thinking of trying a different caliber....but which?

desertfox01 · Jun 17, 2013

OK, I have quite a few 308s (8 so far)....Thinking about trying something different. I have a 308 lower, upper and rail that I can't decide what to do with......I've stuck with the 30 cal stuff up till now since I have 10 firearms that use the 308 projectiles, commonality of reloading components has been nice.....but keep thinking about maybe doing a 243, 260 or even 338 Federal.....if I stick with 308, I just don't know what to do, go a verity of lengths already from 16" to 24"......only thing I can think of doing might be a 18 semi-light weight build......

Archer762 · Jun 17, 2013

Think of the mission, then select the weapon for it.

346ci · Jun 17, 2013

With a spare 308 lower/upper, I'd go with a 6.5CM.

elfster1234 · Jun 17, 2013

Need more info... Target hunting punching holes in paper at what yardage blah blah blah.... Give us more info!!!

desertfox01 said:
OK, I have quite a few 308s (8 so far)....Thinking about trying something different. I have a 308 lower, upper and rail that I can't decide what to do with......I've stuck with the 30 cal stuff up till now since I have 10 firearms that use the 308 projectiles, commonality of reloading components has been nice.....but keep thinking about maybe doing a 243, 260 or even 338 Federal.....if I stick with 308, I just don't know what to do, go a verity of lengths already from 16" to 24"......only thing I can think of doing might be a 18 semi-light weight build......

Lofty · Jun 17, 2013

It seems like the .260 is the do all cartridge for large frame AR platforms. Great bullet selection, adequate power for just about anything in North America and feeds a bit better than 6.5 Creedmoor.

If it was primarily a competition gun though and you didnt have to worry about killing larger animals, Id go 6 Creedmoor.

2Shots · Jun 17, 2013

I think you would be very satisfied with any of the 6.5 rounds. They shoot well, have a good barrel life and to me are a step up (in terms of ease of loading, component availability, and recoil management) from the .308. I put almost 4000 rounds on my .260, built a 243 and shot the barrel out in under 1500 and I'm back shooting the same .260, same barrel, and it still shoots 1/2 moa. Hard to argue with that.

thrusty · Jun 17, 2013

I'd love to have a 6.5CM in a AR-10 platform. Light recoil, no issues with length of round to reach the lands when mag feeding, good factory match ammo available, good barrel life, it's also easy to load for like 30cals, great ballistics... Downside is lack of brass manufactures at this time - however, I'm perfectly happy with Hornady brass for the Creedmoor.

ORD · Jun 17, 2013

Knowing what, specifically, your plans are for the rifle, would go a long way in helping you select a caliber (i.e. - paper puncher...long range...big game...etc.).

J Mack · Jun 17, 2013

I also have several .308’s and recently bought a JP .260 for something different and really like shooting that rifle when compared to some of the others.
In fact I like it so much I’m converting my OBR to the JP system.

Good luck with your decision it sounds like you have a good problem.
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onethousandmeters · Jun 17, 2013

Lots of good recommendations! Good luck in your choice, and let us know what you selected.

bman940 · Jun 17, 2013

I like the DPMS .243. I use 90 gr. BT bullets for deer hunting and 55 gr. 4100 fps screamers for coyote hunting. Best of all, you'll just need the upper, ammo is easier to find then the 6.5 too.

Newtrick · Jun 17, 2013

I have quite a few AR platform .308s. Recently picked up a .260 in AR. Love it. Very accurate, great range, easy reload. I had no problem finding bullets. Almost no recoil. Shoots with my .300 WM at distance.

allidoiswin · Jun 18, 2013

desertfox01 said:
OK, I have quite a few 308s (8 so far)....Thinking about trying something different. I have a 308 lower, upper and rail that I can't decide what to do with......I've stuck with the 30 cal stuff up till now since I have 10 firearms that use the 308 projectiles, commonality of reloading components has been nice.....but keep thinking about maybe doing a 243, 260 or even 338 Federal.....if I stick with 308, I just don't know what to do, go a verity of lengths already from 16" to 24"......only thing I can think of doing might be a 18 semi-light weight build......

If your that bored 338Lapua Mag trust me its alooooooooooooooot of fun

desertfox01 · Jun 18, 2013

Problem is I am not sure just what I am going to do with it

. yeah, guess it is a good problem to have......think I am leaning towards either a 260 or 6.5 creedmore. I have considered those rounds before.

ORD · Jun 18, 2013

desertfox01 said:
Problem is I am not sure just what I am going to do with it . yeah, guess it is a good problem to have......think I am leaning towards either a 260 or 6.5 creedmore. I have considered those rounds before.

Both the .260 and the 6.5CM (not to mention the 6CM) are EXCELLENT cartridges that are very well-suited to operating in a large-frame AR.

They are all excellent long-range performers that shine at those distances compared to the .308 and all can be used effectively/ethically on a wide variety of game animals with the proper bullets/shooter. The only problem with those cartridges is commercially available ammo (match and otherwise) for them pales in comparison to your average .308/7.62x51. While companies like SW Ammo, Copper Creek Cartridge, etc. all make excellent offerings in some or all of those calibers (as well as Hornady for the 6.5CM and FGMM for the .260)...to get the most out of them, you really should be setup to reload. It seems from your OP that you are, but just as a word of caution.

desertfox01 · Jun 19, 2013

I am a reloader and plan on reloading whatever caliber I go with.

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