? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

[Burky]

I hunt whitetail and antolope out west. with 300yd shoots are very comin. what should I build. 5.56 is the only AR I have had any dealings with.

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

out of those the 6.8, but take a look at the 6.5 grendal(spelling???)

 

[country888]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

I would look at grendel also! Love mine!

 

[lwrkeysfisher]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

The 6.8 has the best selection of hunting bullets and seems to perform well on the game you've mentioned. Take a look here, here, and here.

 

[dave mastrianna]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

I would go with the 68. IMO the 300 will not expand at those distances. 7.62x39 is very good out to 150 yds. If you look at a "stock" 68 go with a Stag 7. Good luck.

 

[gunslinger07]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

Of the ones you listed, 6.8 for out to 300. I had the same question a few days ago, I settled on the 300 aac but my shots are mostly under 100.

 

[dave mastrianna]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

Just trying to help. What bullet do you have in mind that will expand at that rounds velocity?

 

[lwrkeysfisher]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 300DM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just trying to help. What bullet do you have in mind that will expand at that rounds velocity? </div></div>

At 300yds from the 6.8 I would expect reliable expansion from the 85gr TSX, 95gr TSX, 100gr Accubond, 110gr Accubond, and 120gr SST.

All of these are available factory loaded.

 

[bschneiderheinze]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

I have a yhm in 6.8. I shot several deer with it this year and have found it to be accurate to 400 yards. I would say the 6.5 grendel has advantages over 6.8 but 6.8 is cheaper to build and shoot. I shot 115 noslers in mine this year

 

[Burky]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

Most of my hunting around here at home is 50 yard shots, but I am building to take to wyoming this fall on my antolope hunt. I always wanted to use my 223 but they won't allow it. But also hunting around home. lots of good info. I am looking at bullets 90 to 95 grain.

 

[Burky]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

That is awsome. <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lwrkeysfisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 6.8 has the best selection of hunting bullets and seems to perform well on the game you've mentioned. Take a look here, here, and here.
</div></div>

 

[bcw1284]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

I don't know where "out west" is to you most of the time, but FYI you cannot hunt any big game with 5.56 in WY. Minimum is .25 caliber here, and I know there are some other states with similar regulations. Of course you obviously know this already since you posted it, but for the sake of other readers, that's how it is.

So in that case, you will be FORCED to go with one of the bigger cals if you want to hunt with a gas gun. I'd say just get a .308 AR and be done with it, since some of those choices lack the ballisitc performance i'd like in a hunting rifle. Yes they will probably kill big game just fine, but I don't like leaving it to chance. I'd prefer a full size round for big critters.

If you must go with the ar-15 platform vs the larger .308 size action, I'd probably choose one of the 6.5 or 6.8 calibers since that will give you the most hunting bullet choices.

.300 blackout can sling the big .30's, but you're going to run into mag length issues with some of the really pointy .30 cal bullets like bergers, etc.

7.62x39 is retarded in an AR (IMHO), and there is not a lot of good rounds for game hunting in that short little round. Plus, case capacity is shit.

 

[nleaders]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

6.5 is one of my favorite cartridges. Won't pay any more per round than 6.8, but it will be a solid distance performer.

 

[Burky]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

I go to wyoming every other year to hunt Antalope and would like to take my ar this fall instead of my other rifles, If I was going after big game I would deffently leave it at the house. but I don't think a antolope is going to know if it is a 6.8 or a 308 that he was hit with because dead is dead.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bcw1284</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't know where "out west" is to you most of the time, but FYI you cannot hunt any big game with 5.56 in WY. Minimum is .25 caliber here, and I know there are some other states with similar regulations. Of course you obviously know this already since you posted it, but for the sake of other readers, that's how it is.

So in that case, you will be FORCED to go with one of the bigger cals if you want to hunt with a gas gun. I'd say just get a .308 AR and be done with it, since some of those choices lack the ballisitc performance i'd like in a hunting rifle. Yes they will probably kill big game just fine, but I don't like leaving it to chance. I'd prefer a full size round for big critters.

If you must go with the ar-15 platform vs the larger .308 size action, I'd probably choose one of the 6.5 or 6.8 calibers since that will give you the most hunting bullet choices.

.300 blackout can sling the big .30's, but you're going to run into mag length issues with some of the really pointy .30 cal bullets like bergers, etc.

7.62x39 is retarded in an AR (IMHO), and there is not a lot of good rounds for game hunting in that short little round. Plus, case capacity is shit. </div></div>

 

[bcw1284]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

well I use the term "big game" in the same manner that WY law does, which includes antelope. I agree that it probably won't matter a lot on a critter that size, but why have a gun that can only do one thing?

