose from. I am sure there are many more to add to this list also.
.223
6mm
6.5 Grendel
6.8SPC
30 Rem AR
458 SOCOM
458 Bushmaster
50 Beowulf
.308
.260
6.5 Creedmoor
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
I really appreciate all the responses. I know the heaver 223 will work but I would like a round that's a little more forgiving. Long range isn't a concern for that I would go to my 6.5x284. What are the pros and cons to the 6.8 and the 30AR
I really appreciate all the responses. I know the heaver 223 will work but I would like a round that's a little more forgiving. Long range isn't a concern for that I would go to my 6.5x284. What are the pros and cons to the 6.8 and the 30AR
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NY700</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> What are the pros and cons to the 6.8 and the 30AR </div></div>
Search/Google!!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NY700</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> What are the pros and cons to the 6.8 and the 30AR </div></div>
Search/Google!!!
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
The 6.5 grendel will do most everything you want it to do from an 18" barrel and probably to farther distances than the others. 6.5 caliber bullets are ideal performers on game. There would be no great advantage to a 6.8 or 30 cal.
If this sounds fishy, look up Mark Larue's 400 yard elk kill with the grendel from a 20" barrel. He stated that the 120 gr Barnes penetrated completely on a broadside shot.
The 6.5 grendel will do most everything you want it to do from an 18" barrel and probably to farther distances than the others. 6.5 caliber bullets are ideal performers on game. There would be no great advantage to a 6.8 or 30 cal.
If this sounds fishy, look up Mark Larue's 400 yard elk kill with the grendel from a 20" barrel. He stated that the 120 gr Barnes penetrated completely on a broadside shot.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
I personally hunt deer with a 6.8mm. My bullet is a 110 grain Accubond and has killed four deer this year with zero issues. I can't talk to other calibers since I don’t have them but I did a lot of research before I went to the 6.8mm. Since I hunt on the east coast I don't have a lot of long range shots; less than 300 yards and sometimes a lot close than that. The 6.8mm has great knock down power up to 400 yards so it worked perfectly for me. And, there are more bullet options coming out such as the new 95GR Barnes TTSX that will give higher velocity with a great bullet.
I personally hunt deer with a 6.8mm. My bullet is a 110 grain Accubond and has killed four deer this year with zero issues. I can't talk to other calibers since I don’t have them but I did a lot of research before I went to the 6.8mm. Since I hunt on the east coast I don't have a lot of long range shots; less than 300 yards and sometimes a lot close than that. The 6.8mm has great knock down power up to 400 yards so it worked perfectly for me. And, there are more bullet options coming out such as the new 95GR Barnes TTSX that will give higher velocity with a great bullet.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
Not an AR, but my 7.62x39 Ruger 77MKII has accounted for 2-3 dozen Texas whitetails out to 220yd, though the 220yd ones were basically standing by a yard marker (we call 'em feeders). Mostly with 123 gr Fed factory softpoints, and some Speer 130gr HPs.
Warning, the .458 Socom ain't exactly one you shoot with a nose-to-the-charging handle cheek weld.
Not an AR, but my 7.62x39 Ruger 77MKII has accounted for 2-3 dozen Texas whitetails out to 220yd, though the 220yd ones were basically standing by a yard marker (we call 'em feeders). Mostly with 123 gr Fed factory softpoints, and some Speer 130gr HPs.
Warning, the .458 Socom ain't exactly one you shoot with a nose-to-the-charging handle cheek weld.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
What type of accuracy can I get out of a 7.62x39. And is there good factory ammo available. I do hand load but for a hunting rig I always like the idea of being able to grab something off the shelf in a pinch. I've heard mags are and issue with this caliber and also bolt stress because the bolt head is opened up about as far as an ar15 can go. I've seen some good stock colt uppers in this category selling used for $350-$450 and for a hunting rifle I'm not looking for all the AR add ons so it caught my eye.
What type of accuracy can I get out of a 7.62x39. And is there good factory ammo available. I do hand load but for a hunting rig I always like the idea of being able to grab something off the shelf in a pinch. I've heard mags are and issue with this caliber and also bolt stress because the bolt head is opened up about as far as an ar15 can go. I've seen some good stock colt uppers in this category selling used for $350-$450 and for a hunting rifle I'm not looking for all the AR add ons so it caught my eye.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
ive got to say I really like my 6.8 SPC, im shooting a 110gr pill at a little over 2700fps and its is devistating on critters out to about 300 yards. All this from a 16in barrel that is light and fast as hell.
ive got to say I really like my 6.8 SPC, im shooting a 110gr pill at a little over 2700fps and its is devistating on critters out to about 300 yards. All this from a 16in barrel that is light and fast as hell.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
I don't know about stock Colt .30 barrels, but of course, the x39 case is what the .22PPC and 6mmPPC are based on.
