Another "what cartridge should I choose for my AR platform" thread.

[bigdawg86]

Ok so here is the next question... I am ready to jump on that barrel from Primary Arms, but since this state is non-SBR friendly would it make more sense to have a longer barrel so it can be shoulder fired and more usable for hunting?

EDIT: aaand its out of stock.

[steveOsteezy]

If you're looking to build it into a hunting rig then just go with a 16"+ rifle. The extra velocity and accuracy are important for taking game.


Aw shiet! I was gonna order that barrel once I got home

[FMJBT]

These are pretty decent as far as finish and machine work. Haven't had a chance to shoot mine yet though:

https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3389

Installed on mine with a pinned/welded Ops Inc brake:

[MUKAK]

Cute pic.. how long did it take u to set it up?

[steveOsteezy]

Raided my safe, bench, and ammo can. ~0.00003 sec , my best time yet!

[Whiterabbit]

set up? I assume he never takes it down.

[Whiterabbit]

Yup, its that time again. I have a AR complete lower with a stripped upper waiting to be built, I have a M16 BCG ready to go as well. I am not sure what cartridge to go with... here are some of the answers to questions you may ask.

Yes I reload.
No I am not a high volume shooter.
This will be on a 80% receiver, so barrel length is not necessarily a issue.
I currently have a AR15 16" middy rifle and a 10.5" pistol in 5.56
I currently have a stripped AR10 upper and lower waiting to be built.
I don't hunt, but I like having the option.
No I won't be moving to a NFA friendly state any time soon.
I don't really NEED it for any specific purpose, but WTF cares?
I don't long range per se, but I like the idea of "reach out and touch someone"

50 Beowulf? 458 Socom? 300AAC? 6.5 Grenadel? 6.8SPC?

What says the infinite wisdom of Calguns?

My goodness what personal question. Here's my takeaway:

reload: oddball calibers are OK
low volume shooter: wildcats are OK
80% lower: know how to turn a wrench and aren't afraid to get your elbws greasy. WILD wildcats are OK
m16 bolt already: because of above, 223 boltface isn't set in stone, but doesn't hurt to pick a 223 based case.

-----------

But seriously, that's too personal. Every answer is going to be what the ANSWERER wants, not what you might want. All it's gonna do is hopefully brainstorm for you.

The better question is "what would YOU CHOOSE and why?"

So I'm in a similar place to you, lemme tell you my thoughts FOR ME.

I like the .284 and .510 calibers, as well as .452 and .458, with glancing interest in sub cals like .20 and .17. So I'm sold on .284 and .510. That demands wildcats. I'm OK with that. Though something like 204 ruger would be neat given the low cost of jacketed projectiles.

So lots of ways to go about it, but the obvious answers for easy .284's is a 7tcu or variant. The most obvious answer I have so far for .510 is .510 Beowulf, made by running an expander through a 50 beo and fireforming, reloading using 50 Alaskan dies.

Shorten the case enough and you can use m33 ball. use a meplat uniformer and really cut the bullet down, you don't have to shorten the case much. If you are clever, you can chamber your AR-308 in it too and use a full length or nearly so case and mag feed it. case full of H110 gets a 750 grain AMAX (single feed only, even in the 308) to 500 yards with ease. 1050fps at the muzzle, 950 fps at 500 yards. The BC of the bullet is just that high.

Silent sniper. Cheap brass (starline), cheap powder, cheap bullets (m33 ball).

With 284, there are 1000 ways to play the 7tcu. or go with a 6.8 case necked up, or a Grendel case necked up, or a socom case necked down, etc etc. Depends how much powder you want, and how you can reload the case.

That's just the effort I would be willing to go through because I have a "thing" for those calibers.

This is your opportunity to make your rifle or pistol personal. Get those creative juices flowing!

[vintagedude88]

Have you considered 6mm Creedmoor?

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=3747372.0

http://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/6mm-HAGAR/

http://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/6mm-HAGAR-AR15-Match-Upper-Receiver.html

[bigdawg86]

Have you considered 6mm Creedmoor?

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=3747372.0

http://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/6mm-HAGAR/

http://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/...-Receiver.html

Nope... Can't say I have. Seems a bit more expensive?

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

[ZRen]

I'm happy with .223/5.56.
It's a capable enough round.
Easy to find reloading components and cheap.
8lb jug @ 25.3gr or 24gr (or whatever usual .223 powder you're using) goes a long way too.
Large variety of bullets, up to 77, SP, HPBT, AP, etc.. (Which are cheaper than .308 projos)
Again, it's cheap.

If I lived in a suppressor friendly state, I would definitely say 300blk is the way to go. But we don't.

just my two cents.

Both are kick-***

[Delta Bravo]

I gotta jump in here too.

I chose 458 Socom for my "option" upper.

You have AR10 platform for longer distances. AR15 for multiple-rounds & short distances.

The 458 Socom gives you knock-down power, as well as anti-engine block, anti-brick wall option. Round created after Mogadishu experience with Somali's high on khat took too many 556 rounds to put down. 458Socom does that.

Works for hunting too - feral hogs, bears, etc.

My only issue with 50 Beowulf is sole source manufacturer. 458Socom has more options for the upper & for the bullets.

Round is good out to 250 yards for hunting. 300gr solid gonna pretty much stop anything you want stopped at that distance.

You can go 500, 600 gr, but then you are subsonic & much shorter distances.

Lehigh Defense makes a nice 185gr hollow point with much flatter trajectory if you need longer distances. My 458 Socom go-to round is either solid or HP 300gr. Hunting or defense.

Just to add another opinion the your options.....