 

[PFCSkoug]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

i built a 6.8 for hunting whitetails in wisconsin but i wouldnt hesitate to take it out west for mulies and goats

Nathan

 

[Burky]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

I have alot of diff rifle's in Standerd and Magnum but I am just wanting to use my ar out there instead of one of my 240gibbs or 280AI, I have killed alot of deer with my 5.56 around hear in AR and Ok with Bang flop so I would love to just take my 223 for something other than p dogs and coyote's on the ranch I hunt out there. next year I might be asking about a 50cal bmg for advice.LOL! I just love different stuff. I don't own anything that is the same as someone else's.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

6.5 Grendel

 

[adrenaline junkie]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

6.8

 

[Burky]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

Does anybody know where I could buy a 6.8 upper or just parts for reasonable. before I go to a company and buy it.

 

[JTZshooters]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

Your best bet if you wanna go the 6.8 route is go with ARP http://www.ar15performance.com/home . There is a ton of info on the 6.8 over on the 68forums .

 

[lwrkeysfisher]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Burky</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anybody know where I could buy a 6.8 upper or just parts for reasonable. before I go to a company and buy it.</div></div>

There are six places I would look for the barrel and bolt: AR Precision (ARP), Bison Armory, Wilson Combat, White Oak Armament, Noveske, and Daniel Defense. Pick the one you like best, as they are all excellent.

I use PRI mags and prefer the 15rd mags as they are easy to block to 3 or 5rds and I do not like the short 5rd mags.

The rest of the parts are the same as a standard AR. Use Google shopping to find the lowest price.


ETA: I forgot Rainier Arms Ultramatch barrels, they have received some very positive reviews lately.

 

[Burky]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

Where do you get you Mag's from I just need a 10rd that I ca block. because I have other uppers to burn ammo.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lwrkeysfisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Burky</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anybody know where I could buy a 6.8 upper or just parts for reasonable. before I go to a company and buy it.</div></div>

There are six places I would look for the barrel and bolt: AR Precision (ARP), Bison Armory, Wilson Combat, White Oak Armament, Noveske, and Daniel Defense. Pick the one you like best, as they are all excellent.

I use PRI mags and prefer the 15rd mags as they are easy to block to 3 or 5rds and I do not like the short 5rd mags.

The rest of the parts are the same as a standard AR. Use Google shopping to find the lowest price.


ETA: I forgot Rainier Arms Ultramatch barrels, they have received some very positive reviews lately. </div></div>

 

[lwrkeysfisher]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

I really like these guys, the price is good too.

http://hamlundtactical.com/catalog/index...0954cd450bd4a04

http://hamlundtactical.com/catalog/index...roducts_id=3055

 

[Burky]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

thanks I will check them out.

 

[BELLYCRAWL]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

Burky,

I have always liked the idea of the 6.8, I'm just poor. At one point I was going to try to acquire a 6.8 upper from Wilson Combat. If you are around AR, are you a Wilson Combat supporter? Pricey, but good stuff but a tactical mindset. Maybe not what you are looking for for hunting. I like their stuff when I can afford it. I own an 870 by them and I am very pleased.

BC

 

[Broncovan]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skoug</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i built a 6.8 for hunting whitetails in wisconsin but i wouldnt hesitate to take it out west for mulies and goats

Nathan </div></div>

While the 6.8 may be a decent cartridge, there's a reason why many hunters "out west" will not hunt with this type of round. As stated ad nausuem, the 6.8 is good enough for mulies, white tail and antelope up to 300 yards, but that range is about the max for that round. I don't know about Wyoming antelope, but Idaho antelope can smell the gun in your truck if you're within 500 yards and by the time you get to withing 300 yards of where they were, they're in the next county still doing 60mph. 25-06(ish) for antelope, 308 up to 30-06, maybe 300 mag for mulies and 30-06 and up for elk. The reason I use those calibers for each animal is because of the terminal ballistics AFTER 300 yards. The 6.8 has about half the energy at 400 yards as the 308. I don't want to risk losing the buck of a lifetime due to not having enough rifle in my hands when it counts. A 400+ yard shot really isn't all that uncommon in the areas I hunt.

With all that being said, I am still trying to decide which will be my next upper, 6.8 or 300blk. 6.8 for the North Idaho White tails, or the 300blk for shooting suppressed and the 110gr for those same white tails. Today, I'm leaning towards the 300blk, but who knows what tomorrow will bring.

 

[Burky]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

yes wilson makes some good stuff, but I think there is some out there just as good without the price.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bellycrawl</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Burky,

I have always liked the idea of the 6.8, I'm just poor. At one point I was going to try to acquire a 6.8 upper from Wilson Combat. If you are around AR, are you a Wilson Combat supporter? Pricey, but good stuff but a tactical mindset. Maybe not what you are looking for for hunting. I like their stuff when I can afford it. I own an 870 by them and I am very pleased.