The Fed factory stuff shoots 1" to 1.5"@ 100yd, as do my hand loads through the stock Ruger barrel.
I've wanted to do a 7.62x39 upper with a .308 barrel and play with subsonic heavy bullet loads, leaving the option of light bullet factory loads. It remains a dream at present.
I don't know about stock Colt .30 barrels, but of course, the x39 case is what the .22PPC and 6mmPPC are based on.
The Fed factory stuff shoots 1" to 1.5"@ 100yd, as do my hand loads through the stock Ruger barrel.
I've wanted to do a 7.62x39 upper with a .308 barrel and play with subsonic heavy bullet loads, leaving the option of light bullet factory loads. It remains a dream at present.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
I hunt with a 6.8 that I built. Mine is a 20" SPR, Magpul ACS and a Nikon 3x9 BDC on top. Re10x let me push a 110g @ 2800 FPS - BDC is dead nuts. It's a sweet and lite little rifle that is very capable.
I hunt with a 6.8 that I built. Mine is a 20" SPR, Magpul ACS and a Nikon 3x9 BDC on top. Re10x let me push a 110g @ 2800 FPS - BDC is dead nuts. It's a sweet and lite little rifle that is very capable.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
If you feel better with a bigger caliber, I would go with a 6.8...there has been a lot of private energy devoted to improving that round and there are some good options; uppers, mags, ammo, etc.
Having said that, the better loads end up being 90gr Barnes bullets, so for deer, if it's legal in your state, a 223 with a 53-62 gr Barnes bullet would do a good job. The 53 gr doesn't sound like much, but it's a deer-hammer.
Point being, I doubt any deer hit in the shoulder or lungs would be able to tell the difference under 300 yards.
TC
If you feel better with a bigger caliber, I would go with a 6.8...there has been a lot of private energy devoted to improving that round and there are some good options; uppers, mags, ammo, etc.
Having said that, the better loads end up being 90gr Barnes bullets, so for deer, if it's legal in your state, a 223 with a 53-62 gr Barnes bullet would do a good job. The 53 gr doesn't sound like much, but it's a deer-hammer.
Point being, I doubt any deer hit in the shoulder or lungs would be able to tell the difference under 300 yards.
TC
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
No brainer "THE WULF" Enough gun for deer/moose/elk/bear, the only real issue is the availability of brass. But if it is just going to be used for hunting, get your self 100rns and your good to go for a while.
No brainer "THE WULF" Enough gun for deer/moose/elk/bear, the only real issue is the availability of brass. But if it is just going to be used for hunting, get your self 100rns and your good to go for a while.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
Starline is now selling Beowulf brass retail. Alexander Arms had a strangle hold on the brass which was almost the death of the caliber. The Beowulf is one of the most accurate weapons I own. My 24" upper shoots very well. 334 and 400 grain bullets shoot to the same point of impact and if you do the math hits at long range are very doable. I would still keep my hunting shots under 250 yd.The brass if treated right can be reloaded 10x or better. I have cast some Hardcast bullets that work great.Beaware of Alexander Arms when it comes to their products as the are a small company with growing pains. They do not test fire their weapons and it is not uncomon to have a weapon arive after waiting for months that won't run. Check out the 50 beowulf.com forum. If you go with the Wulf I would build my own or buy one used. Great weapon crappy company but the parts are Quality. If you take the time to sort it out you won't regret it.
Scot
Starline is now selling Beowulf brass retail. Alexander Arms had a strangle hold on the brass which was almost the death of the caliber. The Beowulf is one of the most accurate weapons I own. My 24" upper shoots very well. 334 and 400 grain bullets shoot to the same point of impact and if you do the math hits at long range are very doable. I would still keep my hunting shots under 250 yd.The brass if treated right can be reloaded 10x or better. I have cast some Hardcast bullets that work great.Beaware of Alexander Arms when it comes to their products as the are a small company with growing pains. They do not test fire their weapons and it is not uncomon to have a weapon arive after waiting for months that won't run. Check out the 50 beowulf.com forum. If you go with the Wulf I would build my own or buy one used. Great weapon crappy company but the parts are Quality. If you take the time to sort it out you won't regret it.
