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Posted: 6/15/2013 5:03:26 PM EDT
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After searching around for a bit I couldn't come up with a clear answer for what I am trying to do.
I have an AR 15 that I built. its an Aeroprecision lower and an Areoprecision monolithic M4 style mil spec upper. I have started building a new AR 15 and want to set up the Aeroprecision for long range shooting. Basically I want to change the caliber to a bigger round that will go the distance so to speak but I do not want to buy a new upper for it since monolithic seems to be the way to go for long range shooting. Obviously I will need to change the barrel and I don't mind changing the bolt or bolt carrier group, So the question is what calibers will work with a standard AR 15 lower and a mil spec upper with M4 style feed ramps?? |
| I would like to be able to go out about 300 yards or further. With the right scope and barrel I could do that with 5.56 but at the moment I only have a 16 inch barrel with a 1/7 twist and its a pencil barrel, so I figure if I'm going to be changing barrels anyways I might as well go with something more powerful. |
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300-350 yards is going to be the range limit for a humane shot with most, if not all, calibers that will work with a standard AR15 lower. The 5.56 is capable of shooting farther with decent accuracy for paper punching but if hunting is part of your criteria then you could do some research on the 6.8 and 6.5. Both will take game like deer, hogs and other varmints out to 300 yards with great accuracy. Anything farther and you'll want an AR10.
With the 6.8 and 6.5, hunting rounds are on par with other dedicated hunting rounds at about $1.00-$2.00 a round. There really isn't any cheap plinking rounds for us in these two calibers just yet, however there are talks of them coming. If you want to shoot paper at 500 yards +, I would recommend getting a precision barrel in .223/5.56 and then build a hunting caliber upper as you can afford it so you can just swap between the two. |
| Midwayusa.com has this that would appear to work... Do you think there is much need to go longer than 16 inches or more than a 1/12 twist? I had originally figured on buying a 20 inch barrel but not too sure... I'm new to the long range and accuracy shooting. |
| If going the 68 route, I would go with a company that specializes in tnat caliber like ARP ( AR15 Performance ), Bison or Wilson. SPC II chamber or ARP's 6.8x43 and 1/11, 1/11.25 twist. You don't get a whole heck of a lot more performance out of a longer barrel, so 18" would be ideal. |
| If it were me, considering you want to shoot out to around 300 yards and hunt varmints, I would stick with the .223 but change to a 18" or 20" heavy barrel in 1:7 twist and focus on shooting heavier grain bullets like 77gr. It will easily reach that far even with a 16" barrel but the 20" barrel will ring out every last bit of energy and velocity the caliber offers. If you want more in a rifle than this you need a different rifle to do it. |
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Looks like you can get a bolt with the ARP barrel for another 90 bucks, That setup seems to be exactly what I am needing, that will most likely be my final choice.
For varmits I will be able to use .223 with the setup I currently have on a 16 inch Daniel Defense barrel with 1/7 twist. Usually when I hunt varmits I walk around in the brush to get them stirred up so they are usually within 25 yards of me. Easy enough to hit with a holographic sight. The 6.8 should have enough knock down for deer and hogs which is what I have been getting more interested in... And still be able to reach out several hundred yards when I feel the need to have some long range fun. I really appreciate everyone knowledge on the subject. You guys have set me on the right path and saved me hours of endless research. |
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That barrel plus the ITS Superbolt and you are well on your way to a very fine shooter. I hunt hogs down here in TX on foot 3-4 nights per week and it's part of what I do for a living. The 68 is a hog hammer and will take large South TX White-Tails too. Silver State Armory and Hornady make some great hunting rounds. I shoot SSA's 85 grain TSX and 95 grain TTSX for hogs, which are loaded with a solid copper Barnes projectile. For deer, I shoot SSA's Sierra Pro Hunter in the 110 grain. Many in the 68 game will agree that this round is very accurate in just about any set up. Hornady makes some terrific deer rounds too.
Harrison, the owner of ARP, is a great guy and has even better CS. He has spent more time on the 68 caliber than probably anyone else out there and his products prove it. You'll be very happy with your decision. Update us here when you get her built and to the range. |
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