AR Sponsor
Posted: 10/18/2009 8:38:07 PM EDT
| Looking at getting another ar. Trying to decide what caliber I want in an ar I will blast steel with out to 1k and maybe hunt some speedgoats with it closer in. Yeah, yeah, I know that if I want to shoot that distance I should use a bolt gun. Already have Remmy PSS in 308 that I use, want something different. I want to do it with an ar, and want a caliber with less recoil, drop and wind drift than a 308. In my thinking, that means a 6.5 for the higher bc. I'm looking at 260 Rem or 6.5 Grendal, I reload so factory ammo is not a factor. From what I have read, it seems the 260 has the edge in velocity. Barrel length will likey be 24", 20" would sure be handier and lighter but I'm pretty certain I'll need the extra 4" for the 1k stuff. I do shoot to 1k fairly often, since I live in MT and have plenty of places to go that distance, doensn't mean I'm great at it. Calling the wind still kicks my ass. I am also aware that the 6.5 G uses the standard ar lower. I'd like to hear comments (good and bad) for the guys that have used the 260 or 6.5 G out to that range or any other caliber options meeting my requirements. Thanks |
|
They really are two different classes of cartridges. You are already aware that the 6.5G fits the AR15 platform where as the 260 fits LR-308/AR10 platform so I won't go into that. The 6.5G really peaks performance wise with 120-123 grainers, where as the 260 can push the heavier, even higher BC bullets more efficiently than the 6.5G. The 260 will definitely give you the edge in velocity probably 300-400 fps.
I've heard that DPMS has been having problems with the 260 in their LR rifles, something to do with losing primers, but I've also heard BR bolt guns shooters complain of loose primer pockets in the 260 after as few as 3-5 reloads. This seems to point to a brass and pressure issue. 260 brass quality has been an issue in the past with many choosing to use 243 and 308 cases necked down or up as appropriate. As far a barrel length in the 6.5G is concerned you can probably reach 1K with an 18", but a 20-24" will get you there easier. Good luck in your decision. T |
|
I've been back and forth debating this same question.
I've decided that the 260 is the best route for me. As tolson stated, the brass seems to be a weak point for the 260. I plan on necking up 243 Lapua brass to solve that problem. Unless you really just want to a standard AR15 platform, which def. has it's many benefits w/out a doubt, I see no reason in not stepping up to the larger 260 over the G for me. But I also have a 308 platform and plenty of mags already to work with. JMO, YMMV. |
| ok guys i know im gonna sound stupid for asking but i am haveing the same thought about a larger caliber ar platform and now the hole deal about the lowers and what they will fit but what about the upper? like what i mean is you can buy a regular upper without the barrel and put the whole upper together or does it have to be set for the caliber? what i mean is does the upper have to be set for the caliber not the barrel i know the barrel would be but the upper itself. |
|
reaper,
It depends. In the AR-15 platform the following exceptions exists: The Olympic/DTECH WSSM uppers are different/beefier with an enlarged ejection port to handle the WSSM case. Bratfifles makes 6mm BRX uppers which I believe have also been modified, but I do not know any of the specifics. With that said most upper receivers will work with most calibers that will fit in an AR15 lower, barring the bolt action uppers from BOHICA and other BFG uppers. T |
AR Sponsor