Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

Hawk45

Hawk45

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 29, 2002
1,360
2
51
Ohio
#1
I was going to build a new AR15 but think I'm going to step up to a long range AR platform. I'm not to familiar with what's out there or what caliber is better to go with.. I currenlty reload for .308 and .260 so was thinking of going with one of those but open to other suggestions (not looking for the big dogs like .50 cal). Can you guys give me some recommendations on make/models and what caliber you think I should choose?

Thanks,
John
 
#2
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

Either one of those with work great, but the .260 has a bit better ballistics. You could also possibly look at the 6.5 Creedmore.

If you havve the coin, look at GAP or JP Rifles for the upper end direct impengment AR-10's. If I were buying an AR-10 I would get a POF-USA because it has a piston instead of the traditional DI system, however, this comes with a slight degrade in accuaccy. I will take this tradeoff.

Optics are a whole 'nother can of worms, just find what suits you and you'll be happy. If it were me I'd put either a NF 2.5-10x32mm, or a USO 1.8-10x37mm.

If your like most of us, try to look at the DPMS LR-308 or 260 with a SS 10x42mm, SS 3-9x42mm, or one of the new Vortex's.

I do not own an AR style rifle, this is just what I read and what I would do if I had enough money to buy one.

JMHO,
P.B.Walsh
 
#4
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

Is there a make you recommend? RRA, Armalite, DPMS, etc? I want something that has aftermarket parts and good availablity but still good quality.
 
#5
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

Trust me on this.

Get a 16" DPMS Sportical LR-308 in .308win

then add a VTac $170 Hand guard and a JP rifles trigger.

you will be well under $1200 and able to shoot out to 700-800yds.

By the time you can read the wind to get hits with that slow ass .308win bullet at 700/800yds. You will know what to move up to.

This is what I am doing now, and to be honest, I will never go back to a short action bolt gun.

when I get a manual operated rifle it will be for a 300winmag or some such.

John
 
#6
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

I've pretty much been doing the bolt gun thing for a long time and only had a single AR15 (tons of fun).. so I think the AR10 variant is the way to go. It doesn't have to be top of the line as it is just for fun and want to get one before any new legislation is passed and I miss my chance.
 
#7
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hawk45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've pretty much been doing the bolt gun thing for a long time and only had a single AR15 (tons of fun).. so I think the AR10 variant is the way to go. It doesn't have to be top of the line as it is just for fun and want to get one before any new legislation is passed and I miss my chance. </div></div>

Oh I am with you.

I assume since you reload this will ring well with you.

Get some nosler 155grn .308 bullets, load a little hard, not max and enjoy that Ar-10.

I got this DPMS rifle and look how small it is compared to the bolt guns.

SDC10637.jpg




And this is how the trace looks on that rifle ---> <span style="font-weight: bold">LINK</span>
 
#8
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

That is cool man..

Yeah.. compact and gas operated will be a nice change from the bolts (but I do love them).

Would 24" bbl be overkill? I see ya ringing steel at 700yds with your 16" but just seems sooo short.
 
#10
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

6.5 Grendel is the way to go for sure. I built one on an AR platform and love it! If you want to shoot out to 1K it will do it. I hit 12"x12" steel plates at 800yrds all day.
Parts and ammo may be hard to find for it thats why its good to reload.

Lapua makes a 123gr.HPBT Scenar bullet and its crazy insane at distance.

Trust me, its worth it. You will not be disapointed.

Here is a pic of the one I built:
65Grendelpic7-1.jpg

Grendelpic.jpg

 
#12
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

I like my DPMS rifles.
I've got a 24" heavy barrel that is a .75moa shooter that'll handle 155 scenars over h4895 at 2975 fps. 1k yards is no problem at all. It made 1k fine with 175 smk's too, but the scenars are a lot flatter.
I've also got a 16" ap4 with an acog, with which I have no trouble dinging my 1/2 scale steel guy at 400 yards. 155 amax's over blc-2 in that one.
 