Scot
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
Go with the 7.62 X 39. Cheap ammo available and who cares if you loose steel case brass in the woods. I have a 6.5 grendel and you want to cry every time you loose Lapua brass. 6.8 costs a buck to shoot as well. Go with the one thats cheaper to feed, and you will shoot it more often.
I just bought an AR10, and with the bullet options available, I can use it for anything. Coyotees get the 110gr Hollow Points, and hogs get the 168 AMAX. The bullet options available in 30 cal make it something you should look at as well.
Go with the 7.62 X 39. Cheap ammo available and who cares if you loose steel case brass in the woods. I have a 6.5 grendel and you want to cry every time you loose Lapua brass. 6.8 costs a buck to shoot as well. Go with the one thats cheaper to feed, and you will shoot it more often.
I just bought an AR10, and with the bullet options available, I can use it for anything. Coyotees get the 110gr Hollow Points, and hogs get the 168 AMAX. The bullet options available in 30 cal make it something you should look at as well.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoRepeater</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you go with the lighter bullets just make sure you DON'T use ballistic tips and the bullets you shoot will go through the deer.
Nothing worse than getting a good hit and no blood trail around any kind of thick cover. The light weight Barnes TripleShock will do the trick with good bullet placement. Horandy Amax seem to do a nice job also, even if it is a match bullet. </div></div>
AMAX is a ballistic tip bullet and AMAX/VMAX bullets work GREAT!!. Just make sure you get the lungs and/or heart.
-dan
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoRepeater</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you go with the lighter bullets just make sure you DON'T use ballistic tips and the bullets you shoot will go through the deer.
Nothing worse than getting a good hit and no blood trail around any kind of thick cover. The light weight Barnes TripleShock will do the trick with good bullet placement. Horandy Amax seem to do a nice job also, even if it is a match bullet. </div></div>
AMAX is a ballistic tip bullet and AMAX/VMAX bullets work GREAT!!. Just make sure you get the lungs and/or heart.
-dan
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
762x39. Same ballistics as the 30-30, WIN brass available via ammo sold at Wal Mart, projectile choices as it shares the diameter of the 303 British.
Just got a mid-length 16" upper from Armalite (flattop with picatinny gas block). It is a hammer and very fun to shoot. C-Products makes mags specifically for the round. Function has been good so far.
762x39. Same ballistics as the 30-30, WIN brass available via ammo sold at Wal Mart, projectile choices as it shares the diameter of the 303 British.
Just got a mid-length 16" upper from Armalite (flattop with picatinny gas block). It is a hammer and very fun to shoot. C-Products makes mags specifically for the round. Function has been good so far.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
.300 Whisper aka Fireball aka .300-221 with full-power, supersonic loads is also a possibility, and simplifies things somewhat vs. 7.62x39 (bolt, magazines, bullet selection).
.300 Whisper aka Fireball aka .300-221 with full-power, supersonic loads is also a possibility, and simplifies things somewhat vs. 7.62x39 (bolt, magazines, bullet selection).
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
I like the idea of the 6x45 for existing conversion, all you need is a new barrel. Mags and bolt are the same.
If you want new mags, and a new bolt, between 6.5G and 6.8SPC.
I just built 2 new 6.8 uppers last week, looking to take 130gr Speers to at least 2500fps. Haven't clocked the 85gr TSX yet but I'm expecting +2875fps easy.
My .458 Socom is currently pushing 300gr JHP at 1850fps, 330gr solids at 1710fps, 405gr JSP at 1620fps. Good hog medicine. If I ever got a can for it, 500gr FMJ are at 1150fps and cycling.
I like the idea of the 6x45 for existing conversion, all you need is a new barrel. Mags and bolt are the same.
If you want new mags, and a new bolt, between 6.5G and 6.8SPC.
I just built 2 new 6.8 uppers last week, looking to take 130gr Speers to at least 2500fps. Haven't clocked the 85gr TSX yet but I'm expecting +2875fps easy.
My .458 Socom is currently pushing 300gr JHP at 1850fps, 330gr solids at 1710fps, 405gr JSP at 1620fps. Good hog medicine. If I ever got a can for it, 500gr FMJ are at 1150fps and cycling.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
I've got $610 in the upper and mags. All exiting accessories go right on it. Stick that in your custom build around whatever major cool chambering budget.