BC</div></div>

 

[Burky]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

I have been out in wyoming several times and I hunt a private ranch where usually 200 yard shots or commen, and don't have any problems filling my 3 tags. I just want to this year with my AR.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broncovan</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skoug</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i built a 6.8 for hunting whitetails in wisconsin but i wouldnt hesitate to take it out west for mulies and goats

Nathan </div></div>

While the 6.8 may be a decent cartridge, there's a reason why many hunters "out west" will not hunt with this type of round. As stated ad nausuem, the 6.8 is good enough for mulies, white tail and antelope up to 300 yards, but that range is about the max for that round. I don't know about Wyoming antelope, but Idaho antelope can smell the gun in your truck if you're within 500 yards and by the time you get to withing 300 yards of where they were, they're in the next county still doing 60mph. 25-06(ish) for antelope, 308 up to 30-06, maybe 300 mag for mulies and 30-06 and up for elk. The reason I use those calibers for each animal is because of the terminal ballistics AFTER 300 yards. The 6.8 has about half the energy at 400 yards as the 308. I don't want to risk losing the buck of a lifetime due to not having enough rifle in my hands when it counts. A 400+ yard shot really isn't all that uncommon in the areas I hunt.

With all that being said, I am still trying to decide which will be my next upper, 6.8 or 300blk. 6.8 for the North Idaho White tails, or the 300blk for shooting suppressed and the 110gr for those same white tails. Today, I'm leaning towards the 300blk, but who knows what tomorrow will bring.</div></div>

 

[lwrkeysfisher]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broncovan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">With all that being said, I am still trying to decide which will be my next upper, 6.8 or 300blk. 6.8 for the North Idaho White tails, or the 300blk for shooting suppressed and the 110gr for those same white tails. Today, I'm leaning towards the 300blk, but who knows what tomorrow will bring.</div></div>

Why compromise, get something that will be good for both right here...

 

[nhm16]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bellycrawl</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Burky,

I have always liked the idea of the 6.8, I'm just poor. At one point I was going to try to acquire a 6.8 upper from Wilson Combat. If you are around AR, are you a Wilson Combat supporter? Pricey, but good stuff but a tactical mindset. Maybe not what you are looking for for hunting. I like their stuff when I can afford it. I own an 870 by them and I am very pleased.

BC </div></div>

I built a 6.8 upper from leftover parts that shoots 0.75moa or better with my hand loads (mostly 90gr TNT but also 95gr TTSX). The barrel came from Bison Armory, I got one when they first started up, and it only cost me $185.

 

[kimberseries1]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Burky</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">yes wilson makes some good stuff, but I think there is some out there just as good without the price.[</span></span>quote=Bellycrawl]Burky,

I have always liked the idea of the 6.8, I'm just poor. At one point I was going to try to acquire a 6.8 upper from Wilson Combat. If you are around AR, are you a Wilson Combat supporter? Pricey, but good stuff but a tactical mindset. Maybe not what you are looking for for hunting. I like their stuff when I can afford it. I own an 870 by them and I am very pleased.

BC</div></div> [/quote]


+1,000!!

 

[bribri]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

The 6.8 works for me....

I took this Texas Fallow Deer at 120 yards with my Wilson Combat 6.8 SPCII. I used Hornady's new 120 SST and it worked as advertised. The shot was a little higher than I like, the bullet passed through both lungs, and the deer ran maybe 20 yards and retired.

I have also taken whitetails with my 6.8 out to 400 yards with great success.

Bullet Entry

Bullet Exit

 

[shooter19802003]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

i don't think anybody else pointed it out, I would check local laws first. Here in colorado there is a minimum caliber and bullet weight for hunting. Can't think of what it is off the top of my head just saying....it would be worth a look. I am sure the dow web site will have that info.

 

[lwrkeysfisher]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

Feel free to look but it is .25cal in CO & .23cal in WY---the 6.8 is fine in both.

 

[346ci]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

The 300wtf and X39 are not even in the same game. If you want to hunt, the 6.8 offers the most in the AR15 platform.

 

[BELLYCRAWL]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

nhm16,


Well done on the budget build. Looking at Bison Armory's website revealed some nicely priced 6.8 equip. Maybe I can talk my wife out of some money...doubtful. Good info...thanks!

BC

 

[nhm16]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bellycrawl</div><div class="ubbcode-body">nhm16,


Well done on the budget build. Looking at Bison Armory's website revealed some nicely priced 6.8 equip. Maybe I can talk my wife out of some money...doubtful. Good info...thanks!

