Need help picking a caliber for my hunting AR build

[XDMAR]

I am thinking of either 6.5 Grendal or 6.8 Remington SPC. Which one would you pick and why?

 

[ZX9RCAM]

If it's just for hunting, why not just stick to one of the many old school rounds?

 

[XDMAR]

I am looking to build the rifle on a standard AR lower. I want a good hog and deer gun.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

Was that a response to my question, or just more detail to help choose a caliber?

 

[dw257]

300 blackout. Versatile.

 

[XDMAR]

I do not want 300 blackout.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

What's wrong with .308, or 7.62?
Should be perfect for what you intend to use it on.
I would imagine that ammo would be cheaper, and more options available.

 

[Vaquero]

6×45mm
OR 6.5 Grendel

 

[diesel1959]

I am looking to build the rifle on a standard AR lower. I want a good hog and deer gun.

For use with a standard AR lower, I'd recommend something chambered for 6.8SPC II.

 

[diesel1959]

What's wrong with .308, or 7.62?
Should be perfect for what you intend to use it on.
I would imagine that ammo would be cheaper, and more options available.

That's not a standard "AR lower", by which I believe the OP meant a standard AR-15 lower.

And, being afield for a day of hunting, the AR-15 size guns are generally a good bit lighter than the .308/AR-10 size guns.

A good resource is here: http://68forums.com/forums/forum.php

 

[ZX9RCAM]

That's not a standard "AR lower", by which I believe the OP meant a standard AR-15 lower.

And, being afield for a day of hunting, the AR-15 size guns are generally a good bit lighter than the .308/AR-10 size guns.

A good resource is here: http://68forums.com/forums/forum.php

My apologies.
I thought he meant AR, rather than bolt-action.

 

[Txhillbilly]

I'd say either a 6.8 SPC or 277 Wolverine.

 

[smittyb]

GRENDEL
GRENDEL
GRENDEL

OR

MAYBE A 264 LBC

 

[robertc1024]

Grendel.
For full disclosure, I've got one and have followed the cartridge for a while. I've have seen what it does on game and from how far out it can do it.

 

[diesel1959]

Grendel.
For full disclosure, I've got one and have followed the cartridge for a while. I've have seen what it does on game and from how far out it can do it.

The Grendel IS a good choice; however, it's main virtues are being a good long-range round--like it really shows it's stuff out beyond 800 yards or so--as compared to the 6.8SPC II. However, what ethical hunter in Texas is shooting game at 800+ yards distance? . . . I'll wait . . . but I'm pretty damn certain the answer is "no one". Grendels also tend to prefer longer barrels than 16" to be at their best.

The 6.8SPC II's virtues are that it hits hard (like approx. 80% of the energy of .308) at ethical hunting distances--say out to about 300 yards. For deer and hogs in Texas, a 16" barreled 6.8SPC II-chambered, legacy-sized AR-15 lower modern sporting rifle is pretty fricking ideal.

EDIT: Full disclosure, I've got several of the LWRC Six8 rifles and have built a couple more on LWRC Six8 receiver sets.

 

[robertc1024]

Fight! Fight!

nah, either would be plenty good. I just personally like the long distance capabilities of the Grendel.

 

[Younggun]

Nothing unethical about taking game past 800 yards if you have the skill. Grendel is probably not the right tool for it though.

 

[Dawico]

For normal Texas hunting distances either one is fine.

Go to your local gun store and shop for ammo first. That may help decide.

Personally I am a fan of the 6.5mm bullets so I would go Grendel if looking for an AR.

 

[jkingrph]

I have been shooting Swedish Mausers in 6.5x55 for a number of years and when I discovered the Grendel cartridge 7-8 years ago built up 3 different AR configurations and just recently got a nice little CZ 527 in 6.5 Grendel. I did not want another bullet diameter to contend with, so I guess you should by now know where my vote is.

 

[ed308]

6.8 would be my choice due to bullet selection. But I also like a bigger hole. A Grendel would work and there's not that much difference between a 6.8 or 6.5 Grendel. The Grendel is the better choice for punching paper since it performs best with longer barrels. The 6.8 really shines as a SBR or in shorter barrels. For hunting, I like an AR with a barrel thats 16" or less barrel due to weight and balance. I've read where people have taken rams out to 400 yards with the 6.8.