I've got $610 in the upper and mags. All exiting accessories go right on it. Stick that in your custom build around whatever major cool chambering budget.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
I put my .300 Whisper together for the price of the barrel (roughly $300 I think), a new stripped upper, and the rest was from stuff in my parts box.
I put my .300 Whisper together for the price of the barrel (roughly $300 I think), a new stripped upper, and the rest was from stuff in my parts box.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
Deer get BIG in Michigan, so I'd consider a 25WSSM.
I have one and it pushes a 100gr TSX @ 3150. Ballistically, it is pretty much a .25-06 that you can pop on top of your standard AR-15 lower.
9.5 lbs scoped & loaded...
Deer get BIG in Michigan, so I'd consider a 25WSSM.
I have one and it pushes a 100gr TSX @ 3150. Ballistically, it is pretty much a .25-06 that you can pop on top of your standard AR-15 lower.
9.5 lbs scoped & loaded...
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
Mine shot MOA with Yugo ammo at 400 yards using a 4X scope, ruck, rear bag on poppers prone, with a witness, but no-one here will believe me which is fine.
Mine shot MOA with Yugo ammo at 400 yards using a 4X scope, ruck, rear bag on poppers prone, with a witness, but no-one here will believe me which is fine.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _9H</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mine shot MOA with Yugo ammo at 400 yards using a 4X scope, ruck, rear bag on poppers prone, with a witness, but no-one here will believe me which is fine. </div></div>
BS 9H
............only kidding, i believe you
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _9H</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mine shot MOA with Yugo ammo at 400 yards using a 4X scope, ruck, rear bag on poppers prone, with a witness, but no-one here will believe me which is fine. </div></div>
BS 9H
............only kidding, i believe you
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NY700</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are the pros and cons to the 6.8 and the 30AR </div></div>
With respect to the 30AR, one big downside is that only Remington is making it. I'm not sure the parts are out there to build one, or whether you can buy just an upper. Also, the upper receiver, magazine, bolt carrier assembly, and bolt are all different from any other "AR". I think the only standard part is the handguard. Compare that to the 6.8, where the only difference is the bolt, barrel and magazines.
P.S. it's easy to get > 3000fps from an 85gr TSX in 6.8 SPC... just make sure you get the right chamber and barrel spec ("SPC-II", 1:11-ish twist) and load up some SSA brass with 30.1gr of RL-7. Or buy the SSA "Combat load". I have a 6.8 barrel from Bison Armory that cost me $185 and it shoots 0.75-0.8 moa consistently with a 90gr TNT and 29.5gr of RL-7.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NY700</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are the pros and cons to the 6.8 and the 30AR </div></div>
With respect to the 30AR, one big downside is that only Remington is making it. I'm not sure the parts are out there to build one, or whether you can buy just an upper. Also, the upper receiver, magazine, bolt carrier assembly, and bolt are all different from any other "AR". I think the only standard part is the handguard. Compare that to the 6.8, where the only difference is the bolt, barrel and magazines.
P.S. it's easy to get > 3000fps from an 85gr TSX in 6.8 SPC... just make sure you get the right chamber and barrel spec ("SPC-II", 1:11-ish twist) and load up some SSA brass with 30.1gr of RL-7. Or buy the SSA "Combat load". I have a 6.8 barrel from Bison Armory that cost me $185 and it shoots 0.75-0.8 moa consistently with a 90gr TNT and 29.5gr of RL-7.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
my father hunts deer, coyotes and paper with the 6.5 grendal and swares by it. Alexander arms kicks out some pretty nice universal ammo that runs around 30 a box which is actaully pretty damn cheap for the quality your getting. He also has a 458 socom upper but the ammo cost and recoil is pretty noticable..
my father hunts deer, coyotes and paper with the 6.5 grendal and swares by it. Alexander arms kicks out some pretty nice universal ammo that runs around 30 a box which is actaully pretty damn cheap for the quality your getting. He also has a 458 socom upper but the ammo cost and recoil is pretty noticable..
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
Hornady is coming out with Grendel ammo, wolf makes it (although underpowered)
I would probably lean to a 6.8 with a SPC II chamber with a slow twist barrel so I could run the SSA combat loads (85 grain TSX at about 3000 fps from a 16" barrel) adding another 4" to the barrel will only help.
I like the 7.62x39, it is a good round, but is clearly inferior to the grendel or 6.8.
If you reload, get the grendel, buy wolf grendel ammo to start with and reload the brass.
You can't go wrong with either of the 2.