#14
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

I'm glad I found this topic. I have an Armalite 308 carbine upper coming in for my AR10, and a dpms 243 upper for my dpms lower. What do you guys think about the 243 for a 500-600yrd gas gun? It's a 1-10 twist 20" barrel. I plan on getting a 18 or 20" barrel for the dpms in 308 some day also. I would like to try a 260 though.
 
#17
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hawk45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Who's platform is that built on? </div></div>



Vltor MUR1 upper reciever
Daniel Defense 12.0" Handgaurd
Daniel Defense low profile gas block
Sabre Defense 18" bbl 1-7.5 Twist (6.5 Grendel: middy gas
Sabre Defense BCG
Sabre Defense Gill Brake
NightForce NXS Optic
Larue mount
Harris Bi-pod
Larue Bi-pod mount
Rock River 2-stage Trigger
KNS Anti-roll pins
Ergo grip w/ palm shelf
Alexander Arms Magazines
Magpul PRS Stock
Magpul Rail gaurds
Badger Tac-Latch

<span style="font-weight: bold">THE</span> most accurate AR-Platform I have ever fired.
 
#18
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

I've always thought a 300 saum DPMS option would be a sweet long range round in a AR platform. Little to no factory ammo options though.

If it's just a paper gun the .260 would be ideal, little better ballistics than the .308 and you are already set up to load for it.
 
#22
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

If you feel that less weight and recoil coupled with near 260 Rem ballistics are for you then look into 6mmART-6mmART40.Here's a pic of mine.It sends 105 Amax at 2907 fps and is a .6 MOA rifle for 5 shots.Usually 3-4 shots are touching in the group.
DSC00145.jpg
DSC00165.jpg


Steve
 
#23
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

I don't like the feel of the large AR platforms: Too much bolt slamming momentum when trying to hold position.

For a long-range AR platform, if you like to reload try the 6-AR or Gendel, but if you like to shoot get a .223 Wylde chamber and some 77SMK's and 80 VLD's.

A good .223 AR will get you to 1000, no problem, and will shoot inside the .30 cal 168's all the time and inside the 175's at .308 velocities.
 
#24
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

I think the more I do research I'm just going to do a standard AR15 platform and stick with the .223 but using some heavier bullets in a faster twist and longer barrel. Thanks for all the help everyone.
 
#26
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't like the feel of the large AR platforms: Too much bolt slamming momentum when trying to hold position.
</div></div>

Yes, the AR-10 platform guns are waaaay over-gassed. Most folks think it's the recoil, but it is the large bolt slamming around that makes it hard to handle.

I've got two AR-10's(.308 & .260) and put JP Enterprises adjustable gas blocks on them. Cut down the bolt slam on both rifles and made them a pleasure to shoot.
 
#27
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DT1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't like the feel of the large AR platforms: Too much bolt slamming momentum when trying to hold position.
</div></div>

Yes, the AR-10 platform guns are waaaay over-gassed. Most folks think it's the recoil, but it is the large bolt slamming around that makes it hard to handle.

I've got two AR-10's(.308 & .260) and put JP Enterprises adjustable gas blocks on them. Cut down the bolt slam on both rifles and made them a pleasure to shoot. </div></div>

How does turning down the gas affect feeding reliability?
 
#28
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vinconco</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DT1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't like the feel of the large AR platforms: Too much bolt slamming momentum when trying to hold position.
</div></div>

Yes, the AR-10 platform guns are waaaay over-gassed. Most folks think it's the recoil, but it is the large bolt slamming around that makes it hard to handle.

I've got two AR-10's(.308 & .260) and put JP Enterprises adjustable gas blocks on them. Cut down the bolt slam on both rifles and made them a pleasure to shoot. </div></div>

How does turning down the gas affect feeding reliability?</div></div>

It doesn't affect reliability at all unless you turn it down too far...

You just need to experiment with it, once you find the sweet spot, loc-tite the adjustment screw in place.
 
