What are my caliber options for the AR-Platform?

[MyM40A2]

I would like to build an AR upper strictly for hunting. It will be used to take mainly Coyotes and Bobcat at about 85%, Boar at about 10%, misc. small varmints at about 4% and maybe deer at 1%.

I want this upper to be on the 15 platform and not the 10 platform. And I would prefer that it be able to use the standard AR-15 mags if possible. But that is not mandatory.

So what are my caliber options. I haven't been into shooting for over 10 years so I am out of touch on what is out there for the AR-15 platform. I just saw something the other day about the AR30 caliber that was designed for Deer. Anyone know about this cartridge?

The availability of factory ammo is not a factor as I will be loading my own.

So what are all my options that use the AR-15 lower and be able to take the game I listed above? Other then the 223/5.56 nato.

 

[DavidAR10]

Re: What are my caliber options for the AR-Platform?

The 5.56 mag issue is a no go since I don't believe
that a .458 SOCOM is in your future.

Go 6.5 Grendel or

6.8x43:
http://68forums.com

Remington's 30AR is for wankers.

 

[USACS]

Re: What are my caliber options for the AR-Platform?

My recommendations would be:

.300AAC Blackout
6.5 Grendel
6.8 SPC

 

[RyeDaddy]

Re: What are my caliber options for the AR-Platform?

300 Blackout uses standard AR mags if I'm not mistaken. It'll take any of your listed quarry within 200 yards. Same ballistics as an AK, about like a 30-30. Plus it's easy to supress if you get an itch for that.

Or you could have a custom upper built in 6x45. That'd be way cool, and still use standard mags.

 

[MGN]

Re: What are my caliber options for the AR-Platform?

I would go 6.5 Grendel, and I would contact Scott Milkovich at Specialized Dynamics to have him build you one. He is a great guy that goes above and beyond to make sure you get what you need. He worked with my wife to make sure to build a rifle that is comfortable to use and shoot. He did this by meeting her at the range here in Phoenix and worked with her to set her up. Now he is currently building her a 6.5 Grendel that is purple. His contact information is
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 480-751-4074
Fax: 480-751-4074

 

[25MAN]

Re: What are my caliber options for the AR-Platform?

checkout Accuracy Systems...they have the biggest caliber variety fro the AR15 and 10 over anyone else i have come across yet. I have a 25wssm form them and it came with a .5 guarantee and a test target to prove it...I hanloaded for it and it shoots under .5.

 

[Sami]

Re: What are my caliber options for the AR-Platform?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MyM40A2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would like to build an AR upper strictly for hunting. It will be used to take mainly Coyotes and Bobcat at about 85%, Boar at about 10%, misc. small varmints at about 4% and maybe deer at 1%.

I want this upper to be on the 15 platform and not the 10 platform. And I would prefer that it be able to use the standard AR-15 mags if possible. But that is not mandatory.</div></div>
Based on your criteria, 300 Blackout.

 

[MrLebowski]

Re: What are my caliber options for the AR-Platform?

My choice would vary depending on the distances you plan on hunting.

Since you said this is mostly going to be a coyote gun I'd highly recomend either a 6.5 Grendel, 6mmAR or AR turbo, or 6mmSPC.

These cartrages will give you alot more range for coyotes over say a 6.8SPC or a .300 blackout.

I chose the 6.5 Grendel over the 6mms because of the added bullet mass, while still having good balistics.
And even though not available in stores they actually make loaded ammo for the grendel, the others as far as I know do not.

The down side is the smaller faster rounds are not as good on larger game like boar as say a .300 Blackout or 6.8SPC would be.

With what ever caliber you choose I'm also going to recommend that you give Scott @ Specialized dynamics a call.

With a custom build from Scott you get exactally what you want and he'll help you decide if your on the fence about something.

 

[branson1369]

Re: What are my caliber options for the AR-Platform?

I would say the Grendel is the best option and some good factory loads are made by Hornady. SOme good deals out there curretnly for barrels with matched bolts. I am a big propoent of build it yourself for AR's to save the $$ for someone else building it to upgrade internals, optics or simply food for the new beast

 

[JAGERSPEAR]

Re: What are my caliber options for the AR-Platform?

The 6.8 SPC II is my choice. It can do everything these other rounds can do, and do it with a 16" barrel. If you've had experience with a 270, this is like a 270 short. Take a look over at 6.8 forum, they have a lot of good info over there.

 

[Captramrod01]

Re: What are my caliber options for the AR-Platform?

Really depends on how far your long shots can be. If hunting coyote I prefer fast and flat shooting rounds such as 6.5 grendel or 6 dti as shots around here can get as long as 500 yards. Any of the 6mm wildcats based off of the grendel or spc would be awesome. Most can send the 75 vmax at 3200 or the 95gr deer rounds around 3000. I'm personally not a fan of the 6.8 spc as I feel it's to range limited but if your shots are always going to be inside of 300 yards it might be a fine choice.

 

[supratt96]

Re: What are my caliber options for the AR-Platform?

I use a 6mm AR Turbo 40 Improved and it is awesome! For coyote and other varmints, Berger 87gr VLDs get over 3000 fps and shoot sub 1/2 moa. For deer, I use a Beger 95gr VLDs at 2925 fps and it's just as accurate as the 87s. For hogs, use 105s. Once again, superb accuracy and all these will fit in a standard length mag.

Low recoil, amazing accuracy, extreme range capability and good knock down power. What more could you ask?

 

[sititunga]

Re: What are my caliber options for the AR-Platform?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lakeway</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use a 6mm AR Turbo 40 Improved and it is awesome! For coyote and other varmints, Berger 87gr VLDs get over 3000 fps and shoot sub 1/2 moa. For deer, I use a Beger 95gr VLDs at 2925 fps and it's just as accurate as the 87s. For hogs, use 105s. Once again, superb accuracy and all these will fit in a standard length mag.

Low recoil, amazing accuracy, extreme range capability and good knock down power. What more could you ask? </div></div>

What barrel length are you using and who built your rifle, was it Whitley?

 

[supratt96]

Re: What are my caliber options for the AR-Platform?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sititunga1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lakeway</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use a 6mm AR Turbo 40 Improved and it is awesome! For coyote and other varmints, Berger 87gr VLDs get over 3000 fps and shoot sub 1/2 moa. For deer, I use a Beger 95gr VLDs at 2925 fps and it's just as accurate as the 87s. For hogs, use 105s. Once again, superb accuracy and all these will fit in a standard length mag.

Low recoil, amazing accuracy, extreme range capability and good knock down power. What more could you ask? </div></div>

What barrel length are you using and who built your rifle, was it Whitley?</div></div>

I have a 24" Pac Nor barrel and the upper was built by Robert Whitley. Lower is a Rock River with Gieselle high speed trigger.