BC </div></div>

That reminds me, I also had a complete upper from AR Performance (16" lightweight contour, his chamber, 5R rifling, Melonited barrel) that shot real well too, velocities not much lower than the 20" Bison Armory barrel. Since it had more cachet/resale value than my homebuilt build, I sold it during the Great Obama Gun Rush of 2009 for the same as I paid for it to fund my F-Class gun. It would make a great hunting upper at a very reasonable price.

 

[kvwpwr]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

My vote goes to 6.8. It's a great round in the ranges you're looking at. What's nice is you don't need a real long barrel to get good velocities. Especially out of ARPs barrels. I don't know what mine weighs but its very light. So carrying it around isnt a big deal. Last weekend I was easily banging a 12x12" steel plate at 565 yds. Every single time. I know that's 2moa but everyone, including inexperienced shooters) who shot my rifle got a hit every time. It shoots sub moa when I do my part.

 

[BELLYCRAWL]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

nhm16,

Thanks for the additional intel. I have battled the idea of a 6.8 rifle scoped dedicated upper that I could quickly interchange on my Stag lower. I liked the additional intel on AR Performance's site, but I like Bison's prices a little better. Thanks again!

BC

 

[rsilvers]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 300DM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would go with the 68. IMO the 300 will not expand at those distances. 7.62x39 is very good out to 150 yds. If you look at a "stock" 68 go with a Stag 7. Good luck. </div></div>

It does. Almost 0.60 expansion, and 24 inches of penetration from a 9 inch barrel at 300 yards:

I put all of these updates at: https://www.facebook.com/300aacblackout

 

[rsilvers]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 346ci</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 300wtf and X39 are not even in the same game. If you want to hunt, the 6.8 offers the most in the AR15 platform. </div></div>

It is called 300 AAC Blackout - and it does about 0.60 expansion and 24 inches of penetration at 300 yards. That will do the job just fine while also having $12 a box practice ammo and 30 round capacity in normal magazines. There are about 90 companies making 300 BLK products now.

 

[Bacarrat]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

I have seen several hogs rolled at around 300 yards with the 300 AAC Blackout. It's a very capable round without having to buy special magazines, and special bolt. Needless to say the short time the 300 AAC Blackout has been a SAAMI cartridge, it has surpassed the 6.8 in terms of available ammo and products.

 

[DBrace]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

My vote goes 6.8. Harrison from ARP makes an incredible rifle. His attention to detail impressed me and I am a bit of a perfectionist. His 16" barrels are getting the same velocities as other manufacturers 20"er's. I have a 16" fluted and it is light. Perfect for a walk around hunting rifle. Just my 2cents.

 

[buckhorn]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

I went with the 6.8 for using out of a 16" barrel. Gets close to 3,000 fps with the SSA 85 grain TSX. I'm using a RRA upper and have no complaints. If I was going to go with a longer barrel and shoot long range, would have went with the 6.5.

 

[lwrkeysfisher]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bacarrat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">it has surpassed the 6.8 in terms of available ammo and products.

</div></div>

BS... Even Remington offers more 6.8 loads than .300 Blk.

 

[Bacarrat]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lwrkeysfisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bacarrat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">it has surpassed the 6.8 in terms of available ammo and products.

</div></div>

BS... Even Remington offers more 6.8 loads than .300 Blk. </div></div>

I can walk into the local Gander or Bass pro and pick up Blackout ammo. I can't say the same for 6.8 SPC.

The reason why it's easy for people to swap over to the Blackout because they do not need a new bolt and magazine. A barrel swap and you are good to go. And ammo is getting really cheap for the Blackout as well. Can't say the same for the 6.8SPC. Most of the ammo is around a buck a round.

 

[lwrkeysfisher]

Re: ? hunting upper, 6.8 or 300 acc, 7.62x39

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bacarrat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I can walk into the local Gander or Bass pro and pick up Blackout ammo. I can't say the same for 6.8 SPC.

The reason why it's easy for people to swap over to the Blackout because they do not need a new bolt and magazine. A barrel swap and you are good to go. And ammo is getting really cheap for the Blackout as well. Can't say the same for the 6.8SPC. Most of the ammo is around a buck a round. </div></div>

Which Bass Pro shops? Which Gander Mountain? Not the ones where I live, and not online either....

However, there are about 15 Academy Sports in the greater Houston area (~130 in the Southeast)---they all carry Hornady and Remington 6.8 ammo.

If you want 6.8 ammo it is readily available, even my ho-dunk backwoods gunshop carries 6.8 ammo (though it doesn't stay on shelves long). I order online and usually pay between $.75-.85 per round shipped then sell my brass for $.30ea.

I also don't get the whole barrel swap thing; but then again I don't have guns/uppers just laying around, if something doesn't get used it gets sold and I buy something new. Mag interchangeability is a positive for the .300Blk---well, unless it results in you making a mistake where this happens.