#29
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DT1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vinconco</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DT1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't like the feel of the large AR platforms: Too much bolt slamming momentum when trying to hold position.</div></div>Yes, the AR-10 platform guns are waaaay over-gassed. Most folks think it's the recoil, but it is the large bolt slamming around that makes it hard to handle.I've got two AR-10's(.308 & .260) and put JP Enterprises adjustable gas blocks on them. Cut down the bolt slam on both rifles and made them a pleasure to shoot.</div></div>It doesn't affect reliability at all unless you turn it down too far...You just need to experiment with it, once you find the sweet spot, loc-tite the adjustment screw in place.</div></div>How does turning down the gas affect feeding reliability?</div></div>The problem on the big guns is where to put the gas port, meaning how far down the barrel to change its location.

Remember that rifle and ammunition are a system that, together, provide accuracy and utility.

So, if you are willing to stick to one load, and use a powder no slower than 4895, then a gas gun has its place. For example, if you only shoot issued M118LR there's no reason not to use a gas gun.

But if you like seating to the lands, using VLD's, not using the bolt overrun to bump the shoulder on your brass, and all the other things that bolt guns are good at, then gas guns suck.

That, and powders like Varget are, in my experience and opinion, too slow for the big AR's because they cause hard cycling. So, shooting the heavies with slow powders is off the table as well, again unless you seriously modify the rifle.
 
#30
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DT1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't like the feel of the large AR platforms: Too much bolt slamming momentum when trying to hold position.
</div></div>

Yes, the AR-10 platform guns are waaaay over-gassed. Most folks think it's the recoil, but it is the large bolt slamming around that makes it hard to handle.

I've got two AR-10's(.308 & .260) and put JP Enterprises adjustable gas blocks on them. Cut down the bolt slam on both rifles and made them a pleasure to shoot. </div></div>

I will second that.

I have a 24" Armalite AR-10 that tamed down significantly when an adjustable gas system was installed and tuned. She is a pleasure to shoot.
 
#31
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Adician</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How much zoom does that NFO have? </div></div>

Its the 3.5-15x50 NXS

15x is plently. I shoot out to 820yrds with it. Dont get me wrong a 22x, 32x or 42x wouldnt hurt but I dont need that much.


I would like to upgrade the barrel to a Satern and the bi-pod to an Atlas soon, after that there isnt much more I could do to make it any better.

Surprised the Sabre Defense barrel is that accurate.
One of the best optics I ever purchased.
 
#32
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
DT1 said:
vinconco said:
DT1 said:
Graham said:
That, and powders like Varget are, in my experience and opinion, too slow for the big AR's because they cause hard cycling. So, shooting the heavies with slow powders is off the table as well, again unless you seriously modify the rifle. </div></div>

Interesting. I haven't found that to be the case in my AR-10 gas guns. I've used the following loads and have had no problems at all with function or reliability after adjusting the gas:

<span style="font-weight: bold">308W</span> - Varget, RL-15 and IMR 4064 (42-44gr) in the 308 with 175gr SMK's

<span style="font-weight: bold">260Rem</span> - 4895sc & IMR 4350 with 142gr SMK's
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
#33
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hawk45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think the more I do research I'm just going to do a standard AR15 platform and stick with the .223 but using some heavier bullets in a faster twist and longer barrel. Thanks for all the help everyone. </div></div>

If you go with a 20" barrel with a twist rate of 1-7 to 1-8 you'll be just fine with the heavy 223 bullets at long distance (69gr, 77gr).

You can use the 80gr bullets if you single load to get out to 1k.
 
#34
Re: Long Range AR type rilfe? .308? 260? etc?

I went with a Lothar Walthar Var/Tac 20" SS barrel (.223 Wylde chamber, 1:8 twist) and Dan Young's NM M16 BCG on my custom built AR. It has a CAR stock and Hogue FF tube.

Super accurate and a dream to carry. I pretty much one hand carry it most times. It's one of my favorite rifles.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Z
Advice on setup/Bolt
Replies
6
Views
336
kravi
kravi
jaguar0405
Long range training rifle to grow into (details included)
Replies
13
Views
547
redbullitt
redbullitt
J
First long range bolt gun build
Replies
51
Views
2K
oldrifleman
oldrifleman
W
First Long Range Rifle…Defiance Deviant…Any Tips Appreciated
Replies
3
Views
276
kthomas
kthomas
Observant25
Advice on my first Custom build
Replies
42
Views
1K
Cody S
Cody S
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Merch
Alerts