Large Frame AR Caliber Options

[sentry1]

I've got a MATEN matched receiver set on the way, and I was just going to go .308 with it, but I got to thinking... what other caliber options should I be exploring?

I'd like to build this as a precision platform, so what's a good caliber to go with for range and precision?

I don't mind if factory ammo isn't the most convenient, but ideally it would be a caliber that is easy to get brass and bullets for.

 

[redbullitt]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

How about a 6.5 round? Rem or or Creed come to mind pretty quick.

Factory ammo and components are easy to get, great ballistics, puts a hurtin on game animals around here.

 

[338Federal]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

Accuracy cartridge on large frame, probably doesn't get better than the Creedmoore.

 

[ORD]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

For precision with ballistics superior to the basic .308:

6mm Creedmoor
6.5mm Creedmoor
260 Remington

Additionally, while certainly not the BEST LR performer, there is a damn good reason that the .308 is still the #1 option for large frame ARs across the board.

It all comes down to what your specific intentions are with the rifle such as your max intended range, targets (paper/steel, game...and specifically what kind of game...or a mix), etc.

 

[PowerstrokeOBX]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

I would look hard at the creedmoor. Cheap factory ammo barrel life in the 3500 range and better ballistics. But depending on your range a creedmoor may not be warranted.

 

[sentry1]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

The majority of the time this rifle will just be for shooting targets at the range. With any luck, I'll be able to take it out for coyotes, wild hogs, and deer.

For range, I'm more concerned with target shooting, and I'd like to a gun/round that can hit the X at 1000 yards (with any luck, I'll eventually shoot as well as the gun can).

 

[DavidAR10]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sentry1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The majority of the time this rifle will just be for shooting targets at the range. With any luck, I'll be able to take it out for coyotes, wild hogs, and deer.

For range, I'm more concerned with target shooting, and I'd like to a gun/round that can hit the X at 1000 yards (with any luck, I'll eventually shoot as well as the gun can). </div></div>

http://www.accurateordnance.com

1) Close to you
2) They have a 6.5CM reamer and know how to use it
3) Cause it's the right thing to do

 

[O_W]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

i have a GAP10 in 6 creedmore and i love that cartridge out of a gas gun. It has no recoil awesome ballistics and you can kill most anything you want with it.

 

[Chiller]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

6.5.....good components, good factory ammo, 1k and still truckin'

 

[sentry1]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

The Hornady A-Max 120 and 140gr 6.5 match ammo lists that it's not recommended for medium to large game. What bullet would one use for game? The Hornady SST?

 

[PowerstrokeOBX]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

I use the amax and good shot placement on small deer. Works for me and a couple others.

I've seen a couple shows on tv one shooting a deer at 400 and one elk at 700 using the 140 amax and the superformance (129sst?) load.

 

[ORD]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sentry1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Hornady A-Max 120 and 140gr 6.5 match ammo lists that it's not recommended for medium to large game. What bullet would one use for game? The Hornady SST? </div></div>

Its just more PC-don't use match bullets on game-BULL$#!T. I'm not getting into that tired, old, dead horse thoroughly beaten debate again, but suffice it to say that I've killed many a whitetail deer and other game animals with "match" bullets like the AMAX, SMKs and Scenars and never had a complaint from the dead critter about the efficacy of the bullet and the numerous one-shot ethical kills made with them.

Now, they are FAR from "ideal" hunting bullets because of their limited penetration (especially on thicker hide animals) and rapid expansion/jacket separation, but even the dumbasses at Hornady have reviews posted on their website of kills made on Bull Elk and other like animals posted under their AMAX bullets despite their recommendation that they not be used on game. Go figure!

 

[SPfeiffer]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

the main reason I would stick to a 308 is ammo.. imagine going on a hunting trip and your creed or 300 black out or some other odd ball caliber ammo is ruined lost or stolen... good luck finding ammo...

walk into any decent gun store and pick up fed gold metal match ammo and keep shooting! I am going to have a 260 bolt gun built but I know the value of my 308 sass.

 

[BCP]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

A friend of mine has a 20" 260rem and it is very accurate and just as viable @ 1k yards as a 24-26" 308, maybe more so.

For hunting there is a nosler accubond 130gr 6.5MM. I don't think there is a better all around hunting bullet than the accubond.

