Noob hunter with a few questions?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Noob hunter with a few questions?

Posted: 12/26/2012 7:23:01 PM EDT

I am looking for advice. I am mechanically inclined, but I have never owned an AR platform. I am in the market for a medium range deer rifle. I have decided on either the 6.8 or .30 Remington. I looked at the ambush rifles and they seem great with good reviews, but at $1,700 it seems very pricey. And I was thinking if you buy the parts and build it yourself, would you build it just as good for less money? And I guess what manufacturers would you recommend as far as uppers and lowers? I'm looking for <1moa and range out to 300 yards. What is the difficulty in doing this?

Posted: 12/26/2012 7:30:52 PM EDT

[#1]

I personally would like a 6.5 Grendel, I would build a lower, put a nice trigger in it, add stock of choice, and buy an Alexander Arms upper. At least thats what I would like to do if I had the cash. I have read good things about Alexander Arms.

Posted: 12/26/2012 8:36:54 PM EDT

[#2]

Hogan H-.308 and don't look back.

Posted: 12/26/2012 11:23:25 PM EDT

[#3]

I run .223 legally in Kalifornia for deer & bear, and using these "defensive" rounds, have not issues whatever enjoying tender backstrap! YMMV...

Posted: 12/27/2012 3:04:29 AM EDT

[#4]

Skip the .30 Remington. Its pretty much a stillborn caliber. 6.5 Grendel is the way to go IMHO. 6.8 in second place.

Posted: 12/27/2012 3:14:58 AM EDT

[#5]

If the primary desire is a hunting rifle I would consider a bolt action Savage from Wallymart. They are cheaper,lighter and at the risk of being a blasphemer I would say they are more accurate out of the box. An entry level rifle/scope combo can be had for under 4 bills. You should also be aware that Wallyworld has a killer rifle catalog under the desk and can order heavy barrel rifles to be delivered to the store.

Posted: 12/27/2012 3:35:07 AM EDT

[#6]

.30 AR is going to be a big challenge. Parts, brass, and ammo are all going to be scarce, and information on tuning it to run reliably is scant as well. A 6.8 will be easier that a .30 AR, yet not nearly as easy as a 5.56 or a .308. A 5.56 with TTSX bullets will serve well as an intermediate range deer rifle in Louisiana, plus all of your ammo for other things will be much cheaper, as will accessories such as magazines. A .308 shines at longer ranges, but it is heavier and there are not many 400 yard shots taken on deer here in LA. From your 2 choices, 6.8 would be my suggestion.

Posted: 12/27/2012 4:38:58 AM EDT

[#7]

I'd go with the 6.8 SPC like others have said. The 6.5G and .264LBC are other options. If not for all the crap going on right now, you could build one for well under 1K.

Posted: 12/27/2012 5:52:04 AM EDT

[#8]

6.8.... I just built one and love it. I have also deer hunted plenty with 223 nosler partitions and they work great.

Posted: 12/27/2012 6:25:52 AM EDT

[#9]

One more vote for 6.8. Ammo is becoming more and more accessible, much more so than the others mentioned. I've taken 7 deer with my 6.8 and they've never gone more than about 60 yards. Most were DRT.

Posted: 12/27/2012 6:31:45 AM EDT

[#10]

I would also consider the 300BLK for deer hunting. I used mine this season and had stellar results shooting the Barnes 110grn blacktips. For distances under 300 yards it is an excellent choice, mimicking the venerable 30-30 which has taken many a deer all across this great nation. Cheaper and easier to build as the only different part is the barrel, all the rest of the weapon is standard 223/556 components. If you will be hunting in open areas where a longer shot is the norm, then there is no contest, the 6.8 steps up and fills the bill very nicely, along with reducing the thickness of your wallet an appreciable amount, LOL

Posted: 12/28/2012 5:32:20 AM EDT

[#11]

I believe I have worded my initial post wrong. I am new to AR. I have been hunting for the past 20 years. I currently shoot a Remington 700 in .300 ultra mag. Which is great for the pipeline stands where 300 to 450 yard shots are normal. I'm just looking for a good intermediate to short range hunter. Why the 6.5 Grendel over the 6.8? What do you look for in a lower? And where?

Posted: 12/28/2012 5:55:07 AM EDT

[#12]

I have wanted a 6.8 for some time now. It is just that my desire for it and the necessary funds haven't come to terms.

Posted: 12/28/2012 7:27:08 AM EDT

[#13]

I had a 6.8 stag model 7h. It is a great deer cartridge. But Maine does not have any support for the round limited ammo and limited reloading supplies. I traded it off. I did really like it. I would go with a 5.56 and barnes or a AR 10 type in 308. Only for ammo availability.

AL

Posted: 12/28/2012 7:49:41 AM EDT

[#14]

Holy shit I just looked at the Hogan link. What is so special about them to justify those prices? 1600 plus for a 223 MOE carbine and 2900 plus for a 308 carbine? I think not for this Joe.

AL

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Noob hunter with a few questions?

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