To me, the .30 AR is a non-starter, difficult to find ammo, stubby little brick like bullets that lose velocity quickly. Available in any bullet weight you want as long as it is 125 grains. As long as your shots are close, it will work just fine, but if you have to shoot across the corn field, you better learn the art of in-direct fire (probably helps to have been a mortarman). There is absolutely no room for error left on the bolt face (much like the grendel)
Hornady is coming out with Grendel ammo, wolf makes it (although underpowered)
I would probably lean to a 6.8 with a SPC II chamber with a slow twist barrel so I could run the SSA combat loads (85 grain TSX at about 3000 fps from a 16" barrel) adding another 4" to the barrel will only help.
I like the 7.62x39, it is a good round, but is clearly inferior to the grendel or 6.8.
If you reload, get the grendel, buy wolf grendel ammo to start with and reload the brass.
You can't go wrong with either of the 2.
To me, the .30 AR is a non-starter, difficult to find ammo, stubby little brick like bullets that lose velocity quickly. Available in any bullet weight you want as long as it is 125 grains. As long as your shots are close, it will work just fine, but if you have to shoot across the corn field, you better learn the art of in-direct fire (probably helps to have been a mortarman). There is absolutely no room for error left on the bolt face (much like the grendel)
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
My youngest deer hunts with an AR in .223 for lack of recoil and adjustable length of pull. He is 7 and not big enough for his sisters .243......I use a 53 grain Barnes DPX and it is really devastating on deer for its' size. I load it but it can be bought in a Cor-Bon loading and Nosler makes a 60 gr partition. He has killed 7 the last 2 years and not one has gone more than 20 yards. He does shoot mainly in the shoulder but the ones he has shot in the lungs dropped about as fast. Longest shot was 125yds and closest was 40 yds......bullet performance very good even at 40 yards. Not sure where it would limit out because I don't let him shoot distance. I would not hesitate to use it to 150 yards on what I have seen and that covers 90% of mixed woodland deer hunting. He took this big boy last season at about 80 yards.
My youngest deer hunts with an AR in .223 for lack of recoil and adjustable length of pull. He is 7 and not big enough for his sisters .243......I use a 53 grain Barnes DPX and it is really devastating on deer for its' size. I load it but it can be bought in a Cor-Bon loading and Nosler makes a 60 gr partition. He has killed 7 the last 2 years and not one has gone more than 20 yards. He does shoot mainly in the shoulder but the ones he has shot in the lungs dropped about as fast. Longest shot was 125yds and closest was 40 yds......bullet performance very good even at 40 yards. Not sure where it would limit out because I don't let him shoot distance. I would not hesitate to use it to 150 yards on what I have seen and that covers 90% of mixed woodland deer hunting. He took this big boy last season at about 80 yards.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ggmanning</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My youngest deer hunts with an AR in .223 for lack of recoil and adjustable length of pull. He is 7 and not big enough for his sisters 243.
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He took this big boy last season at about 80 yards.
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That is great that you are getting them going from an age when they think that's the normal way to do things. I have a wife and step-grandchildren who don't want to think about where their hamburger comes from.
They are too "tender-hearted" to think about personally killing an animal.
They won't eat venison because it tastes "strange". When I was a teenager, probably 75-80% of the meat our family ate in a year was whitetail venison.
Oh well. I came on the scene too late. I have wondered about using my AR-15 for deer hunting. Since I have a perfectly good Rem 700 308, I have not felt the need, but I have wondered. It is good to hear that the 223 is effective with the proper bullet.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ggmanning</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My youngest deer hunts with an AR in .223 for lack of recoil and adjustable length of pull. He is 7 and not big enough for his sisters 243.
<snip>
He took this big boy last season at about 80 yards.
<snip></div></div>
That is great that you are getting them going from an age when they think that's the normal way to do things. I have a wife and step-grandchildren who don't want to think about where their hamburger comes from.
They are too "tender-hearted" to think about personally killing an animal.
They won't eat venison because it tastes "strange". When I was a teenager, probably 75-80% of the meat our family ate in a year was whitetail venison.
Oh well. I came on the scene too late. I have wondered about using my AR-15 for deer hunting. Since I have a perfectly good Rem 700 308, I have not felt the need, but I have wondered. It is good to hear that the 223 is effective with the proper bullet.
Re: hunting caliber AR upper
Keep working on them, they will come around. We do eat a lot of deer meat.
Keep working on them, they will come around. We do eat a lot of deer meat.