BTW there are BILLIONS of 6.5MM hunting bullets out there

 

[sentry1]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

On the 6.5 Creedmoor, will fit in the .308 PMAGs? Will it fit in AICS .308 mags?

Also, I read that Hornady brass for the 6.5 is soft and has a short life. Does anyone else make brass that's better quality?

 

[Chiller]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sentry1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On the 6.5 Creedmoor, will fit in the .308 PMAGs? Will it fit in AICS .308 mags? </div></div>

Yes

 

[Ledzep]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

243
6mm creedmore
6.5 creedmore
260
7-08
308
338 federal

There are probably several more oddballs in between. I opted for 260.

 

[*Nine]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

I've got my gunsmith spinning up a barrel for my MATEN right now in 6XC. The shorter case (compared to .308 based stuff) gives me plenty of room to play with even the longest 6mm bullets, and the ability to seat them long.

 

[jevan126]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

This is my 2 cents worth. I love a lot of these new calibers, but i call them novelty calibers, reason is if there ever comes a time @ which shit hits the fan, everyone is going to be grabbing as much ammo as they can. So with that I personally want the MOST COMMON caliber out there because as SASS said good luck finding ammo. I stick with .45acp, 12 gauge, and .308 Win because you can get this ammo anywhere on the planet. My OPINION.

 

[sentry1]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jevan</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> a time @ which shit hits the fan, everyone is going to be grabbing as much ammo as they can. So with that I personally want the MOST COMMON caliber out there </div></div>

I'm really not worrying about preparing for the End of Days scenario, I just want a new toy to make up for the fact that mommy didn't love me enough.

 

[DavidAR10]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jevan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is my 2 cents worth. I love a lot of these new calibers, but i call them novelty calibers, reason is if there ever comes a time @ which shit hits the fan, everyone is going to be grabbing as much ammo as they can. So with that I personally want the MOST COMMON caliber out there because as SASS said good luck finding ammo. I stick with .45acp, 12 gauge, and .308 Win because you can get this ammo anywhere on the planet. My OPINION. </div></div>

What's it like to live life as a piker?

 

[jevan126]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

Then I would go with 6.5 Creedmore, I am really wanting one bad. The Ballistics are unreal.

 

[bronco_buster]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

My vote is 6.5 Creedmoor.

I built up my MaTen into a 6.5 CM with Criterion barrel. It shoots just as well as my Rock Creek 308 AR.

As far as the brass debate, it goes on and on..."lapua makes 260...end of debate" blah, blah whatever...

I've got 8 reloads on my Hornady bolt gun brass. I anneal every 3rd reload. No problems. I have fireformed 22-250 into 6.5 CM. it's pretty simple, and now I have 6.5 CM brass with a Lapua headstamp...so nanny, nanny, boo, boo...

It's nice being able to hang bullets out far enough to squeeze every ounce of accuracy out of your rifle...yet keep them feeding from the mag. I would like to try 260 someday. But it's just not a big enough deal to make me ditch the Creedmoor. Good luck whatever you decide...the MaTen is the bomb!!

 

[Captain Moroni]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

I'm building my MA-10 in 6.5x47 because I already have dies and components and I really like the round. There will be a few extra steps but none of them are a big deal.

I'm sure that I will also get a .308 upper for it as well "just cause"

I don't really buy into the "what if you forget your ammo" thing. If you are that dense that you don't bring ammo hunting with you your ammo problem is the least of your worries. And if I loose my ammo in the HALO jump into my hunting blind I will just my ninja knife that I strapped to my ankle.

 

[sentry1]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

After a little more research, I'm liking the 6.5 CM cartridge. Hornady ammo is priced pretty close to FGMM .308 175s. So, everything I've read says that the 6.5 will go to 1,000 yards easy, and should be a good cartridge for competition.

Next Q: How does it fare at shorter ranges for hunting? I've seen math on knockdown power, etc... but I don't trust math that ends in "GET A .300 WIN MAG OR ELSE!"

Also, do I just need to buy a different bolt? A whole different BCG?

On a side note, I'm looking at a 6.5 for the AR10 because I don't want another gun in .308. Then again, I considered getting the AR10 in .308, and trading out the .308 bolt gun for a .300 WM bolt gun. ...Then I saw the price of .300 WM ammo.

 

[Bradu]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

I thought about building one in a .243 just for varmint hunting since it's a versatile caliber and ammo can be bought anywhere.

