Help on AR build

[Gilly]

I have a stripped lower that I am getting ready to build up for a coyote calling rifle that will be used mostly for varmint hunting at reasonable ranges and target shooting at ranges out to 600 and even push it out to longer distance on steel sometimes to 1K if it will get there. I am trying to decide between buying an upper half from Rock River in 223 with a 24 inch barrel on their elevated optic platform reciever with a couple upgrades about $750. Or I was looking at building from a stripped upper with a 9 twist shilen barrel in 204 ruger with some higher quality parts for about $875.

Hand loading for both calibers 68 grain bthp or similar for 223 and 40 grain for the 204 as I believe this is the heaviest loadable to mag length? So the 204 is faster and flatter less energy and the 223 is going to have the energy advantage. Both will be fine inside 300 yards on varmints, both will make it to 600 with ease and to 1000 in ideal conditions plinking on steel.

I appreciate input you all might have, this is my first build so I want to have it well thought out.

 

[widnerkj]

Re: Help on AR build

Do you already have an action block and barrel wrench?

 

[Gilly]

Re: Help on AR build

No I had looked into those on midway not too bad on price but it adds up.

 

[Tbag]

Re: Help on AR build

Tough call, though a 24" anything is going to heavy. If it were me I'd be thinking 20" and likely to .223/5.56 due to larger variety of loadings. For me though 1000yd isn't an issue as it's just not a personal goal for me with a 5.56/223.

If you have the tools their is nothing wrong with building a fine upper.

 

[widnerkj]

Re: Help on AR build

Well, without the extra tools, you'll spend more building your upper. I've found the hard way. (LOL)
+1 on the 20" .223. Ammo is very easy to get, and loadings are varied as the day is long. 24" is super heavy, and not realistic for a varmit rifle that isn't shot prone. The center of balance shifts very far foreward. and front heavy isn't easy to swing on a yote that showed up on your 9 o'clock out of nowhere. My yote rifles are 18" - 20", mostly 18"
However, a Prarie Dog rifle, that you'll lay prone and punish them for being cute and fuzzy. 24" and a bipod all day.
Just my .02

 

[Gilly]

Re: Help on AR build

Tbag any idea the velocity difference on a 20 vs 24 inch barrel on the 223? Not real concerned on weight but it can become an issue on some trips. Im not concerened with shooting to 1K as much so as I am having a 600 yard capable rifle.

 

[widnerkj]

Re: Help on AR build

50 FPS per inch with the .223, and don't completely discount the 18" either. My WOA 18" does better than my brother's 20" S/S wilson air guaged.