 

[338Federal]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

When you say "long range accuracy" and "ar10 format" in the same sentence you could really just say 6.5 Creedmore. It gets no better than that. Had you said stopping power, or cheap ammo, there are other options. However for accuracy, range, and ammo Creedmore is the answer.

 

[sentry1]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

I don't know that ammo gets much cheaper than $1/round for .308, and 6.5 is available for the same, so I'm good on price. However, I AM interested in stopping power. I don't plan on hunting big game, but how will this round do on wild pigs, coyotes, deer? Is it acceptable, underkill?

 

[bronco_buster]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

It will kill those beasts with the greatest of ease, likely a little overkill for the yotes. BCG is standard DPMS pattern. I run a Young Machine chrome without any problems. Fulton armory has Criterion and Krieger barrels. I recommend getting the headspaced bolt with it.

 

[George63]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

one consideration that no one has mentioned: as opposed to a bolt gun the AR will spew that brass around - so figure on a lot more loss

do not plan on anything to exotic/ expensive brass wise

 

[PowerstrokeOBX]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sentry1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't know that ammo gets much cheaper than $1/round for .308, and 6.5 is available for the same, so I'm good on price. However, I AM interested in stopping power. I don't plan on hunting big game, but how will this round do on wild pigs, coyotes, deer? Is it acceptable, underkill? </div></div>

Yes. Probably one of the best sized calibers for shooting deer. Cheap low recoil not too much damage and good ballistics.120-140amaxs.

 

[jimjim3]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

Just got my gap-10 in 6.5cm 24 inch bartlin barrel hole in hole with factory hornady 140s. It rocks

 

[Howa4AU]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

Sentry, where in AL do you live? I am in B'ham and and have an AR in 6.5 CM I just built. I am going out to shoot it today or tomorrow - doing some load development. I would be glad to show it to you and answer any questions I can. I love the gun and the caliber BTW.

 

[sentry1]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

I'm in Huntsville. Could definitely swing by B'ham late Friday afternoon or this weekend. Will shoot you a PM.

 

[bronco_buster]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: George63</div><div class="ubbcode-body">one consideration that no one has mentioned: as opposed to a bolt gun the AR will spew that brass around - so figure on a lot more loss

do not plan on anything to exotic/ expensive brass wise </div></div>

$9 Brass catcher = Problem Solved but...

Do you really need to "spew brass" when hunting? My rifle doesn't need more than one shot.

 

[Southbreeze]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

How about 450 marlin or 358 Win, maybe 325wsm? You want to do some hog bucklin' in Alabama, this'll get the boys around you asking WTF was that!

Check out the boys out at accuracy systems and scroll down this page about half way and look for big bore options. I'm leaning towards the 450 marlin myself.

Cheers,
Breeze
Yo MS next door neighbor

 

[sentry1]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

I'll be using this as a precision rifle, I won't be tossing casings everywhere like with an AR15, and I usually stop every couple of mags to pick up my brass with those anyways.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: George63</div><div class="ubbcode-body">one consideration that no one has mentioned: as opposed to a bolt gun the AR will spew that brass around - so figure on a lot more loss

do not plan on anything to exotic/ expensive brass wise </div></div>

 

[RobertB]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

Personally, I would go 260 before CM. You can buy factory ammo, hunting or match (I use SW ammo) and you can buy brass made by anyone, Lapua,rem,win,nosler..... Ballistics, the 260 has a slight nod. But it's not enough you would ever see. They are that close. Neither will have better accuracy over the other as with stopping power. I just think you would have more choices. I love mine. Awesome round, but, if you go CM you still have a great round. Good luck.

 

[sentry1]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

Will look into it, Robert. Questions on the .260:

-Does it require a different bolt?
-Does the .260 round fit in a PMAG 20LR?

Anyone know the # or website for Young Manufacturing? I'd like to see if they make NM bolt carriers for the AR10.

 

[Bradu]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

Same bolt and mags as the .308. I believe Young makes bolts for the Ar-10 but you have to call them, I don't think they are listed on their site.

 

[sentry1]

Re: Large Frame AR Caliber Options

I'm feeling kinda stupid here, the two Young Manufacturing websites I found are for a millwork shop, and for a metal working shop, the latter I'm pretty sure is not the same guys that make bolt carriers.